The Wetlands Conservancy
$10,000

This is a pilot project that refines and tests a process developed by The Wetlands Conservancy to identify and survey beaver habitats in key coastal estuaries with local partners and volunteer teams of community scientists. Indirectly, the project will impact the health of significant estuaries on the central coast, home to over 400 members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and 14,500 residents of Newport/Walport and thousands of visitors/year.  Diverse wetland habitats created by beavers are vital to salmon, lamprey, and countless other species. Currently, beaver presence is largely unknown in Oregon’s coastal regions. Understanding the location of active beaver populations allows land stewards to select best conservation and restoration techniques.  The Wetlands Conservancy will work collaboratively with key regional partners - including the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, OR Department of Fish & Wildlife, MidCoast Watershed Council, and USFS - to review, discuss protocols, and develop a survey process for local implementation in three targeted estuaries: Siletz and Salmon Rivers, and Yaquina Bay.  The Wetlands Conservancy will convene partners, train crew leaders and volunteers and will summarize and share results. Surveys are done during low-flow seasons, but planning and training will happen year-round. The Wetlands Conservancy will present results and next steps to community and partners, and discuss potential restoration projects.

Project Report