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Columbia County: Partnerships and Priorities

In February 2024, the Columbia SWCD was awarded funding to continue its partnerships with local organizations to address natural resource concerns in Columbia County. These partnerships focus on collaborative projects, including riparian restoration, invasive species management, and agricultural water quality improvements.

Location: Various sites throughout Columbia County.

Partners: Columbia County, City of St. Helens, City of Scappoose, Port of Columbia County, Scappoose Bay Watershed Council (SBWC), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Office, Private Citizens/Volunteers

Grantor: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)

Application Type: ODA Noxious Weed Grant

Awarded Grant Funding: $49,962

Total Cost of Project: $78,995

Project Timeframe: February 2024 - April 2025

The Columbia SWCD, in collaboration with various partners, has undertaken several projects aimed at improving the ecological health of Columbia County. These initiatives include the control of noxious weeds, enhancement of riparian habitats, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The partnership leverages the strengths of each organization to achieve shared conservation goals, ensuring that both public and private lands are managed effectively.

Key Initiatives:

  • Riparian Restoration: Efforts to restore riparian zones by planting native species, stabilizing stream banks, and enhancing wildlife habitats.
  • Invasive Species Management: Targeted control of invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems, including the use of mechanical, chemical, and biological methods.
  • Agricultural Water Quality: Implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce runoff, enhance soil health, and improve water quality on agricultural lands.

Outcome:
The projects will result in improved water quality, healthier riparian habitats, and reduce prevalence of invasive species. The collaboration has also strengthened relationships between local agencies and landowners, fostering a community-oriented approach to conservation.

Lush greenery, fallen trees, ivy, and foliage near a water body. Image is rotated; the sky should be at the top.
Garlic mustard on City of Scappoose property along S. Scappoose Creek. Photo taken: 5/11/2023
Metal gate overgrown with vegetation, leading into a lush, green area.
Large stand of Garlic mustard on landowner property at downstream extent of project area. Photo taken: 5/15/2023
Fallen mossy logs, green foliage, and a glimpse of a calm river. (Upside-down photo)
Garlic mustard on landowner property on Scappoose Creek streambank. Photo taken: 5/9/2023
Old wooden staircase with broken steps, surrounded by greenery and debris.
Garlic mustard on landowner property around shed. Photo taken: 5/1/2023
Nature scene with mossy trees, green plants, and a gravel path in the background. (Image is rotated 90 degrees.)
Garlic mustard along landowner driveway. Photo taken: 5/1/2023
Patch of greenery with moss-covered trees under a clear blue sky.
Garlic mustard patch on landowner property along Scappoose Creek. Photo taken: 5/9/2023
A patch of green grass and plants next to a rusty metal edge and a wooden beam, possibly in a garden or park.
Small Garlic mustard plants inside landowner fence line on west side of W. Lane Road. Photo taken: 5/9/2023
Fallen tree on a dense, green underbrush with small white flowers.
Garlic mustard on landowner property close to confluence of N. and S. Scappoose Creeks. Photo taken: 5/2/2023
A dense greenery by a stream, with varied vegetation and overhanging branches.
Policeman’s helmet growing along Conyers Creek close to upstream extent of project area. Photo taken: 7/24/2023
May contain: plant, vegetation, land, nature, outdoors, tree, woodland, utility pole, backyard, and yard
Policeman’s helmet growing in roadside ditch that feeds into Conyers Creek at Clatskanie Heights Rd. bridge. Photo taken: 6/26/2023
An overgrown green area with grass, foliage, and a path visible in the background, image rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
Stand of Policeman’s helmet that was hand pulled in June 2023. This area has large infestations that grow along Conyers Creek and the roadside ditches along this private drive. Photo taken: 6/26/2023
Wooden outhouse surrounded by lush greenery, with a water stream in the foreground. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
Stand of Policeman’s helmet amid Reed Canary Grass growing along tributary to Conyers Creek. Photo taken: 6/28/2023
A rotated image showing trees and a section of railroad tracks.
Large Spurge laurel plant next to railroad tracks at edge of woodline. Photo taken: 5/24/2023
A lush, green forest scene with a fallen log and vibrant undergrowth. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
Spurge laurel growing in mixed hardwood forest. Photo taken:5/24/2023
A sunlit forest scene with ferns, trees, and a striped red and white tape across a branch.
Spurge laurel in understory of Oak woodland in St. Helens. Photo taken: 5/24/2023
Dense green forest with trees and underbrush, a pink ribbon tied to a branch.
Spurge laurel in forest in St. Helens. Photo taken: 5/24/2023
Lush greenery, fallen trees, ivy, and foliage near a water body. Image is rotated; the sky should be at the top.
Metal gate overgrown with vegetation, leading into a lush, green area.
Fallen mossy logs, green foliage, and a glimpse of a calm river. (Upside-down photo)
Old wooden staircase with broken steps, surrounded by greenery and debris.
Nature scene with mossy trees, green plants, and a gravel path in the background. (Image is rotated 90 degrees.)
Patch of greenery with moss-covered trees under a clear blue sky.
A patch of green grass and plants next to a rusty metal edge and a wooden beam, possibly in a garden or park.
Fallen tree on a dense, green underbrush with small white flowers.
A dense greenery by a stream, with varied vegetation and overhanging branches.
May contain: plant, vegetation, land, nature, outdoors, tree, woodland, utility pole, backyard, and yard
An overgrown green area with grass, foliage, and a path visible in the background, image rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
Wooden outhouse surrounded by lush greenery, with a water stream in the foreground. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
A rotated image showing trees and a section of railroad tracks.
A lush, green forest scene with a fallen log and vibrant undergrowth. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
A sunlit forest scene with ferns, trees, and a striped red and white tape across a branch.
Dense green forest with trees and underbrush, a pink ribbon tied to a branch.
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