Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Aquatics

La Grande Ranger District

Wallowa Mountains Zone

Whitman Unit

Fish Resources

Partners Links

Forest Aquatics Program

Community Outreach

Invasive Species

Water Quality

Welcome to the aquatics program section of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest website. This section of the website has information about the aquatics programs (fisheries and watershed) and projects that will improve the condition of the watersheds and aquatic species of the forest.

The personnel of the Aquatics Program are well qualified to conduct restoration projects, inventories, and assessments, monitoring and aquatic education. The aquatics program is embarking on a new approach to aquatic education, classroom teaching. The pilot program was begun in 2006 with the help of the Americorps Program and J. Allen Johnson, the volunteer assigned to this project, by teaching a curriculum for 4-6th grades in the La Grande School District.

The Aquatics Program has a coordinated watershed monitoring program that collects water quality and quantity data. This data is being collected to monitor long term trends in watershed condition. There is over 10 years of research data to help support the aquatic program. The data is being used to help guide new restoration projects as well as assess the effects of older restoration efforts.

Watershed restoration projects have been initiated by the WWNF to repair and restore forest waterways to a healthy and vibrant state. In the Wallowa-Whitman, teams of scientist and technicians work to gain funding, plan, and then go into the forest to accomplish projects that improve its watersheds. Many streams are being repaired, and the USFS continues to work with local partners to make sure there is a healthy forest for us to enjoy. The staff of the WWNF Aquatics Program has received regional recognition for their efforts, and has many supporters in the communities that lay within the boundaries of the WWNF.