Programs
Sakhalin Salmon Restoration Project GoalsSakhalin Salmon Initiative
Ecological Restoration
Select a pilot watershed on Sakhalin to demonstrate community-based planning and restoration implementation, using a variety of restoration treatments to improve salmon habitat and watershed condition.
A pilot watershed will be selected to demonstrate the development of a watershed-scale assessment and restoration plan. A watershed assessment that characterizes the existing conditions, identifies the issues and concerns of the local community, and highlights priorities for protection and treatment is a critical step toward this goal.
Riparian rehabilitation and bank stabilization are important techniques in river restoration.
Test treatments that could provide long-term economic benefits to local communities when implemented at a broad scale.
Treatments will include stream habitat enhancement, road stabilization, fish passage improvement, upland forest treatment, and riparian rehabilitation. Once efforts are successful in a pilot watershed, techniques and skills obtained in the demonstration area can be transferred throughout the region and across Sakhalin Island.
General Technical and Operational Capacity
Increase skills necessary to assess current watershed conditions and to design and implement on-the-ground restoration projects.
Technical and operational support will be provided primarily from USDA Forest Service restoration specialists. Established protocols for resource condition assessment and monitoring will be shared. Classroom and field training on actual projects will be used to increase restoration capacity/skills.
School education programs at restoration sites provide valuable hand on learning opportunities.
Community and Partner Outreach and Education
Form watershed councils to engage members of local communities in the river restoration process.
Provide opportunities for employment as well as education with a focus on school and university involvement.
Employment would be provided during implementation, maintenance and monitoring of restoration treatments. As for education, university students would play a central role in project development, data collection, analysis and design. School education programs would also be implemented at treatment sites. Efforts to partner with schools around the world that are currently engaging in similar educational efforts would be encouraged.