Mid-Columbia Fisheries is partnering with Futurewise and local organizations to educate the Tri Cities Community in eastern Washington about the importance of shoreline buffers and riparian zones to water quality and how they work to create critical habitat for fisheries and other native species.
The project will involve a multi-pronged equity-driven educational approach, acknowledging the history of our tribal partners in salmon recovery, including planting a riparian demonstration site in the Tri-Cities, direct mailings to nearby property owners, social media, virtual open houses and events.
In addition to our partnership with Futurewise, we are working with the local tribes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Port of Pasco, the City of Pasco, and community groups such as the Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society, to encourage the protection of existing native and riparian buffers and garner support for additional shoreline enhancement projects.
Land adjacent to rivers and streams are considered riparian and can consist of grass, shrubs, and trees along the banks of rivers and streams. These buffers prevent erosion, slow and capture stormwater that captures pollution and excess nutrients, and creates habitat beneficial to salmon and other native species. A backyard riparian buffer enhances fish and wildlife habitat, and is a beautiful addition to any landscape.