Forest Farming and Riparian Restoration

Year: 2024
Presenter/s: Patrick Shults
Symposium Session: 2024 - 04 Restoring Riverscapes as Complex Habitats that Include Humans
Topics covered: riparian


ABSTRACT

Riparian buffers have well-documented success at protecting waterways but also traditionally remove productive land from agricultural production. With already slim profit margins, the resulting decrease in production and income can put significant stress on farm operations. Moreover, buffers are expensive and difficult to install and maintain. This makes it extremely difficult for farmers and landowners to adopt a “no-touch” conservation-only riparian buffer, even with the help of financial incentives and technical assistance. Going forward, solutions and systems that address landowner financial and social needs are paramount. The most effective way to meet objectives like salmon restoration is to work with farmers on developing economically and environmentally viable forms of riparian land management.
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of forestry and agricultural practices to develop economically viable agroecological systems that also provide environmental and cultural benefits. Forest farming, which involves the intentional management of non-timber forest products in woodlots, is an agroforestry practice that is highly compatible with stream and wetland restoration. It can be used to develop “working” riparian buffers that maintain agricultural production in that space while protecting streams and providing habitat. Forests in the Pacific Northwest are ripe with opportunity for forest-grown specialty crops, including log-grown mushrooms, bigleaf maple syrup, Oregon grape, huckleberry, and more. Washington State University Extension and partners in the region are exploring these forest farming crops for both upland and riparian applications. The results of these efforts are being developed into demonstration-based educational opportunities and toolkits to support landowner adoption.

Pairing incentive-based riparian restoration efforts with research, market development, and resources for growing forest farmed crops may encourage adoption of riparian buffers on agricultural lands. In this presentation, you will learn about what’s been done in this field and where forest farming could be headed in the Pacific Northwest.