Taking Care of Streams

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.

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

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

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

Note: These requirements are enforced.

For violations and fines, see chapter 1, Section 1.8 of the Land Development Ordinance

What Can You Do?

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

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