'Riparian" is a term that means the land adjacent to water bodies such as streams, wetlands, lakes or marine shorelines. Riparian areas provide multiple benefits for fish, wildlife, and humans. Specific functions of a healthy riparian area include improved water quality, soil stability, sediment control, wildlife habitat, microclimate, shade (which reduces water temperatures and therefore helps improve dissolved oxygen levels), nutrient inputs, fish prey production, habitat structure/woody debris, shelter from predators, human health and safety, and aesthetics.

Riparian restoration projects are projects that have actions aimed at improving riparian conditions. These projects include planting native trees and shrubs, controlling exotic vegetation, livestock exclusion fencing, and alternative stock watering.

For a comprehensive report of riparian restoration metrics for this watershed please contact Luke Cherney, Habitat Biologist for the Hood Canal Coordinating Council at lcherney@hccc.wa.gov.