Restoring riparian habitats is vital for enhancing water quality, stabilizing streambanks, and creating healthier ecosystems for salmon and other aquatic species. Pend Oreille Conservation District has taken significant steps toward this goal by establishing a riparian vegetation nursery at the Indian Creek Community Forest.
In collaboration with the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, the district is cultivating hundreds of native plants specifically for use in streambank stabilization and habitat restoration projects across Pend Oreille County. These efforts not only improve the health of local waterways but also contribute to the long-term resilience of aquatic and riparian ecosystems.
By prioritizing partnerships and sustainable practices, Pend Oreille Conservation District is making impactful progress in preserving and restoring vital natural resources. Their dedication to riparian restoration demonstrates the critical role conservation districts play in fostering environmental stewardship.
A $2.4 million river restoration project on the Satsop River. The project includes reshaping the riverbank and adding log jams to improve water flow and create a better habitat for wildlife. With 400+ acres of riparian restoration planned, the project is already helping to reduce flooding and improve the river's health.
Delaini Disher’s photo, “Well-Attended Field Demonstration” captures the use of livestock in sustainable farming, highlighting the importance of biomass collection from a grazed cover crop field.
Mckenzi Coleman's "Exclusion Fence" photo highlights the enduring value of exclusion fencing as a tool for protecting natural resources like salmon streams and safeguarding livestock.