While shade along a river that is 100 feet wide may not prevent warming, that same shade along smaller tributaries will significantly reduce stream warming and allow cooler water to enter the larger waterbody. Many increases in stream temperatures were caused by past forest practices that removed streamside vegetation. In one case, the average stream temperature of the Deschutes River through an enclosure that was ungrazed for 10 years was 12 degrees F lower than stream temperatures in grazed sections where riparian vegetation had not been allowed to re-grow. Landowners are encouraged to continue using their best efforts to reduce temperatures on streams and rivers. A landowner can seek help from agencies such as the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Oregon State Extension Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to devise methods for reducing temperatures and protecting fish and aquatic life.
Urban residents can help by protecting streamside vegetation that provides shade.
This includes not mowing lawns to the waters edge and supporting local programs to restore streamside grasses, bushes and trees. Urban residents are encouraged to contact their local watershed council, city or county government for advice on reducing temperatures in urban streams and protecting fish and wildlife. DEQ Online is the official web site for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. If you have questions or comments about the web site contact DEQ's webmaster .