Imagine a river that's constantly shifting, eating away at farmland and reshaping the landscape. That's the story of the Satsop River in Washington State, where a remarkable restoration project is changing how we think about river management. The project, spanning two miles of river, represents a unique partnership between conservation districts, landowners, and environmental experts to create a more stable and vibrant ecosystem.
At the heart of this innovative approach are strategically placed log jams and carefully planned riparian buffers. Instead of fighting against the river's natural movement, the team has designed a solution that works with the river's power. By creating a gentler three-to-one bank slope and introducing log structures, they've found a way to slow erosion while providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. The landowner, Greg, noted that without these interventions, the river would look dramatically different - a testament to the project's success.
The $2.4 million project is more than just engineering - it's a long-term vision for the health of the habitat. By planting hundreds of willows, cottonwoods, and native trees, the team is rebuilding a complex ecosystem that can support both agricultural needs and natural processes. The flexibility in approach - working closely with local landowners to find solutions that make sense for their land - has been key to the project's success. As project manager Anthony Walden explains, the goal is to create a river corridor that can move, breathe, and thrive, ultimately supporting local communities and the rich biodiversity of the Chehalis Basin.
Palouse Conservation District’s FLOURISH program is a farmer-led effort advancing soil health and climate resilience across the Inland Northwest.
Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.
Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.
