Willamette Floodplain Restoration Program

Southern Willamette Groundwater Management Area (GWMA)

For Members:

• Forms, checklists, worksheets & sample documents

Cascade Pacific is collaborating with landowners along the Willamette River to work proactively on projects that decrease erosion and flood damage of farmland, protect surface and groundwater, and restore riparian forest and fish and wildlife habitat.

How?

Our projects promote these goals by:

• Presenting landowner workshops to engage the public in adopting “best management practices” to protect surface and groundwater.
• Developing conservation plans with farmers.
• Implementing projects that restore riparian areas and river floodplains, conserve water, protect surface and groundwater, and create habitat.
• Utilizing USDA cost-share programs to implement projects.
• Seeking funding to plan and implement projects with private landowners.
• Educating the public on the importance of the Willamette River and its tributaries.
• Working with and developing new partnerships, including local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and watershed councils.

What plant species are involved?

The Willamette River and Tributaries Gallery Forest occupies the Willamette River Floodplain. This system contains deep, fertile, silty clay soils and supports riparian forests of cottonwoods, alder, Oregon ash, bigleaf maple, and Douglas fir. The Gallery Forest is surrounded by the Prairie Terrace ecosystem that covers the remainder of the wide valley floor and lies on relatively flat fluvial terraces. It supports Oregon white oak, Oregon ash, and Douglas fir. Historically, wet and dry prairie vegetation as well as savannas covered the area.

What animal species are involved?

Biologists estimate that there are 18 species of native amphibians, 15 reptiles, 154 birds, 69 mammals, and 31 fish currently breeding in the Willamette Basin. Thirty-six of these species have been identified by state or federal agencies as threatened, endangered, or species of concern. The main stem Willamette supports more than 35 fish species in some reaches. Seven of the native species are listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive. These include upper Willamette River Chinook salmon, steelhead trout and cutthroat trout.

REGIONAL PROGRAMS • Water • Willamette Floodplain Restoration