The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) conducted native tree plantings on 15 acres across two sites, both adjacent to the river bank all the way to the valley wall or extent of the floodway. The total number of trees planted was approximately 3,500/acre, consisting of mainly deciduous floodplain species such as willow, cottonwood, alder, Oregon ash, white oak, serviceberry, red-osier dogwood, ocean spray, nootka rose, and Oregon grape. Conifer species such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock were also planted.

The benefits of this project include biological and ecosystem uplift, and environmental justice for underserved communities. This project will provide wildlife food, forage and habitat for terrestrial and avian species. It will also positively impact aquatic wildlife by reforesting the riparian area which filters stormwater runoff and pollutants, provides shade on the river that decreases summer high water temperatures, and provides a future recruitment of instream habitat. The reforestation and reconnection of the floodplain will provide downstream flood reductions through floodplain storage and a decrease in stream velocities and instream flow. Lastly, the Squaxin Island Tribe relies on the Deschutes river for culture and sustenance. This project will benefit salmon populations and other important species to the tribe’s culture and economy.

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.