2021 Yachats River Report
Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District has been collecting water temperature data at three locations in the mainstem Yachats River since 2017. A threshold of 17.8°C is presented as reference for the highest optimum water temperature range for most salmon. Warmer waters make salmon more susceptible to predators, parasites, and disease. Warmer waters also allow for rapid growth of bacteria that are potentially harmful to terrestrial and aquatic life.
Streamside vegetation is one of the tools we use to address high water temperature. This is especially important during hot summer months
when flow is lower and temperatures naturally increase. Through revegetation of streamside zones, known as riparian zones, streams are kept cool by the canopy cover of trees. Currently, based on available canopy cover data 99 acres have sparse or remnant canopy cover, with an additional 265 with open canopy in the basin.
Streamside vegetation is one of the tools we use to address high water temperature. This is especially important during hot summer months
when flow is lower and temperatures naturally increase. Through revegetation of streamside zones, known as riparian zones, streams are kept cool by the canopy cover of trees. Currently, based on available canopy cover data 99 acres have sparse or remnant canopy cover, with an additional 265 with open canopy in the basin.
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yachats river vegetation
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Areas of minimal streamside vegetation can lead to warmer water temperatures and increased levels of dissolved oxygen during summer low flows. Fish and wildlife rely on cool water temperatures for survival, one of the best ways to cool stream water temperatures is increasing the amount of vegetation along streambanks.
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streamside canopy cover
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Shade from vegetation can keep water temperatures cool and provide necessary habitat for birds, wildlife and fish, and also provide necessary food for important insects that salmon need.
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revegetation of your streamside property
Want help determining the best plants?
Step 1. Consider your soil's drainage potential.
Determining if your soil is more likely to be dry, average, moist or wet will narrow down your selection of plants.
Step 2. Consider the amount of sunlight your plants will be exposed to.
All plants need sunlight to grow, and some need more than others to thrive.
Step 3. Consider the slope of your streamside.
You can learn more about the slope of your streamside by finding your property on this map. Woody plant roots can help stabilize eroding streamside slopes, helping your land stay in place.
Step 4. Get expert tips and tricks on revegetation from Lincoln SWCD.
Use our streamside revegetation best management practices to give your plants their best chance of survival.
Step 1. Consider your soil's drainage potential.
Determining if your soil is more likely to be dry, average, moist or wet will narrow down your selection of plants.
Step 2. Consider the amount of sunlight your plants will be exposed to.
All plants need sunlight to grow, and some need more than others to thrive.
Step 3. Consider the slope of your streamside.
You can learn more about the slope of your streamside by finding your property on this map. Woody plant roots can help stabilize eroding streamside slopes, helping your land stay in place.
Step 4. Get expert tips and tricks on revegetation from Lincoln SWCD.
Use our streamside revegetation best management practices to give your plants their best chance of survival.
yachats river bank Soil drainage map
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Understanding the drainage and moisture of your streamside site is vital to successful revegetation. This map identifies dominant soil hydrologic groups. Use it as a reference in understanding potential moisture, infiltration, and how contaminants may enter our waterways. For streamside revegetation consider that Hydrologic Group B is generally drier than group D due to the infiltration rate and retention of water in the soil.
Group B: Moderate infiltration rate when wet. Potential for leaching of contaminants to groundwater, or surface water through proximity. Group C: Slow infiltration rate. Potential for surface runoff of contaminants to enter the waterway during rain events. Group C/D: Slow infiltration with areas of very slow infiltration. High potential for surface runoff of contaminant to enter the waterway. Group D: Very slow infiltration. High potential for surface runoff of contaminants to enter the waterway. *Download the PDF for a higher resolution image and the ability to Zoom in on your property. | ||||||||
yachats river streamside slope map
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Use this map as a reference to identify slope characteristics of your property and area.
Gradual Slope: 0-5% These areas are often in floodplains or valley floors. Incorporating native riparian vegetation can help slow waters in times of extreme flooding and provide essential shade cover over the waterways. Average Slope: 5-15% Average slopes are prime candidates for maintenance and observation. Creating or expanding a riparian zone with proper vegetation can provide lasting soil and water quality benefits. Steep Slope: 15%+ These slopes near streambanks can be troublesome and dangerous features that erode the land and deposit sediment into our waterways. Soil stabilization through revegetation of the riparian zone can greatly improve soil retention, additional infrastructure may be necessary. *Download the PDF for a higher resolution image and the ability to Zoom in on your property. |
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we're here to help
District staff are seeking landowners interested in partnering with landowners to address water quality concerns across the basin. If you are looking to improve infrastructure, revegetation riparian zones, or implement best management practices on your property contact us at [email protected]
