Management of the Willapa Watershed

It may look like a peaceful place, but the Willapa Watershed is seriously managed! These are the activities that are undertaken to help improve overall stream health and lower stream temperatures: • Plant native riparian vegetation near streams. Consult with conservation district staff or other experts to determine what native riparian zone vegetation is best for the land. • Fence livestock away from as much of the riparian zone as possible, or use grazing and watering methods that minimize livestock contact with surface and ground water. Consult with conservation district staff, NRCS staff or Washington State University Cooperative Extension grazing experts for help with this. • Locate roads away from the riparian zones. • Convert irrigation systems to more efficient systems wherever practical. • Allow woody debris to stabilize streambeds and stream banks as possible, practical, and as would naturally occur. • Re-vegetate, and where appropriate re-shape, stream banks. • Develop farm plans that address temperature as part of their water quality component. • When possible, use reduced-till or lower-impact farming and livestock grazing practices that reduce runoff rates during rapid snowmelt and rain runoff. Not only does this protect cropland soils, but also by creating a more natural runoff rate, it keeps stream banks stable and minimizes flood damage in the near stream disturbance zone. • Provide off channel water sources for livestock. • Close non-essential roads near streams.