Restoration in Skagit County
Healthy streams, productive farmland, resilient forests, and thriving fish and wildlife are all connected. Restoration is about working together to care for the land in ways that support both natural systems and working landscapes, now and for future generations.
Landowners and land managers play a central role in a wide range of restoration efforts from afforestation and forest health projects to shoreline and floodplain restoration, wetland enhancement, and pollinator and wildlife habitat improvements. These projects help protect soil and water resources, reduce flood and erosion risks, improve habitat connectivity, and strengthen the long-term productivity and value of the land.
Contact us to get started with restoration on your property or community!
Restoration works best as a shared effort. Landowners, community members, and conservation partners are working together to implement practical, voluntary projects that reflect local knowledge and stewardship values.
A Shared Effort with Measurable Results
Stream restoration is a shared responsibility. Landowners, community members, conservation partners, and local organizations are working together to keep Skagit streams cool, clean, and productive.
Programs
Support Program Comparison
WSCC State Cost Share
Administered By
Skagit Conservation District (SCD)
Eligibility
SCD conservation plan, ownership or lease for contract duration
Riparian Management Zone Width
35 feet minimum,
15 foot hedgerows for streams <5 feet wide
Incentive Payment
In development
Financial Assistance
75-100% reimbursement of implementation costs
Contract Length
15 years
Maintenance
Can reapply depending on fund availability
Funding Cap
$100,000 per year
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Administered By
SCD / USDA / WSCC
Eligibility
Land farmed for 1 year +, adjacent to eligible stream, cropping history, gross income <900k
Riparian Management Zone Width
Min: 50-100 feet, Max: 180 feet, averaging allowed. Hedgerows of 15 feet
Incentive Payment
Annual payment based on soil type
Financial Assistance
60% reimbursement of implementation cost, 40% practice incentive payment
Contract Length
10-15 years, optional re-enrollment
Maintenance
3-5 years covered up to $2700/acre
Funding Cap
$50,000 per year
Contact us for help getting started! skagitcd@skagitcd.org 360-428-431
Streamside Revegetation
One important focus area in our region is streamside revegetation, which involves planting and maintaining native trees, shrubs, and grasses along creeks and rivers. Several lower Skagit River tributaries experience summer water temperatures that exceed state standards, which can be harmful to juvenile salmon and other aquatic life. Streamside vegetation provides shade that cools water, stabilizes streambanks, filters sediment and pollutants from runoff, and helps streams better absorb and release water during heavy rain events. For landowners, these benefits translate into reduced erosion, cleaner water, improved flood resilience, and protection of valuable agricultural land.
If you’re interested in streamside revegetation or other restoration opportunities, we’re here to listen, share information, and explore options that make sense for you.
Every property and stream is different. Restoration works best when landowners are involved from the beginning, shaping projects that align with their goals and the unique characteristics of their land.