TEP Backyard Planting Program

TEP's Backyard Planting Program (BYPP) is a cost-free, voluntary assistance program for private landowners that want to remove invasive species from their streamsides and improve habitats for fish and wildlife. The BYPP Coordinator works with private landowners to develop site-specific riparian restoration plans for their property. Restoration plans detail how the BYPP will remove invasive riparian plant species like blackberry, reed canary grass, and knotweed and which native tree and shrub species will be planted in their place. All of the work including planning, invasive species removal, and maintenance (2-3 years) are provided completely free of charge to the landowner.

Streamside Property Before BYPP Removal of Invasive Plant Species

Same Property After BYPP Removed Invasives and Planted Native Trees

Why does TEP do this for landowners?

A substantial amount of the lowland riparian areas within coastal watersheds are privately owned properties. Many of these properties have severely-impaired riparian conditions that do not provide adequate shade, habitat complexity, or erosion control to creeks and rivers. These conditions reduce water quality and can have devastating effects on salmon populations.

Habitat loss on private properties can only be addressed through the stewardship of private residential landowners. BYPP just lends a helping hand.

How long has TEP offered BYPP?

• In 2003, the TEP initiated BYPP. In its first year, 15 landowners participated, and over 4 miles (20 acres) were cleared of invasive vegetation and planted with 3,500 native trees and shrubs.


• In 2004, 28 landowners signed up and another 4 streamside miles were planted with nearly 4,500 trees and shrubs.


• 2005 marked year 3 of the program and its success continued - 10 landowners signed up, and TEP planted nearly 4 streamside miles with 4,700 trees and shrubs!


• 2006-2007 BYPP work entails planting 4,780 trees and shrubs on 4.9 streamside miles. 11 landowners are participating.

Partners

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
• Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Tillamook County Soil & Water Conservation District
• Tillamook Native Plant Cooperative
• Private Landowners

How do I sign up for BYPP?

Please contact the TEP at 503-322-2222 if you would like to participate or if you would like additional information.