In recent years, the beaver population in the Cascadia area has fallen to just 5% of its historical levels. This loss has rippled across the landscape, leading to eroded stream banks, fewer essential in-stream woody materials, and reduced biodiversity in these vital ecosystems.
To combat this, Cascadia Conservation District has teamed up with local landowners and the Forest Service to install innovative man-made systems that replicate the natural benefits of beaver dams. So far, they’ve installed over 200 beaver dam analogs, planted 9,000 native plants along streambanks, and restored 2 miles of riparian habitat! These efforts are helping reconnect floodplains, improve stream health, and support thriving fish populations.
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.
