The Mason Conservation District leveraged CREP funding to assist landowners along Gosnell Creek with making improvements to salmon habitat and farm practices. Gosnell Creek provides valuable habitat for coho and chum and is a tributary to Lake Isabella and Mill Creek. Several practices were installed to keep livestock from accessing the creek, including the construction of exclusion fencing to eliminate livestock access to the surface water. More than seven acres of native plants were planted to improve filtration and habitat, and more than 400 logs were placed in the stream to reduce erosion and improve the habitat for salmon. Three watering facilities were installed to provide livestock continues access to water.
Key partners: Washington State Conservation Commission, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Accomplishments:
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
