Cattle waste, failing septic systems and a lack of protective vegetation have taken their toll on the Applegate River watershed, prompting a plan approved this week by Jackson County to improve this home to spawning salmon and steelhead.
With more homes being built along the watershed that feeds the Applegate, government agencies are looking at more enforcement — and potentially fines — to prevent property owners from cutting down vegetation that destroys the riparian zone close to the riverbank.
"We need to levy some fines and let people know we're serious about this," said Lin Bernhardt, county natural resources manager.
The Applegate Water Quality Improvement Plan, which is one of many plans by government agencies to improve the Applegate watershed, could also lead to enforcement along other waterways in Jackson County. The county will be preparing a similar plan for Bear Creek in the future.
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