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Forest

Riparian Restoration

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Program level:

Local

Provider:

Palouse Conservation District

Benefits provided: 

Free technical assistance, Financial

Land use:

Forest, Agriculture

Water-focused program: 

Yes

Restore the land near streams to promote a healthy ecosystem.

Overview

Description:

Much of our work focuses on riparian areas (the area between the land and water) and wetlands as these areas are vital to our overall water quality and to the well being of all wildlife.

Common Practices include:
- Riparian Forest Buffers: 35-50 foot wide plantings of native trees, shrubs, and willows bordering a river or stream
- Commodity Buffers: A producer/landowner must install & maintain required buffer according to the type of waterway, tillage practice, and associated Soil Tillage Intensity Rating. Buffer payments are equal to or greater than the current value of production of the ground entered into the program. Learn more about Commodity Buffers HERE
- CREP: The program compensates farmers for growing a different crop in streamside areas of their property — that crop is salmon habitat. Learn more about CREP HERE
- Off –Site Watering Facility: a means of providing designated access to drinking water for livestock or wildlife.
- Stream bank Stabilization and Shoreline Protection: Treatments used to stabilize and protect banks of streams or constructed channels.
- Tree/Shrub Site Preparation: Treatment of areas to improve site conditions for establishing trees and/or shrubs.
- Other practices: Fencing, mulching, riparian herbaceous cover, conservation cover, sediment basin, beaver dam establishment and wetland restoration

Visit our website for a video showing our crew at PCD hard at work, emphasizing how riparian restoration benefits both farmers and ecosystems.

Eligibility:

None required

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!

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