Protect Our Rivers

September is a great month to focus on protecting the Willamette River and aquatic wildlife! There are two national days that help to increase awareness and stewardship of water and wildlife.

National Wildlife Day - September 4

This day focuses on threatened and endangered species and promotes conservation.

World Rivers Day - September 28

This day is about celebrating our rivers, raising awareness, and encouraging stewardship.

These two days converge for a month to raise awareness of protecting the Willamette River and salmon! There are several salmonid species on the threatened and endangered species list. One such species, the Lower Columbia River Coho salmon are listed as endangered on both the state and federal endangered species lists. The Lower Columbia River/Upper Willamette Recovery Domain of this salmon species extends down the Willamette Valley and includes Salem.

One major cause for salmon population decline is loss of clean, healthy habitat. Protecting and cleaning up our rivers - the Willamette River and the Columbia River - are imperative for salmon species recovery.

In Salem, there are over 14,000 storm drains that flow untreated to local streams. Our city includes over 90 miles of streams that flow to the Willamette River. Urban pollution is the number one nonpoint source of pollution for stormwater and streams. This means we can make a difference in helping to keep pollution out of local streams and the Willamette River!

Celebrate rivers and salmon by following these tips to help protect local waterways:

• Don't let trash flow into storm drains and local streams.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, and use less plastic.
• Keep your car tires full of air and fix any leaks.
• If you have a dog, be sure to pick up their waste every time they go outside.
• If you live near a stream, plant native plants along the bank to provide shade and cool the water.

You can learn more tips on how to protect local waterways on the Clean Streams website.