Focus Areas

The LIO identified eight ecosystem focus areas based on existing priorities in the watershed. The focus areas represent the most important issues for human wellbeing and the future sustainability of ecosystem functions and services in the watershed. The more diverse the ecosystem, the healthier, more resilient, and more flexible it is.

Equity and Human Wellbeing:
Build all peoples’ sense of their oneness with the natural world and commitment to a healthy environment for human and ecological benefits.

Climate Change:
Understand and respond to the impacts of climate change.

Salmon:
Protect and restore healthy salmon runs adequate to meet ecosystem needs and support harvest while also honoring tribal treaty rights.

Estuaries:
Protect and restore estuaries where feasible.

Floodplains:
Protect and restore floodplains in support of healthy fish, vibrant farms, and flood hazard reduction.

Forests:
Keep forested lands as forest for ecosystem and human benefits, improve the health of forested lands, and increase urban and rural forest cover.

Farms and Agricultural Lands:
Maintain and expand vibrant, viable agricultural areas and protect soil health to ensure healthy food for people and for open space benefits.

Stormwater and Water Quality:
Manage stormwater and prevent pollution in support of clean water for people and fish.