Elochoman bank restored with the help of conservation district

In 2019, my wife and I decided we needed to do something about the cut bank along our section of the Elochoman River that was sloughing off with each winter flood, dropping big chunks of dirt and grass into the river. Worried about losing more land and the sediment being deposited in the river, we looked around for help in dealing with this problem. Additionally, we had a serious problem with Japanese knotweed that was spreading along the riverbank.

We were aware of the Wahkiakum Conservation District, which, is a State funded, locally run agency that partners, on a voluntary basis, with local people who have an interest in managing soil, water, and other resources for future generations. The District assists landowners in getting the financial help, technical resources, and information they need to achieve their conservation goals. We called the office and arranged to have the District Manager, Darin Houpt, make a site visit. We explained our concerns and goals when Darin came to visit. He said this is what the Conservation District is designed to do!

He patiently explained how we could mitigate what the creek was doing, improve fish habitat, and qualify for funding to help pay for the work. Not only could our problem be fixed, but, if successful in obtaining a grant, the work would be done at minimal cost. This was much more than what we expected.

Learn more at: https://www.waheagle.com/story/2024/07/17/news/elochoman-bank-restored-with-the-help-of-conservation-district/23602.html