People of the Landscape

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The riparian area, often referred to as the ribbon of life, is the land adjacent to the river. A corridor between land and water, the ribbon of life allows animals to travel between different biomes. They serve as “breeding, nesting, and foraging sites throughout some portion of most animals’ life cycle, and in some cases, for the entirety of their lives” (American Rivers).

From trees and shrubs, to grasses and flowering plants, riparian areas are transition zones between water and upland areas. Their unique characteristics create habitat for both land and water species.

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Slows runoff and absorbs excess water. This reduces peak flows and can lessen downstream flooding.

Threats: 

The removal of trees and vegetation in riparian areas and improper land use and construction are damaging our shorelines. The key issues include:

• Loss of Wildlife Habitat: Trees and vegetation provide essential shelter and food for wildlife. Their removal destroys these habitats, threatening local species.
• Shoreline Damage from Unregulated Land Use: Construction and land use practices that violate Washington State Department of Ecology regulations are further degrading the river ecosystem and contributing to long-term environmental damage.
• Increased Water Temperature: Trees and vegetation provide shade, helping to keep the water cool. Without this shade, the water temperature rises, stressing species like salmon and steelhead that depend on cold water refuge.
• Poorer Water Quality: Riparian vegetation helps filter pollutants before they reach the water. Without this natural filter, pollution enters the river.
• What can you do to help?

  Hold Klickitat County accountable for enforcing the protection of shorelines. 

Our Work – what are we doing?

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