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Wallowa
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Whitman
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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.
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