Benton Conservation District's team has been working hard to mitigate the impacts of stargrass on the lower Yakima River. Stargrass grows so densely that it chokes waterways and raises water levels. It also sucks oxygen and nutrients that are vital for salmon out of the water. Last year, Benton CD removed over half a million lbs of stargrass to improve fish habitat, water quality, recreation areas, and more.
In collaboration with partners, Benton CD recently commissioned a video highlighting the challenges facing the lower Yakima River. To learn more about their ongoing work, watch the video here.
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.
