Habitat Restoration for Salmon & Aquatic Species
Creating homes for salmon, fish, and wildlife
Healthy habitats are essential for salmon recovery and the survival of other aquatic species. Fish corridors, clean waterways, and thriving riparian zones help maintain healthy fish populations and enhance biodiversity. But habitat loss and degraded water quality continue to threaten aquatic species.
Land stewards can play a key role in restoring critical habitat for fish, including providing shade, stabilizing streambanks, and planting native vegetation that supports water quality and fish passage.
Conservation districts offer tailored guidance on habitat restoration to enhance fish corridors, improve riparian zones, and boost salmon recovery efforts on your land.
How to Restore Habitat:
- Plant native vegetation along shorelines and streams to provide shade, stabilize banks, and improve water quality for fish.
- Create fish corridors by restoring wetlands and connecting fragmented habitats to enable safe fish movement.
- Control invasive species that disrupt natural habitats and threaten fish populations.
- Reduce chemical runoff by using natural methods to manage pests and fertilizer, keeping waterways clean and safe for aquatic life.
Explore Conservation Resources
An educational program designed to teach children about marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation.
How's My Waterway is an EPA tool that provides land managers with detailed information on the health of local waterways, including data on water quality, permitted discharges, and restoration efforts. By entering a specific location, users can access community-level insights to inform land management decisions and support effective water resource planning.
NOAA Fisheries' West Coast region focuses on the conservation and management of marine species and their habitats along the Pacific coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Key priorities include sustainable fisheries, endangered species recovery, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.
NOAA Fisheries’ Outreach and Education initiatives aim to engage communities in marine conservation through resources, programs, and events. They provide tools for educators, students, and the public to learn about protecting marine ecosystems and sustainable practices.
This organization collaborates with educators to integrate field-based science and real-world projects into curricula, promoting environmental and sustainability education.
Dedicated to water education, Project WET provides educators with resources, workshops, and activities designed to teach students about water's critical role in our world.
The State of Salmon in Watersheds report tracks salmon recovery progress across Washington State, highlighting challenges like habitat loss and climate change. It offers data, insights, and strategies to guide restoration efforts and ensure the survival of salmon and their ecosystems.
The Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is dedicated to the appreciation, conservation, and restoration of Washington's native plants and their habitats. Through education, advocacy, and on-the-ground projects, WNPS connects people to native plant resources, events, and conservation efforts.
This article from the Natural Resources Defense Council provides an in-depth overview of water pollution, detailing its causes, types, and the significant impact it has on human health and the environment. It emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect our limited freshwater resources and offers practical steps individuals can take to help prevent water pollution.
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