If used away from streams and lakes, soils can serve to filter biodegradable solutions before these pollutants reach waterways. Streamside vegetation helps stabilize banks and shade waters, maintaining the clean and cool conditions needed by fish. Proper disposal of garbage when camping and hiking reduces our impact on natural areas. Trash and untreated sewage pollute recreational areas, groundwater and can wash into nearby waterways. Tether riding stock away from wetlands, lakes and streams.
Animal wastes entering streams can reduce the dissolved oxygen available to fish.
If left near waterways, horses can damage streamside vegetation and trample banks, which increases erosion of sediment into the water. If allowed to roam in streams, rivers and lakes, dogs can disturb gravel beds where fish spawn and lay eggs and can increase erosion on streambanks. Oil, gas and other chemicals can run off parking lots and roads to pollute the waterways, killing fish and other aquatic life. In these ways, Oregonians throughout the state can come together to preserve our natural resources for future generations.