KRIS Shasta River Tour

General Introduction

KRIS Shasta River Tour

Restoration: Replanting Trees in the Riparian Zone

Some damaged riparian areas have been replanted with native species of trees. The seeds are collected locally, and the trees are grown as a cooperative project which includes Yreka High School students. As part of this regional occupational education program, the students care for the seedlings at a nursery on land provided by the Klamath National Forest.

The nursery raises native plants, including willows, alder, and black cottonwood, which are planted in February and March while the ground is still wet. Much of the work has been done by volunteers, including the California Conservation Corps, students and other community members.

Volunteers have helped to restore parts of the Shasta River. Above, a group gathers on the streambank, with willow shoots in buckets, ready to plant. Right: People of all ages can help plant trees. The boy has dug a hole where his little brother places the willow.

Both the river and the land owner benefit from restoring trees to riparian zones. The tree roots hold soil in place and reduce erosion. When soil erodes, it fills the river channel, buries the spawning gravel, and causes the river to flood during high flows. As the river spreads wider, it destroys more agricultural land. Riparian trees help keep the channel deep and more narrow. The trees also shade the water, helping to keep temperatures low.

At this site, bundles of willows were cross-hatched and anchored to the bank. They catch silt from the water which builds up the eroding streambank. The willows sprout and soon provide stabilizing roots and shade.

Shasta River Guided Tour Contents
Restoration Topics: Introduction Fencing Riparian Areas Replanting Trees in the Riparian Zone Water Use	Other Topics: Guided Tour Introduction Water Quality Geology Hydrology Economy Fisheries

KRIS Klamath Resource Information System