Walla Walla County Conservation District

Riparian buffers protect water quality by slowing overland flow, trapping sediment, and when mature, providing shade to the river. Two Riparian Restoration Programs started by Alison Bower - Riparian Services

The CREP program in Walla Walla County is one of the largest in the state. Alison Bower led this program from it's inception in 2000 to 2009, overseeing the successful implementation of over 120 on-farm projects, restoring 241 km of riparian habitat and contributing to regional salmon fisheries recovery

As Program Manager, Alison built two significant stream restoration programs.

1. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Farmers set aside a buffer of land between their working farm ground and streams and creeks to improve salmon and steelhead habitat. The land is planted with a diverse mixture of native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

2. The Creating Urban Riparian Buffers (CURB) program, an innovative initiative integrating environmental action and education at the urban property level. This program was recognized as a model for urban stream restoration in Washington State.