The Department of Ecology has recently imposed a substantial fine totaling $204,000 on multiple property owners found responsible for causing significant damage to the shoreline along the Deschutes River. The violations included unauthorized grading, removal of native vegetation, and illegal shoreline armoring which disrupted the natural habitat and increased erosion risks. These actions not only degrade the ecological health of the river but also threaten the habitat of native fish and wildlife species that depend on the shoreline for survival.

Enforcement officers highlighted several critical infractions committed by the property owners, including:

  • Clearing native riparian vegetation without permits
  • Installation of unapproved retaining walls and bulkheads
  • Disturbance of sediment leading to water quality degradation

To emphasize transparency, here is a summary of…