Protecting Streams and Fish Habitat
The Preservation Ranch property is home to streams that provide habitat for the threatened steelheat trout. Many of these streams were damaged by past clearcut logging.
We want to create a healthy environment that will welcome these fish back to the property. Our vision is to create extra wide Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) on over 29 miles of Class I watercourses on the property. These RMA's will protect over 1,600 acres with restrictive easements that encourage the growth of large trees which will benefit wildlife in 200-foot buffer zones on both sides of the watercourse (400 feet total). Wider protection zones are a crucial part of fostering recovery of threatened fish populations such as steelhead.
What are the benefits?
- Large trees shade streams and keep them cool in summer months, and cool water is important for healthy fish.
- When large trees fall, they contribute "large woody debris" to streams which helps form deep pools that provide shelter for fish.
- Wider riparian zones help wildlife move around the property.
- Wider riparian zones provide streams extra protection against possible future commercial timber activities.
