Nisqually River Watershed Revegetation

This project established and/or improved riparian buffers along streams in the Nisqually River Watershed by utilizing two existing programs at the Pierce Conservation District. Technicians from the Farm Assistance program worked with landowners to prepare a riparian buffer planting plan. All planting plans were written according to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service specifications and standards. Stream Team hired WCC crews for site prep, order materials, and coordinate volunteers to plant the buffer. Trees and shrubs have potential to benefit salmon in many ways. They provide shade to cool waters in the summer and provide root strength to prevent streambank erosion. They contribute leaf litter as a food source, and once grown, fall into the stream providing many benefits to juvenile salmon.

Many times, private landowners are interest in improving riparian conditions, but lack the funds and resources to do so. For example, many landowners do not qualify for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program that provides eligible landowners with cost-share dollars to establish streamside buffers. This proposal accommodated those landowners who were not eligible to receive financial help from state and federal programs.

This grant proposal consisted of purchasing plant materials, protective devices to increase survival and time from the Washington Conservation Corps to assist in site preparation.

The goal of the project was to restore native riparian vegetation along salmon bearing streams. The objective of the project was to restore natural streamside vegetation, improve stream temperature, reduce erosion, filtration, and recruit large woody debris.