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Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Project
Welcome to the Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Project Website
Sign me up! Stay up to date on the Project after you join the e-mailing list
What is this Project All About?
Benton County has hundreds of stream miles and wetlands within the County. Numerous high quality streams, riparian corridors and wetlands within the County are still around because of residents' and visitors' values for planning and management of our shared water resources. The Riparian and Wetlands Project will form a plan to help keep the natural function of these vital areas.
Looking for Resources to Plan, Conserve or Restore
Riparian Area and Wetlands?
Riparian and Wetlands Update Report
Review Project Update: Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Project Update Report
Project staff shared this update report at the November 29th, Riparian and Wetlands Advisory Group meeting with an extended project timeline, goals, and objectives to meet local goals and State requirements. The draft goals and objectives are based on the extensive public input, analysis, and other information collected or developed from 2009-2011. Please provide your input to the project lead Adam Stebbins at adam.stebbins@co.benton.or.us; or call 541-766-6085
Inventory Update and Draft Code
Review Draft Code: Benton County Stream and Riparian Protection Overlay Zone (PDF)
The goal for the draft code is to develop flexible code requirements that emphasize individual property owner rights and the need for protection of riparian and wetland resources and impacts. In other words, 'striking the balance' between voluntary and required protection of inventoried resources for the vital functions they provide (see Research for information on important riparian and wetland functions). The Benton County Stream and Riparian Overlay Zone will be updated through monthly advisory group meetings, community meetings, and other community input.
Review Draft Code with the Benton County Stream and Riparian Overlay Zone Scenarios (PDF)
Benton County Stream and Riparian Protection Scenarios are common scenarios for protection of stream and riparian resources. The following scenarios outline how Benton County Stream and Riparian Protection (SRP) Overlay Zone code amendments would be applied. The scenarios were developed from local landowner input at twelve (15) community meetings, and monthly meetings of the Riparian and Wetlands Advisory Group.
Review the full Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Inventory Report (5/8/11) (PDF)
The first Draft Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Inventory Report was released for public review on 12/17/10. Notice was provided via email, project website, and local newspapers and newsletters. Public comments were provided by county landowners and residents, Riparian and Wetland Advisory Group participants, State/local government, and many others.
In addition, Benton County held community meetings with approximately 100 attendees in the community of Alsea, to share project work to date, and was provided with additional input on improving the draft report. Ongoing Listening Sessions led by a Benton County graduate student intern also provided landowners with additional one-on-one discussions to learn more about the project and provide ideas for improving the inventory and any proposed code.
Based on the range of input received from December 2010 to April 2011, several updates to the draft inventory were completed by project staff.
Note: Be sure to visit Meetings & Events for meeting materials and other information.
Why are Riparian and Wetland Areas Important to Residents of Benton County?
Riparian areas can improve property values, stabilize eroding banks, enhance fish and many other wildlife habitat, improve water quality by filtering runoff/contaminants, and can protect against flood damage of property.
Wetland areas can improve property values, increases water quality, store flood water, provide fish and wildlife habitat – many rare species rely on remaining wetlands for survival.
Did you know: From 2004-2007 Benton County residents engaged in the Comprehensive Plan development with County Staff, Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners adopted a policy to undertake a “Goal 5 process and adopt a protection program for significant riparian areas within 18 months of adoption of the plan amendments.”
Residents also emphasize taking the appropriate steps for protecting headwaters of streams along with wetlands in Benton County.
What are the Goals of this Project?
What is the Riparian and Wetlands Project Goal and Outcomes (objectives)?
Riparian and Wetlands Advisory Group (RWAG) (diverse landowners, scientists, residents, and county staff)
Goal: "Create a plan to support and improve natural function of streams, riparian areas and wetlands within the unincorporated areas of Benton County, to comply with State planning rules and Benton County’s Comprehensive Plan".
1. Outreach and incentives to gain project involvement from local residents and to protect and enhance riparian and wetland areas.
2. Create a Benton County Riparian and Wetland Inventory and update the Benton County Riparian and Wetlands Maps (using new LiDAR Maps!)
3. Determine planning code requirements (where necessary) and support of incentives for improving natural function of riparian and wetland areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions, such as:
- How can I participate in the Riparian and Wetlands Project?
- Why is the County doing this project?
- What is a riparian area and why is it important?
- Who will be affected? Will this project affect my property value?
- What new regulations will go into effect?
- How can I find out technical descriptions and information about riparian issues like water temperature, water quality, buffers, and setbacks?
Latest News
* Benton County is finalizing the Benton County Stream and Riparian Corridor Program, including proposed code for Willamette Basin riparian vegetation protection and a countywide outreach and education program. More details will be provided as work is completed.
* Benton County held small group meetings with streamside landowners that volunteered their time to 1.) discuss draft code and provide specific recommendations for improvement, and 2.) discuss non-regulatory program concepts. Review all notes from these meetings here.
* July 19th Community Meeting held at the Corvallis-Benton County Library from 6:30-8:00 p.m. (see meeting materials); focus was on identifying specific options to meet property owners needs and meet objectives of protecting water quality and fish and wildlife. Read the Gazette-Times Article: "Benton County releases draft riparian rules."
* The most current Draft Stream and Riparian Corridor Protection Overlay Zone Code is available for review on the Policy page. Updates were made based on input from additional Alsea and Corvallis community meetings, Willamette REALTORS board meeting, and other public comments with input from the Riparian and Wetlands Advisory Group.
* Coastal Coho Salmon relisted; excerpt from the NOAA-Fisheries report "Current forest practice regulations reduce the size of the streamside riparian area to less than that needed to maintain the full suite of ecological processes provide by riparian areas and allows for the removal of trees from within this zone, which further reduces ecological effectiveness."
* Updated Riparian and Wetlands Inventory report and updated Draft Code available for review; Also, see our research, policy, and maps pages.
* Large turnout at Alsea Community Meeting (meeting agenda) to discuss the Riparian and Wetlands Project. Participating Residents share their past and current concerns and ideas to improve the project for the Alsea Watershed.
* Benton County Riparian and Wetland Project featured on KLCC local radio (Nov. 3, 2009)
