Whatcom Farm Friends
Farmers Growing Trees for Salmon (FGTFS) 
May 2008
Introduction: Since 2000, over 69,800 trees have been grown by farmers and given away to Whatcom landowners to replant along their streams to improve water quality. Approximately 500 families have participated in the project improving water quality in over 25 sub-basin watersheds. This projects runs in a three year cycle. The first year starts with planting tiny plugs on farmers' fields where they are grown to a height of 12 - 18 inches. In years two and three the trees are given away to property owners to replant on their properties along rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It has been the farming community's way to connect with watershed and salmon restoration efforts.
History: Since the first planting day (Earth day of 2000) our farmers have participated in this program. The Ag Preservation Committee (APC) was a supporter of FGTFS, however it was managed through a grant for the Tenmile Creek Watershed Restoration Project. The Tenmile Creek Restoration Project began through APC and was the precursor to the development of the Watershed Improvement Districts.
Why do it? We know that access to healthy riparian re-vegetation plant material is important to salmon recovery efforts here in Whatcom County. Larger and older plant material can contribute to more successful revegetation efforts. Whatcom County farmers in the past have stepped up to make this happen. There are 1,000 miles of streams throughout the county and approximately 100 lakes. Many have been compromised by development and farm/forestry practices. By providing farmer-raised trees the farming community becomes part of the solution.
This project is not only an environmental project; it is a relationship building opportunity. The community is invited on these farms to help plant the trees, meet the farmer and be part of a farm for a short time. When the trees are ready to be given away the community again is invited to the farm to get the free trees. Again we have the opportunity to teach and connect with non-Ag folks. For many, it is the first time they walk on a field to get the feel of a working farm. This project also provides a tangible reason for the non-Ag community to join WFF. They can see their donation at work with every tree that is grown and given away for stream improvement.
Savings to the Community: Since the first farmer raised trees were replanted in 2002, taxpayers have avoided minimum costs of $401,135 for stream restoration. This includes a projected avoidance cost of $139,600 to purchase otherwise suitable trees at $2.00/tree, and $261,750 for comparable labor to dig up, haul and replant the trees.
Farmers that have participated are: Curt Maberry, Greg Ebe, Ed Brandsma, Chuck Antholt, Richard Kortas, Robert Smit, John Belisle, Larry DeHaan, Peter Vlas, and Marian Schouten. Other landowners that volunteered to grow include: Ron Vekved, Bob Hunter, Sandy Lawrence, Al Krause, Ruth Higgens, Terry Phillips and Mike Eaton.
The Science: Native trees and shrubs help the land and water in many ways. They help provide a healthy riparian area along the waterways. Many of our low-lying streams are overgrown with Reed canary grass - an exotic grass that takes over the stream banks and will eventfully grow throughout the stream. This leaves the streams clogged with grass that prevents good drainage of our fields. It also leaves the water depleted of oxygen as it grows, dies and rots in the water. Reed canary grass does not like shade, so trees and shrubs are a natural deterrent to this grass.
Trees and native plants also provide shade over the water, which helps to keep the temperature cool. They provide a natural purification system that takes up extra nitrogen and other impurities to keep our water clean. They provide complexity to our water ecosystem as leaves and branches fall into the water. This "litter" provides food for the important bug life in the stream, which of course provides food for fish. They also provide beauty and a sense of life to us. We know that the trees we plant today will be here long after we are gone.
Cheryl DeHaan
Community Education Program Manager
voice: (360) 354-1337
fax: (360) 354-0948
1796 Front Street
Lynden, WA 98264
cdehaan@wcfarmfriends.com
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