The Williams Creek watershed encompasses 52,000 acres,
including approximately 3000 people in the unincorporated
rural community of Williams. Williams Creek is one of
the largest tributaries to the Applegate River, and
has some of the best native fish habitat in the Rogue
Basin. Our watershed contains spawning grounds of several
species of anadromous fish, including coho, steelhead
and chinook salmon, Pacific lamprey as well resident
cutthroat trout. Over 150 miles of potential fish habitat
exist in Williams Creek and its tributaries, including
five miles of ‘core’ coho habitat, one of
only three such areas in the greater Applegate watershed.
Baseline monitoring data indicates that the Williams
Creek watershed has some of the highest potential for
restoring healthy salmon runs in the Applegate River
system.
In 2000 the WCWC conducted the Williams Creek Watershed
Assessment and, from that, developed an Action
Plan that identifies and prioritizes restoration
needs and conservation opportunities within the watershed.
Working with landowners and natural resources agency
representatives, we continue to develop, design and
implement successful “on-the-ground” watershed
restoration projects. Our education and outreach activities
promote public awareness within the Williams community
regarding watershed health, and provide community members
with opportunities and tools to improve and maintain
it. Strong community participation, volunteer efforts,
and partnerships with landowners, agencies and interested
groups all contribute to the success of Watershed Council
projects.
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