We are raising funds to restore the riverbank on our property and reforest areas that were stripped for farming. My family and I purchased this land last year with the intention of being good stewards of the land and river. We recognize the need to return the land back to its natural state to create a thriving ecosystem. However, this is a huge undertaking. Our property is 120 acres including over a mile of riverfront. Large areas of bank are eroding away simply because there are no trees to hold the soil. This winter we’ve experienced significant flooding and have lost more than 20 feet of bank in some areas. Our immediate concern is the skinny spot between our lake and the river. We feel losing this portion of the bank could exponentially increase the rate of erosion downstream. We may lose the lake entirely if this happens.

Issues that bank erosion causes:

We will use a few different natural techniques to solve the issue. We harvest live stakes from local willow trees and plant them in the bank. Willow has a great ability to root easily from a single branch that is replanted properly. The new roots hold the soil, and the growing branches will help break up the current that is stripping the earth away. We will also drop in large root wads from fallen trees. This method requires you to dig a trench in the bank and drop in a log so that the roots protrude out into the river. The root wad will catch debris and silt, which will collect and break up the current as well.

The reforestation side of this project will help the riverbank as well. By planting trees that grow quickly, the upper portions of the bank will be stabilized. More habitats can form and bring vitality to the ecosystem. Within time, we hope to see salmon and other populations rise in this area.

Your contributions will be used to:

Thank you so much for your donation! Together we can revitalize this little corner of the river.