Overview: StreamBank

In late 2006, Oregon Trout began development of a web-based software tool that aims to simplify and accelerate the process of funding, permitting, implementing, and reporting on stream restoration projects without sacrificing quality of outcomes. The tool advances ecologically needed restoration projects consistent with regulatory agency and funder sideboards and objectives. It also brings benefits to local restoration project coordinator capacity and the rural workforce, while empowering local landowners and communities to better control their future.

In 2008, Oregon Trout will test the tool, called StreamBank, on a wider scale, with up to 20 projects around the state. An Oregon Solutions project team will work to identify the needed resources for these projects and to assess the policy changes necessary for simplifying and accelerating the process for stream restoration projects.

Concurrently, the Department of State Lands is streamlining its authorization process for restoration projects. The Department sees the potential for restoration proponents using StreamBank to, at the same time, access a streamlined web-based application and reporting process resulting in good projects receiving expedited approvals.

The impetus for the StreamBank tool comes from the current situation where, despite growing threats to already compromised freshwater resources and rural economies, a system of long planning, funding and permitting cycles delays projects, or discourages landowners from undertaking projects altogether. Restoration projects require implementation on a meaningful scale for both ecological and economic benefits. By using technology and changing underlying systemic barriers to efficiency, Oregon can send a strong signal that it remains committed to environmental innovation.

Project Documents and Press Releases

• Project Request Letter to Governor Kulongoski [pdf]
• StreamBank Project Designation Letter [pdf]
• StreamBank Pilot Project RFP, 2008 Final [pdf]
• Oregon Solutions February 22, 2008 draft Meeting Notes [pdf]
• Oregon Solutions April 4, 2008 draft Meeting Notes [pdf]
• StreamBank Implementation Plan [pdf]
• Pilot Projects Map [pdf]
• Pilot Projects Spreadsheet [pdf]

Additional Information

• February 27, 2008 Department of State Lands Strategy for E-permitting and Process Improvements [pdf]
• StreamBank
• Case Study for the 2007 StreamBank Pilot Projects
• Oregon Department of State Lands Permitting Information
• Proposed General Authorization for the Placement of Large Wood and Boulders (Expedited)

Project Contacts

• Project Convener: Ken Bailey, CFO Orchard View Farms and member of the State Board of Agriculture
• Project Manager: Pete Dalke