Water Quality & Habitat Restoration - The Freshwater Trust (2024)

Through the modeling of a watershed’s flow, terrain and species, we’re able to choose and target the best solutions to address a problem.

Freshwater ecosystems make up less than one percent of the Earth’s total surface area and incredibly, support more than 100,000 unique species. Yet freshwater ecosystems are among the world’s most endangered. Climate change, pollution and other human impacts have taken a dramatic toll.

Whether placing logs strategically instream to improve a river’s complexity or planting trees for shade to lower water temperature, we carry out science-based, ecologically-sound projects to restore habitat function.

By modeling a watershed’s flow, terrain and species, we’re able to choose and target the best solutions to address a problem. Then, working with local partners, we get our boots wet, employing a variety of techniques to ensure cleaner, healthier waterways.

Ways we improve water quality and restore habitat

Plant Trees

Trees provide shade to lower water temperature and stabilize streambanks to reduce erosion.

Remove Invasive Plants

Invasive species decrease biodiversity and often crowd out native species.

Protect Streambanks From Livestock

Keeping livestock and their waste out of waterways reduces the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus from washing into rivers. It also protects streamside vegetation and bank structure.

Create Log Jams

Strategic placement of large wood improves a river’s complexity and creates critical spawning and rearing habitat for native fish.

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How do we know what we’re doing makes a difference?

We measure the outcomes of every restoration action.

FAQ

Why is wood in the river a good thing?

Large wood dramatically improves habitat complexity for native fish. While woody debris had historically been removed from many rivers, its reintroduction has proven to have many significant ecological benefits. Deep pools created in and around the logs serve as critical spawning habitat and valuable refuge. Structures installed by our staff are designed to be self-sustaining and placed strategically where woody debris would naturally accumulate.

Why is it important to put curves back into straightened rivers?

The flow of straightened rivers is often rapid. When meanders are reintroduced, flow energy is reduced, allowing for spawning gravels and large wood to remain in place, and increasing habitat complexity and diversity. Floodplain connectivity is also increased, which allows for more water to be stored in the channel for longer. This can improve biodiversity and reduce erosion.

Why does it matter if the water is too warm?

Warm water can put significant stress on cold-water species, such as salmon and steelhead. In many instances, high temperatures can be fatal. Shade from streamside vegetation provides important refuge for fish under hazardous conditions.

Why does it matter if fish can't get back to their birth place?

Anadromous fish, such as salmon, migrate to the ocean and return to their birth place for spawning.

Have questions about how we improve water quality for native species or where we work?
Mark McCollister, Habitat Restoration Director

Contact Me At

Portland (Main Office), OR
503-222-9091

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The Freshwater Trust
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Water Quality & Habitat Restoration

I am an expert in freshwater ecosystems, water quality, and habitat restoration, with a demonstrated depth of knowledge in environmental science and conservation. My expertise extends to the modeling of watersheds, understanding the impact of terrain and species on aquatic ecosystems, and implementing science-based, ecologically-sound projects to restore habitat function.

The concepts mentioned in the provided article align with my expertise, and I can elaborate on each section:

Who We Are:
- About Us: Understanding the organization's background, goals, and mission is crucial for effective conservation efforts.
- Meet the President, Our Team, Board of Directors: Leadership and team composition are essential for successful environmental initiatives, ensuring diverse skills and perspectives.
- Headwaters Council, Core Values, History, Equity Statement, Honor Roll, Financials: These aspects highlight the organization's commitment to ethical practices, accountability, and inclusivity, which are integral to sustainable conservation.
What We Do:
- Overview: The organization focuses on tools, technology, compliance solutions, water quality, and habitat restoration.
- Tools & Technology: Utilizing advanced tools and technology is essential for accurate modeling and assessment of watershed dynamics.
- Compliance Solutions: Addressing regulatory compliance ensures that conservation efforts align with legal standards.
- Water Quality & Habitat Restoration, Water Quantity: These areas indicate a holistic approach to freshwater conservation, covering both habitat restoration and water quality improvement.
- Glossary of Terms: A glossary is crucial for effective communication, ensuring that stakeholders understand technical terms related to freshwater ecosystems.
Our Impact:
- Impact Overview: The organization assesses its impact on various river basins, including Rogue, Sandy, Snake, Sacramento & San Joaquin, Deschutes, Upper Willamette, and Colorado River Basins.
- News, Blog, Reports, In the News: Regular updates and reports demonstrate transparency and help in disseminating valuable information to the public and stakeholders.
Connect:
- Get Involved Overview: Providing ways for individuals to contribute and participate is essential for community engagement in conservation efforts.
- Ways To Give, Events, Donate Now: These sections highlight avenues for financial support and participation, crucial for the sustainability of conservation projects.
How We Improve Water Quality and Restore Habitat:
- The organization employs various techniques, such as planting trees, removing invasive plants, protecting streambanks from livestock, and creating log jams.
- Measurement of Outcomes: The organization tracks and measures the outcomes of restoration actions, providing tangible evidence of the impact on stream function and heat reduction.
FAQ:
- Wood in the River: Explains the ecological benefits of large wood in rivers, including improved habitat complexity for native fish.
- Curves in Straightened Rivers: Highlights the importance of meanders in reducing flow energy, enhancing habitat complexity, and increasing floodplain connectivity.
- Water Temperature: Addresses the significance of maintaining cooler water temperatures to support cold-water species like salmon and steelhead.
- Fish Migration: Emphasizes the importance of restoring pathways for anadromous fish like salmon to reach their birthplaces.

This comprehensive approach, supported by scientific modeling and community involvement, showcases the organization's commitment to preserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems.