The Coquille Watershed Association (CWA) was formed in 1994 by a small group of local citizens who were concerned about the health of their watershed and it's fish and wildlife resources. Since that humble beginning the CWA has created and established a well-organized program that is respected and supported throughout the watershed. At any given time, the CWA is managing 20-45 different grants. Currently the CWA has a budget of approximately $1 million a year. Approximately 90% of this money goes to on the ground restoration projects and monitoring.
As of February, 2002 over 130 miles of fencing have been constructed along with riparian planting within the fenced areas. Twenty three culverts have been replaced and /or retrofitted to improve fish passage. Over 180 structures have been placed within streams to create pools, catch spawning gravel, increase stream complexity and create juvenile rearing habitat. The CWAQ has worked with over 210 private landowners to implement these various projects on their land. The CWA currently has a waiting list of people who are interested in completing restoration projects on their property. In addition, the CWA has a dedicated executive council of 27 members who represent the various interests within the watershed. We also have an active membership of over 250 people, not including the private landowners mentioned above.
The Coquille Watershed definitely does not lack for project opportunities. As stated before, the CWA has enough interest from private landowners who want to cooperate on enhancement projects that we had to create a waiting list. One reason for such interest is the fact that the CWA works with private landowners to ensure that all projects completed on their property benefit them as well as the environment.
On March 22, 1998 the USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management jointly presented a national award to the CWA for exemplary work in cooperative watershed restoration. The CWA was also awarded a Distinguished Performance Award for outstanding contributions to workforce development in rural Oregon. This award was presented to us by the Oregon Private Industry Council and the Oregon Consortium Board of Directors. Furthermore, the CWA received a Partner Appreciation Award from the local Bureau of Land Management, Coos Bay District office.
The Coquille Watershed Association is recognized locally by the Coos County Commissioners and the CWA was registered as a corporation with the Secretary of State in January 1995. The CWA program has become a recognized, stable source for information, and assistance with watershed health and restoration issues. The Coquille Watershed is in a rural area and the local residents have come to rely on the CWA for these services and assistance.
