A new model for Model Watersheds
Since 2009, BEF and the Meyer Memorial Trust (MMT) have worked together on an innovative approach to support watershed restoration in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Together, we’re partnering with seven watershed councils for at least 10 years to implement a strategy to restore more than a dozen tributaries across one large river basin. Combining forces with MMT has enabled a higher level of investment in the Willamette Model Watershed partners and will allow us to test new approaches to advance comprehensive and long-term watershed restoration strategies.

Unique elements of this program include exploring opportunities to share restoration resources (such as staff and equipment), applying new efficiencies to restoration planning and implementation, and using common monitoring protocols to facilitate shared learning and adaptive management among all the partners. The program offers regular group gatherings, workshops and technical trainings to strengthen the capacity of partner groups.
Click here to see a video about the Willamette River created by Freshwaters Illustrated.
Kendra Smith, Willamette Model Watershed Program Director
240 SW 1st Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
ksmith@b-e-f.org
Willamette Model Watershed Partners:
Calapooia Watershed Council
P.O. Box 844
Brownsville, Oregon 97327
www.calapooia.org
North Santiam Watershed Council
311 N. Third Avenue
Stayton, OR 97383
www.nsantiamwatershed.org
South Santiam Watershed Council
4431 Highway 20
Sweet Home, OR 97386
www.sswc.org
Long Tom Watershed Council
751 South Danebo Avenue
Eugene, OR 97402
www.longtom.org
Marys River Watershed Council
101 SW Western Blvd., Suite 105
Corvallis, OR 97333
www.mrwc.net
Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council
P.O. Box 27
Lowell, OR 97452
www.mfwwc.org
Luckiamute Watershed Council
226 S. Main Street, Suite L
Independence, OR 97351
http://luckiamutelwc.org
BEF believes it takes at least a decade to make a difference.
Our long-term funding strategy gives our partners more freedom to approach their work with a longer-term perspective, leading to more comprehensive and strategic action on the ground.