Environmental Protection Assistance Program

On an ongoing basis, the City of Salem invests in various environmental programs in an effort to improve the livability in Salem. Some of the programs are state and/or federally mandated and some are developed with a long-term vision to increase public awareness and support for making Salem a nice place to live and visit.

Following are some of the programs and projects in which the City is currently involved.

Programs: Drinking Water Management Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Watershed Management Plan, Riparian Protection Program, Wetland Banking Program, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Effectiveness Study, Historic Fish Passage Study.

Projects: Pringle Creek Fish Ladder, Geren Island Wetland Mitigation and Habitat Improvement, Geren Island Chub Habitat Conservation Plan, Northgate Mitigation Wetlands, Claggett Creek Restoration, Fairview Industrial Park Wetland Mitigation and Stream Improvement, Mill Creek Industrial Park.

Public Education and Outreach: This covers the areas of water conservation, surface water and drinking water quality, stormwater quality, streams and wetlands, native plants, and endangered species. Information is provided through outreach events and flyers distributed to Salem's citizens through quarterly water bill inserts.

School Outreach Presentations: The City also provides outreach through the following school presentations: Critters in the Creek, Ms. Sally Swims Upstream, Salem's Water Resources, Take the Pledge, The Water Cycle, Watershed Tour (Geren Island Water Treatment Facility), and Watersheds 101.

Partnerships: The City of Salem partners with many organizations to achieve these goals and also provides them with assistance. Some of these partners include the Salem-Keizer School District, Salem area watershed councils, Watershed Enhancement Team (W.E.T.), Straub Environmental Learning Center, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, U.S. Geological Service, Association of Clean Water Agencies, Audubon Society, Oregon Watersheds, general public groups, scout troops, and seniors.

In order for the City of Salem to further enhance the opportunities listed above, the City is looking for continued support and funding from its residents. All funds collected through the Environmental Protection Assistance Program will be targeted toward improving these or similar programs.

For your convenience, fill out the donation form to make a one-time or continuing donation of five dollars or more on a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly basis. 

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