DSL builds support for voluntary restoration projects
Since Europeans first began settling here, Oregon has lost approximately 40 percent of its historical natural wetlands. Losses in some regions have been much higher, particularly in Oregon's coastal zone where approximately two-thirds of the pre-1850s acreage of tidal marsh has been converted.
Despite these losses, some of these converted wetlands have the potential to be cost-effectively restored, and offer unique opportunities to enhance water quality and quantity, reduce flooding impacts, filter pollutants, and greatly enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
A restoration project at South Slough Reserve.
Photos by Craig Cornu.
The Department of State Lands is pleased to announce we've recently increased our capacity to assist Oregonians with implementing voluntary wetland restoration projects throughout the state. With two new full-time wetland restoration specialists on board, the Department is actively facilitating improved implementation and tracking of voluntary wetland restoration projects. This work is being funded for three years through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Kathy Verble, based in the Salem office, is leading DSL's efforts to work with landowners and organizations interested in restoring wetlands.
While DSL administers regulatory protections aimed at preventing additional wetland losses, the agency has had very limited resources available to support landowners interested in restoring previously degraded wetlands. Through the agency's new voluntary restoration initiative, DSL's primary objectives are to:
Accurately track and report the quality and quantity of voluntary wetland restoration projects currently being implemented throughout the state;
Provide technical assistance on restoration site assessment, permitting and monitoring;
Facilitate the restoration of historical wetland types with an emphasis on rare and at-risk habitats; and
Complete a new Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol to support consistent assessment of wetland functions throughout the state.
This work is an important component of DSL's ongoing efforts to implement its comprehensive Wetland Conservation Strategy, and will contribute significantly to salmon recovery efforts under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.
If you are interested in learning more about wetland restoration opportunities, please refer to the Internet links below and/or contact:
