Compliance in the Lower Columbia

Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) staff contacted agricultural operators to offer education and assistance where riparian areas do not function properly as a result of agricultural activities. The project resulted in restoration of riparian areas to improve habitat and water quality. ODA staff coordinated with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to offer restoration design and implementation technical support and funding.

This project addresseed several limiting factors in the Lower Columbia River Conservation and Recovery Plan, including agricultural land management impacts to riparian vegetation, high water temperatures, and runoff of pollutants including nutrients and pesticides. Strategies identified in the recovery plan to address limiting factors include: restore riparian condition and large woody debris recruitment, improve water quality, and identify and reduce sources of sediment.

Goal is to achieve water quality standards to ensure that the Lower Columbia River ESU can support healthy populations of salmonids and other aquatic life. Purpose is to work with agricultural operators, SWCDs, and other stakeholders to improve riparian conditions and water quality. ODA staff contact agricultural operators to review riparian functions, and coordinate with federal, state and local partners to help ensure riparian restoration activities are initiated to meet water quality and fish management goals. Expected benefits include reduction in thermal loading to rivers, improved riparian condition and reduction in loading of agricultural chemicals and sediments to the river.