Watershed Councils

Overview

Watershed councils are locally-driven, collaborative organizations dedicated to protecting, maintaining, and restoring the ecological health of specific watersheds within a geographic region. In the North Willamette Valley, these councils play a critical role in environmental conservation, water quality management, and community engagement.

Watershed Councils in the North Willamette Valley

• Clackamas River Basin Council
• Columbia Slough Watershed Council
• Greater Oregon City Watershed Council
• Greater Yamhill Watershed Council
• Johnson Creek Watershed Council
• Molalla River Watch Watershed Council
• Sandy River Watershed Council (Recently Reestablished)
• Tryon Creek Watershed Council
• Tualatin River Watershed Council

Role and Functions

Watershed councils typically serve several key functions:

1. Environmental Monitoring: Conducting regular assessments of water quality, stream health, wildlife populations, and ecosystem conditions within their specific watershed boundaries.
2. Restoration Projects: Developing and implementing projects that:
   • Restore riparian habitats
   • Improve stream conditions
   • Reduce erosion
   • Enhance wildlife corridors
   • Manage invasive species
3. Community Education: Providing educational programs about watershed health, local ecology, and sustainable environmental practices.
4. Collaborative Planning: Working with local governments, landowners, farmers, tribal nations, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive watershed management strategies.
5. Grant Management: Securing and administering funding for environmental restoration and conservation projects.

Importance

Watershed councils are crucial for:

• Protecting local water resources
• Maintaining biodiversity
• Mitigating environmental impacts of urban and agricultural development
• Promoting sustainable land and water management practices

Getting Involved

Individuals can support watershed councils through:

• Volunteer opportunities
• Community science programs
• Attending public meetings
• Participating in restoration events
• Donating to local watershed conservation efforts

Funding and Support

These councils are typically funded through a combination of:

• Local government grants
• State and federal environmental programs
• Private donations
• Community fundraising events