SPOKANE, Wash. – Hangman Creek has seen the most extensive riparian restoration effort in Spokane County’s history, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE).
The Hangman Creek Riparian Restoration and Conservation Program was the first in eastern Washington. The project aims to transform 169 acres of land, previously used for crops, into a wildlife habitat.
Nine landowners agreed to a 15-year lease where they will be paid $300 per acre of their land along fish-bearing streams. In total, 45,508 linear feet of bank along Hangman Creek will be restored.
“The pilot program helped eliminate barriers that many producers have pointed to in the past, including weed control, long-term contracts, economically viable rental rates, and maintenance funding,” said Brook Beeler, WSDOE’s Eastern Region director. “We heard those concerns, worked creatively and cooperatively on solutions and are encouraged by its success.”
Over the next five years, the Spokane Conservation District will continue implementing and maintaining the program. WSDOE says it will take 10-15 years of growth to provide many functional and crucial benefits to the fish and wildlife of the creek.
The Hangman Creek Riparian Restoration and Conservation Program was funded through the Washington State Centennial funds. The Spokane Conservation District received a pass-through grant of just over $3 million for this project.
“Now that an effective framework for riparian restoration has been established in Hangman Creek, we’re eager to see it come to life and continue to grow,” said Redfern. “With additional funding on the way and landowners that are interested in participating, we’re sure to see transformative change in this watershed.”
