Watersheds have social, ecological and economic significance. Clean, healthy watersheds are a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, recreation, species preservation, and environmental integrity.
The Laird Norton Family Foundation invests in watersheds with the goal of making measurable improvements in the ecosystems of watersheds – from fish passage and streamflow restoration to land conservation and environmental education for local youth.
We select Northwest watersheds based on several criteria:
We seek to add value not just by making good investments in worthy projects and organizations, but by building relationships in watershed communities, gaining experience in and knowledge about particular watersheds, and fostering partnerships, convenings and additional investment from other funders.
We are currently working in the Hood Canal (WA), Upper Deschutes (OR), and Rogue (OR) watersheds.
We select Northwest watersheds based on several criteria:
- Ecological significance
- Partnerships between on-the-ground organizations
- Community engagement and support
- Supportive regulations or watershed improvement plans
- Ongoing scientific monitoring
- The presence of other funders
We seek to add value not just by making good investments in worthy projects and organizations, but by building relationships in watershed communities, gaining experience in and knowledge about particular watersheds, and fostering partnerships, convenings and additional investment from other funders.
We are currently working in the Hood Canal (WA), Upper Deschutes (OR), and Rogue (OR) watersheds.
2011 Watershed Stewardship Grants
- Deschutes Land Trust (OR)
$25,000 In support of permanent protection of remaining stream habitats through targeted land conservation to support efforts to reintroduce salmon and steelhead to the upper Deschutes River, including increased staff capacity to carry out restoration and stewardship work in cooperation with Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council - Deschutes River Conservancy (OR)
$25,000 In support of implementation of in-stream flow restoration efforts in Whychus Creek to restore habitat to a level which could support the successful reintroduction of steelhead trout, including support of the implementation of flow restoration projects, expansion of the community’s understanding of the DRC’s work, and assistance in maintaining the existing high level of coordination with partners including the Deschutes Land Trust and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council - Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (OR)
$30,000 In support of implementation of a 10-year monitoring plan to track long-term changes in Whychus Creek to evaluate how investments in restoration have led to specific ecological improvements and efforts to educate and engage community members in restoration projects in the creek; $3,000 In support of student engagement in the Upper Deschutes watershed through a Watershed Summit coordinated for local students - Oregon Natural Desert Association (OR)
$25,000 To support restoration efforts on the Silvies River, with an emphasis on monitoring and testing restoration efforts. Goals of the restoration include development of healthy and self-sustaining riparian areas that support increasing numbers and diversity of native vegetation and wildlife, with a particular focus on restoring beaver habitat and populations, such that eventually, beavers will play their natural, major role in maintaining the watershed. - Pacific Rivers Council (OR)
$25,000 To build on existing support to influence the near-term conservation agenda for the Umpqua Watershed, and specific restoration projects in the watershed - Geos Institute, Rogue Riverkeeper, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, WaterWatch (OR)
$88,000 in support of collaborative efforts focused on the formal development and implementation of a restoration agenda for the middle Rogue basin. - Hood Canal Coordinating Council (WA)
$35,000 Support for management of in the Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) process for Hood Canal. The purpose of the IWMP is to provide a comprehensive, coordinated strategy for protecting and restoring the Hood Canal watershed. - Long Live the Kings (WA)
$22,500 In support of involvement in the Integrated Watershed Management Plan process for Hood Canal - Mason Conservation District (WA)
$22,500 In support of involvement in the Integrated Watershed Management Plan process for Hood Canal - Skokomish Tribe (WA)
$22,500 In support of involvement in the Integrated Watershed Management Plan process for Hood Canal - The Nature Conservancy (WA)
$22,500 In support of involvement in the Integrated Watershed Management Plan process for Hood Canal
