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Landowner's guide to Riparian Areas in Jackson County, Oregon.
As a landowner in Jackson County, you have a unique opportunity to help maintain and improve the  health of streams and riparian areas.
What is a riparian area?
 A riparian area is a area of land adjacent to a stream, lake or wetland(see image below). Most healthy 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.
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Typical riparian corridor in Jackson County.Image courtesy of Applegate River Watershed Council and Clean Water Services
Healthy riparian areas
  • Reduce the chance of flooding
  • improve water quality
  • Provide habitat for fish and wildlife
Why do riparian areas matter?
plants in healthy riparian areas
  • Provide wood to stream, creating fish habitat and slowing the stream flow after storms
  • Shade streams in the summer.Cool water is healthier for many native fish species
  • Help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with their roots
  • Filter sediment out of muddy runoff, keeping sediment from smothering  fish habitat
  • allow heavy winter rains to soak into the soil instead of running  into the stream.This allows water to  be released slowly to the stream during  the dry season.
  • Filter out pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes.
  • Provide important food sources , homes , shelter and travel corridors for wildlife, fish and other aquatic organisms 

The bottom line is:
  • Less flooding during and immediately after storms
  • More water in the streams during the summer
  • Cleaner water
  • Homes and food for wildlife

It's all about plants

Healthy riparian areas include a variety of types and ages of  plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground covers. Plants adapted to the conditions in Jackson County(e.g., rainfall, climate,insects,soil condition) tend to be easier to care for because they need less water and pesticides
In Jackson County, a few common native riparian plants are:
  • Alder
  • Black Cottonwood
  • Big Leaf Maple
  • Douglas Hawthorne
  • Douglas Spirea
  • Incense Cedar
  • Mock Orange
  • Ocean Spray
  • Oregon Ash
  •  Oregon Grape
  • Ponderosa Pine
  • Red Flowering currant
  • Red-osier dogwood
  • Serviceberry
  • Snowberry
  • Willow


​Stream side plants help stabilize stream banks, moderate steam temperature, and provide habitat for
​fish and other wildlife.
How do people change riparian areas?
removing or damaging plants through livestock grazing , timber harvest, construction, and landscaping practices, especially in the riparian area, can harm streams. Plants, particularly trees and shrubs near stream banks, provide shade and cool water essential for many fish species. They also  can catch rainfall and allow it t soak slowly into the ground instead of running quickly into streams. Plants also prevent the formation of gullies that can result when water flows across bare soils. When water runoff from storms reaches stream too quickly, more rainwater, pesticides,fertilizers and sediment reach the stream in areas without riparian plants to slow and filter water.

When streams and riparian areas are not healthy, people feel the consequences.
  • recreational areas are lost or degraded.
  • Fish & wildlife decline, reducing opportunities for hunting , fishing and wildlife viewing.
  • Increased flooding may cause eroison and property damage
Riparian Area Requirements in Jackson County        (Chapter 8, Section 8.6)
  • Setback Requirements( from top of bank)
    • Rogue River - 75 Feet
    • Streams, lake, and ponds - 50 feet
  • All vegetation and tree cover must be retained in the riparian setback.Non-native vegetation(e.g., Himalayan blackberries) can be replaced subject to landscape plans approved by Oregon Department of fish and Wildlife.
  • No development, including grading, is allowed within the setback.
Note: These requirements are enforced. 
For violations and fines, see chapter 1, Section 1.8 of the Land Development Ordinance

What Can You Do?

1. Tend to your livestock and riparian areas

  • Alternate grazing to allow vegetation to recover.
  • limit grazing of riparian areas by using fences or paddocks if possible
  • Provide water , shade, and salt in other areas to encourage ;livestock to grave and rest away from the riparian areas.
  • Limit or avoid grazing in riparian areas during fall and winter when grasses are dormant and the chance of erosion from runoff is greater.
  • Keep livestock out of streams, other bodies of water , and fragile riparian areas.
  • Locate animal waste and compost piles on flat surfaces away from streams or drainage areas and cover them during wet periods.

2. Protect plants and the streamside

  • Promote dense vegetation to reduce runoff and trap contaminants.
  • Learn about native plants and use them appropriately.
  • Restore eroded streambanks with help from a professional.
  • Leave wood and other natural materials in streams.
  • Don't straighten channels or place rubble or rip-rap on streambanks

3. Grow and maintain a stream-friendly garden and lawn

  • Select appropriate plants. Native plants can be easier to care for because they are better adapted to local pests and rainfall conditions.
  • Use natural alternatives to pesticides. Use compost instead of fertilizers or use slow-release fertilizers and apply at recommended rates, and don't apply fertilizers or pesticides next to streams.
  • Locate compost piles on flat surfaces away from streams or drainage areas, and keep them covered during the wet winter months. Keep grass clippings away from streams.
  • Apply compost and fertilizers to pastures and gardens only during the growing season.
All information on this page is produced by Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Information based on OSU Extention's taking Care of Streams brochure series.
​If you would like a copy contact the EPID office.

For more information:

Click on the links below
Stream and Wetland Enhancement Guide. Rogue Valley Council of Governments/Clean Water Services.
Oregon State University of fish and Wildlife Habitat Programs.
Bear Creek Riparian planting Plan.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Programs.
Oregon Department of State Lands. Responsible for regulating wetlands. 

For more information on developing for a management plan:

Applegate River Watershed Council. 6941 Upper Applegate Road. Jacksonville,OR (541) 899-9982
Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District
(541)664-1070
Jackson County Development Services (541) 774-6900
Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Natural  Resources Department (541) 664-6674
Click on blue highlighted areas , it will direct you to their website
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