Field Guides
Methow State of the Riparian
Riparian zones are a vegetated buffer between water systems and drier uplands, providing habitat for a variety of mammals, birds, and insects. This vegetation provides many functions essential to watershed health including shade, water storage, flood control, bank stabilization, large wood supply and nutrient input. This 2020 publications provides a brief history of riparian clearing in the Methow and the riparian restoration efforts working to restore lost habitat.
Methow State of the Salmon
This 2019 publication summarizes the Methow’s historical salmon runs, outlines threats to healthy salmon populations, and describes ongoing restoration actions throughout the valley to provide a current status report of salmon in the Methow Valley.
Methow River Fish Guide
Native fish of the Methow River and its tributaries are vital components of a complex aquatic ecosystem. Fish play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance within the streams of the Methow watershed.
This guide is intended to serve as a tool for scientists, anglers, river enthusiasts, students, teachers, and anyone else with a desire to learn more about the freshwater fish community inhabiting the Methow River watershed.
Methow River Habitat Restoration Guide
Over the past century, salmon runs in the Columbia River Basin have declined to drastically low levels. Several populations have gone extinct, and many others have been listed as threatened or endangered. Habitat restoration and protection actions are underway to assist the recovery of listed fish populations. This guide outlines common habitat factors that limit growth and survival of fish, and offers potential actions to address these limitations.
Pacific Lamprey Restoration Guide
Lamprey are eel-like animals and members of a small group of jawless fish. As a species, lamprey are more than 400 million years old, making them among the most ancient of vertebrate species on Earth. The Pacific lamprey populations have declined dramatically throughout the Upper Columbia region since the late 1800’s. A widespread effort to restore these populations and the habitat on which they depend is underway. This guide summarizes lamprey life history and habitat needs, and outlines best management practices and restoration techniques that benefit lamprey.
