Taking care of streams in eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and Idaho : a homeowner's guide to riparian areas

Abstract

As a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest, you have a unique opportunity to help maintain or improve the health of streams and riparian areas. A riparian area is the area of land adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland. Most healthy, natural riparian areas have moist, fertile soils that support many types of moisture-loving plants. These plants provide food and shelter to numerous fish and wildlife. Healthy riparian areas: • Reduce the chance of flooding • Improve water quality • Provide habitat for fish and wildlifePublished October 2002. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo