Skip to content
Loading image:

SHORELINE RESTORATION

Loading image:

Save our shorelines!

The Water Resources Department provides technical assistance, information, and education, and we implement projects to protect, enhance, and maintain water quality in Spokane County.

Stream-side Living

The stream running through your land is part of a larger system known as a watershed. Every stream, tributary, or river has an associated watershed, and any activity that affects the water quality, water quantity, or movement in one location affects the water downstream. As a stream-side landowner, you have a particular responsibility to help maintain and improve the health of streams and stream-side areas.

If you own Spokane County shoreline you hold an important responsibility to protect and maintain one of the county's greatest resources… its shorelines! Naturalize your shoreline and enhance it with natural vegetation. Be creative – it’s your chance to make your lake healthier and to make your property a better fit for your lifestyle. Click here for more info. Or read the My Healthy Stream handbook for more information.

Loading image:

Access points near you

In April 2020, the Spokane Conservation District (SCD) visited Spokane River Access locations in order to photograph and visually assess the condition of access points during a heavy use period. Updates are presented from East to West, with any SCD work on particular locations called out.

Many of these accesses are either new or restored based on partnerships created by SCD and the Spokane River Forum (the Forum). SCD and the Forum are now working on regular assessments to determine when additional maintenance and improvements are needed. Annually, the Forum also sponsors and coordinates regular litter cleanup activities that SCD participates in.

In general, the Spokane River has seen a large uptick in river use. This can be attributed to a number of factors that include 1) increased presence and marketing strategies by the Spokane River Forum, 2) partnerships and fundraising with government and non-government organizations, and 3) participation and involvement by user groups. Foundational to development and restoration activities is the SCD’s ability to implement projects and access improvements utilizing WDFW mitigation and other funding sources, and working with the Forum to leverage these funds. As one measure of popularity, the Forum maintained Spokane River Water Trail website (www.spokanewatertrail.org) has received between 30 and 35 thousand page views annually since 2017.

Blog posts

Apr 21, 2025

Dartford Creek Restoration Project

The first Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) implementation project was installed on a tributary of Dartford Creek in North Spokane County. The landowner was concerned with the erosion of his streambank and seeking advice to help naturally slow the erosion, as well as improve his wildlife and riparian habitat to a stream bank that currently has no riparian or upland vegetation. The land on the north bank side of the property is leased to a farmer who currently participates in the RCPP program and grows canola on the property. SCD installed a 50-foot wide riparian buffer, with a variety of native plants found mimicking the forest adjacent to the property. Cumulatively, 800 potted stock plants and 600 willow whips were planted with the goal of reducing erosion and repairing the riparian habitat.

Feb 29, 2024

Notice of Special Meeting

Notice of Special Meeting The Spokane Conservation District will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, March 1 at 3...

Jan 26, 2024

Deadman Creek Riparian Restoration

Deadman Creek flows from its headwaters on Mt Spokane through agricultural land to its terminus in the Little Spokane...

Ask Us a Question or Request Assistance

SCD is available to explore funding opportunities and financial aid programs that can support your conservation efforts. From grants and loans to cost-sharing programs, we can help you access the necessary resources to make your conservation projects a reality.

Do you have a resource concern? Tell us more here.

Back to top