Landscaping with Salmon
Salmon don't spawn in you flower beds, but your yard may be affecting
the salmon's habitat.
Good salmon stewardship can literally begin at home. Thousands
of people up and down the West Coast are involved in the effort
to restore the salmon's natural habitat in rivers and streams.
But it is also important to remember that the water we use for
everyday purposes on our own property is part of the salmon's
habitat as well.
Salmon need clean water, and enough of if at the right times,
in order to migrate, spawn and rear to adult stage to start the
cycle again. Yet many rivers in the West run low, or even run
dry, due to human demand. And many rivers are tainted by toxic
chemicals that are potentially dangerous to sensitive juvenile
fish.
Considering the large volumes of water that are withdrawn from
rivers and streams for agriculture, industry, and direct human
consumption, it can be easy to overlook the fact that decisions
about home landscaping can have a significant impact on water
supplies. During the summer months, for instance, 12% of a typical
home's water use is wasted through over -watering the lawn. This
translates into millions of gallons pumped unnecessarily from
a stream or groundwater source serving even a small town.
Homeowners wishing to make a major contribution to water conservation
might consider "xeriscaping" -- the use of locally adapted,
drought-resistant plants that need a minimum of watering. But
homeowners can make their yards more salmon-friendly with any
of the following steps:
Don't over-water or over-cut your lawn. Watering heavily once
a week (to a depth of about one inch ) promotes deeper root growth
and is more effective than numerous light waterings. Water before
10 a.m. to reduce evaporation. Longer grass blades shade the
soil and retain moisture, so set your mower blades to leave grass
about three inches long.
When landscaping, buy plants that are low water-users. If you
use thirsty plants, group them together for efficient watering
and mulch them well. Consider water-thrifty forms of ground cover,
such as juniper or heathers.
Use mulch around plants to retain moisture, and keep weeds down
so they won't add to water uptake.
Always sweep sidewalks, driveways and patios, rather than hosing
them down.
Avoid use of toxic chemicals and pesticides in gardening. Minimize
fertilizer use. Seek out information on organic alternatives.
Garden chemicals can wash away into groundwater or streams.
For more information on what you can do at home to help salmon
recovery efforts in the Pacific Northwest, please contact your
local watershed restoration group, soil and water conservation
district, or Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, 45 SE
82nd Dr., Suite 100, Gladstone, OR 97027-2522.
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Revised 3/10/97
