The natural resources of Washington State are very important to all living things. We depend on all of the natural resources of Washington State just to survive. All of the natural resources are linked together and they all depend on each other. Trees need water in order to grow and trees help keep the water pure by reducing sediment runoff. Salmon live in the water and they help the water and the forests stay healthy.
#1. Conserve electricity.
Hydroelectric dams generate electricity for many people. If we all conserve electricity by turning off lights, TVs, radios, and other electrical appliances that are not being used. This will reduce the need for more electricity. If we do not need more electricity, then we will not need to build more dams. Hydroelectric dams are a very difficult obstacle for salmon migrating to and from the sea.
#2. Maintain your home properly.
Be sure that your home is well insulated so as to reduce the energy needed to keep it warm. This will also lower the need for new dams on rivers and streams. Dams change the habitats of plants and animals, and they may reduce the growth of vegetation to filter sediment from runoff.
#3. Use drip irrigation.
Drip irrigation allows water to be more accurately distributed than other irrigation systems. This will reduce the amount of water used. Drip irrigation requires about 40% less water than other systems of watering.
#4. Help riparian habitat.
Plant native plants along rivers and streams rather than having lawns extend clear to the edge of the water. This will reduce the amount of sediment runoff, which contaminates the water.
#5. Landscape with native plants.
Since native plants are accustomed to the regional environmental conditions you should landscape mostly with these plants rather than with exotic plants. Exotic plants may require more water, fertilizer, and spray, which pollute water, increase sediment runoff, and kill salmon.
#6. Leave woody debris in rivers.
You should not remove logs and tree branches which have fallen into rivers and streams. These provide places for the salmon to hide, and they attract insects which are food for the salmon.
#7. Sweep your walks and driveway.
Sweep your walks and driveways rather than using water for this. Water will wash the dirt and other sediment down storm drains and directly into rivers, contaminating the water.
#8. Wash your car responsibly.
You should have your car professionally washed if at all possible. Professional car washes dispose of water and detergent properly. If you wash your car yourself, you should park it in a grassy area. This will allow the polluted water to filter slowly through the soil rather than flow down storm drains and directly into rivers.
#9. Help the salmon.
When you visit rivers or streams, try to avoid areas with gravel where there may be salmon eggs. Also, you should never disturb migrating or spawning salmon. These salmon are very tired, and they are using the last of their strength to migrate upstream and spawn.
#10. Reduce water and air pollution.
Cars are a major contributor to water pollution, as well as air pollution. You should use your car as little as possible. Walk or bicycle instead of driving whenever you can.
#11. Maintain your car responsibly.
You should make repairs on your car before they develop into bigger problems. If your car is leaking, have it repaired as soon as possible. Oil, gas and other liquids, which leak from cars onto roads and wash down storm drains into rivers, are very polluting to the water.
#12. Wash your boat properly.
You should scrub your boat with a scrub brush, using little or no soap if possible. Soap contaminates the water and can kill salmon. If you need to use soap, use a soap that is specially made for washing boats and is safe for salmon and other fish.
#13. Recycle.
Recycling helps conserve our environment. It helps preserve our natural resources for future generations.
#14. Don't litter.
If you litter, you are directly hurting the salmon, the rivers, and the whole environment.
#15. Reduce your use of home and garden chemicals.
Reduce your use of home and garden chemicals, cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Dispose of these hazardous wastes during special collection days rather than pouring them down storm drains or tossing them into your trash can.
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