Water Follies visitors urged to protect shoreline vegetation

As the Tri-Cities prepares for the annual Water Follies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is reminding visitors that shoreline vegetation along the Columbia River serves an important purpose for fish, wildlife, and the health of our communities and the river ecosystem. 

Shoreline plants provide shade, cover and food-producing habitat; stabilize soil; reduce erosion; filter runoff; and support fish, birds and other wildlife. Several salmon and steelhead populations that migrate through the Columbia River are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Most of the shoreline along the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities area is designated as critical habitat for certain ESA-listed fish.  

Natural Resource Management specialists evaluate shoreline areas and may control invasive species, address hazardous vegetation and maintain authorized public-access areas when those actions are environmentally appropriate and consistent with applicable laws and management plans. 

Water Follies visitors should use established paths and designated access points and avoid cutting, trampling or removing shoreline plants. Damaging or removing shoreline vegetation is prohibited and may carry legal penalties.  

Protecting these areas helps ensure the Columbia River can continue supporting recreation, wildlife and regional communities for generations.