Imagine a river that's constantly shifting, eating away at farmland and reshaping the landscape. That's the story of the Satsop River in Washington State, where a remarkable restoration project is changing how we think about river management. The project, spanning two miles of river, represents a unique partnership between conservation districts, landowners, and environmental experts to create a more stable and vibrant ecosystem.
At the heart of this innovative approach are strategically placed log jams and carefully planned riparian buffers. Instead of fighting against the river's natural movement, the team has designed a solution that works with the river's power. By creating a gentler three-to-one bank slope and introducing log structures, they've found a way to slow erosion while providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. The landowner, Greg, noted that without these interventions, the river would look dramatically different - a testament to the project's success.
The $2.4 million project is more than just engineering - it's a long-term vision for the health of the habitat. By planting hundreds of willows, cottonwoods, and native trees, the team is rebuilding a complex ecosystem that can support both agricultural needs and natural processes. The flexibility in approach - working closely with local landowners to find solutions that make sense for their land - has been key to the project's success. As project manager Anthony Walden explains, the goal is to create a river corridor that can move, breathe, and thrive, ultimately supporting local communities and the rich biodiversity of the Chehalis Basin.
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.
The winning photo from the conservation district calendar contest highlights hands-on salmon education.