Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plan

The City of Salem operates under a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plan regulated by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to address warm summer stream temperatures. A water body receives a TMDL when a pollutant exceeds the amount allowed for the beneficial uses of that water body. During the summer, local water bodies often exceed the temperature load due to increased sun exposure from decreased tree canopy and warm water discharged into streams, creeks, and rivers.

Warm Temperatures Affect Stream Life

The City of Salem is actively working to increase streamside shade. Aquatic life, including resident and migratory fish, as well as certain macroinvertebrates (small water bugs such as dragonfly and mayfly larvae), may be sensitive to warm water temperatures in our region. Warmer temperatures can negatively impact salmonid fish, affecting their spawning, rearing, and migration.

Study Finds Low Tree Canopy on Salem Streams

Salem has approximately 90 miles of streams flowing through it, with most of the streamside area being privately owned. In 2009, Salem conducted its first streamside survey to determine the amount of tree canopy that shades the streams. This study was recently updated using imagery from 2018. The study measured the tree canopy and shade within 30 feet of the stream in 10-foot segments. The findings were as follows:

• High Shade: 54 percent of stream reaches and land within 10-, 20-, and 30-foot buffers were over 75 percent shaded.

• Mid-Level Shade: 28 percent of stream reaches and land within 10-, 20-, and 30-foot buffers had shade between 25 percent and 75 percent.

• Low Shade: 18 percent of stream reaches and land within 10-, 20-, and 30-foot buffers had less than 25 percent shade.

The next tree canopy and shade analysis is scheduled for 2029 and will include results from the 2021 ice storm.

The Role of Streamside Property Owners

Streamside property owners play a vital role in helping protect the health of the streams flowing through Salem. Increasing shade is just one of the goals the City of Salem has for improving stream health. This page provides information on regulations to protect streams as well as resources for streamside property owners.

City Regulations

Find information on City of Salem regulations and guidelines regarding riparian areas, native plants, and more.

• Know the Ordinance that Protect Trees and Native Vegetation

• Request Help Identifying Plants (opens in email)

• View the TMDL Plan and Annual Reports

Resources for Streamside Homeowners

As a streamside homeowner, there are several resources available to help you keep local streams healthy:

• Free Tree Program
  • Streamside residents can participate in our annual Free Tree Program, which will take place this fall. If you are a streamside resident and would like to be added to our list, please email us at stormwateroutreach@cityofsalem.net.
• Streamside Site Visits
  • The City has an Urban Streamside Program Coordinator dedicated to working with streamside property owners. To set up your appointment, email our Coordinator at LWestphal@cityofsalem.net.
• Watershed Protection and Preservation Grant
  • Do you have an idea for a project that will help enhance your stream or neighborhood? The Watershed Protection & Preservation Grant is available to businesses, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals. Learn more or apply for the grant through the City of Salem's website.

Benefits of Riparian Areas

Riparian areas provide many benefits for streams and aquatic life from habitat, to shade, to erosion control. Learn the Community Benefits of Riparian Areas

Get Involved

Looking for ways you can volunteer or get involved in protecting Salem streams?

• Volunteer to Plant Trees

• Volunteer to Mark Storm Drains

• Learn More about the Clean Streams Initiative