The Instream Wood Bank Network — sourcing wood for aquatic restoration across southwest Washington
There is a pressing need to restore fish habitat on a large scale. There are fallen trees over roads and logs on timberlands that can’t be sold for lumber—all of these materials could be used to help build this instream habitat. But, there has never been a system in place to connect these two ends.
That is what the Instream Wood Bank Network is designed to accomplish.
We source non-lumber wood from landowners and supply these materials to restoration projects at costs far lower than they would otherwise pay.
By matching downed wood with stream habitats, we can help increase the pace and scale of aquatic restoration across the region.
At its heart, the Instream Wood Bank Network is a partnership of landowners, state and federal agencies, tribes, and nonprofits.
It is one of the rare opportunities that is a win-win for landowners, local economies, and conservation. It is a deeply collaborative project that brings together a variety of stakeholders to work together in making our waterways healthier and more resilient.
In addition to supplying wood for restoration partners, the Instream Wood Bank Network also advances restoration in new areas by designing and advancing NEW restoration projects.
These projects are located in areas where nearby wood sources can be efficiently incorporated into upcoming restoration efforts.