top of page
Forest Fuels for In-Stream Habitat (FFISH)
< Explore more
Program level:
Local
Provider:
Asotin County Conservation District (ACCD)
Benefits provided:
Free technical assistance
Land use:
Forest, Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Precommercial thinning pruning practices to assist fire fuel reduction and for use in habitat improvements in local streams.
Overview
Description:
The Asotin County Conservation District (ACCD) is pioneering a Forestland Stewardship Program to source local, high-quality woody materials for in-stream fish habitat enhancement projects. Precommercial thinning and pruning practices will be applied to reduce fuel-loading and increase fire-resiliency in the upland forests which stand at the headwaters of our watersheds. ACCD will then use the harvested woody materials to construct in-stream habitat enhancement structures in project areas around Asotin County.
In-Stream Habitat Enhancement Projects:
PALS (Post-assisted log structures) and BDA's (beaver dam analogues) habitat enhancements are low-cost, hand-built structures which mimic a stream's natural process of wood accumulation (much like a beaver dam) which improves fish habitat. We will be installing PALS in several project areas within Asotin County in the Summer of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Future habitat enhancement projects are in the works, meaning we will need large amounts of woody materials in the future!
Eligibility:
Program is open to all Asotin County landowners with forested parcels. Limited availability for fuel-reduction services.
Forestland Agricultural Stewardship Plan (Provided at no-cost to landowners by ACCD technical staff): Includes comprehensive statement of landowner goals and timber management objectives, parcel maps, stand descriptions, vegetation inventory data, identification of resource concerns, and recommended conservation/maintenance/treatment activities to improve forest health.
All Agricultural Stewardship Plans provided by Conservation Districts are confidential and exempt from the Public Records Act
Forest improvement practices can be conducted according to the Forestland Stewardship Plan by the ACCD-hired crew (dependent upon availability*), contracted privately with local certified foresters, or completed by the landowner.
Special conservation service-fee rates for forest improvement activities may be available for a limited number of acres per season, per landowner, and is dependent upon crew availability and funding.
Financial benefit:
N/A
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
Contact Us
bottom of page