Project Description

Urban waterways in Clackamas County are heavily impacted by rapid development, disturbance, stormwater runoff and invasive weed species. In response to these growing pressures, Clackamas County Water Environment Services (WES) offers annual watershed stewardship grants, also known as RiverHealth Stewardship Program grants, to projects that improve riparian buffers around urban creeks and streams. CRBC has participated in this program since 2014 and has had ongoing success connecting with private landowners on the treatment of invasive weed species and sequential native tree and shrub plantings.

Project Location: These projects are happening on private properties along Sieben Creek and Rock Creek

Project Investment: $24,535 in 2017-2018

Project Partners: Clackamas County Water Environment Services (WES)

Project Timeline: Ongoing (applications are open in spring and projects are funded July 1-June 30)

Project Actions & Benefits

  1. Invasive weed removal – Invasive weed species love disturbed landscapes, and our watershed has seen a lot of disturbance over the past decade! Bare soil and unlimited access to sunlight enable invasive weeds to get established quickly, putting down shallow roots that offer minimal benefit to the ecosystem. Project technicians remove invasive weed species using mechanical (cutting and trimming) and chemical (herbicide) treatments before native trees and shrubs are planted. You can learn more about invasive species removal here!
  2. Planting native trees and shrubs – Planting efforts begin after a several rounds of invasive weed treatment. Plants are installed in high densities to encourage establishment and out compete encroaching weeds that may still be a threat in the future. Volunteers often contribute to restoration efforts during this phase of restoration. Check out our upcoming volunteer events here!
  3. Environmental stewardship – With the support of RiverHealth  grants, CRBC  can bring educational opportunities to area residents by means of workshops, volunteer events, and targeted program outreach. Residents within the WES boundary learn about important stewardship behaviors, such as responsible pesticide use and stormwater management.