What is a watershed council?
Watershed councils in Oregon were formed as a result of state statute to “address the goal of sustaining natural resources and watershed protection and enhancement within a watershed.” –ORS 541.350 (1995)
Watershed councils are non-governmental organizations, which play an important role as an implementation mechanism for the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, a strategy for recovery of Endangered Species Act listed salmon and steelhead fish species.
Salmon and steelhead are indicator species, therefore, their population decline is an indication that health of our streams and adjacent land might also be in decline. By addressing habitat concerns for salmon and steelhead, we also improve health of the natural resources our economy and communities rely on.
About the North Santiam Watershed Council
NSWC meetings take place the second Thursday of every month from 7:00-9:00 pm at Stayton Community Center in Stayton, Oregon at 400 Virginia Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend! Positions are open on the NSWC Steering Committee every two years.
Who we are…
We are local volunteers that share an interest in improving the health of the watershed in partnership with interested landowners.
How we operate…
We facilitate projects based on scientific analysis that improve water health by developing partnerships and resources to plan, fund and implement projects.
Why we exist…
At the end of the day we all use water and, therefore, want it to stay healthy to support our uses. The North Santiam Watershed Council provides a place to work together in a non-regulatory setting to achieve this goal of healthy water and healthy natural resources.
NSWC Goals
- Promoting awareness and education about watershed issues
- Preserving and/or improving water quality and quantity in the river and stream networks
- Maintaining healthy, well-functioning natural and human communities within the watershed
- Protecting natural areas including wildlife habitat and biodiversity
- Recognizing the social and economic benefits in protecting the health of the watershed
