Mission: The swc supports sound economic, social, and environmental uses of natural and human resources in the siuslaw river basin and encourages cooperation among public and private entities to promote awareness and understanding of watershed functions by adopting and implementing a total watershed approach to natural resource management and production.
Programs: In 2016 siuslaw watershed council, inc. Had aproximately 200 paid members, thousands of man-hours of community volunteerism, 236 volunteers, 32 actively funded projects, issued monthly publications, and held regular general meetings which are open to the public. 2016 accomplishments: 300 large wood pieces were placed to enhance in- stream, off-channel, and floodplain habitat for coho salmon, trout, lamprey, and many other species. More than 120 riparian or wetland acres were prepared, planted or maintained to advance the establishment of native riparian plants which will increase future stream shading, nutrient filtering and large wood recruitment. The swc's summer camps helped local and visiting youth learn about watershed health through restoration projects and other fun activities. Throughout the watershed 21 sites were monitored for up to nine water quality parameters. Swc projects created local jobs and piecework for tree fallers, heavy equipment operators, log truck drivers, surveyors, contractors, marinas, restaurants, nurseries and other employment. Nearly two miles of new stream channel were created and 30 acres of flood plain regraded.
I have volunteered with a number non-profits over my lifetime and have never found one as satisfying as Siuslaw Watershed Council. The Siuslaw Watershed Council is a vibrant community organization which has accomplished major habitat restoration work through the voluntary participation of hundreds of landowners, people who have political views that are quite diverse and might not be expected to agree on much. This is a group that gets thing done. The monthly meetings are interesting and fun and I enjoy the positive attitude of the folks I meet there.
