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October 27, 2014
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting public meetings to collect input on two proposed land acquisitions: Hayden Island near Salem and property next to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.
Hayden Island
The public meeting is Nov. 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Commission Room at ODFW Headquarters, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE in Salem. Written public comments will be taken through Nov. 28, 2014 and can be addressed to Laura Tesler, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem OR 97302 or email laura.tesler@state.or.us
Hayden Island is one of the largest and most intact riparian forests along the middle Willamette main stem river. This 270-acre property is located immediately south of SR-22 and due west of Salem along the Willamette River.
It consists entirely of priority habitats identified by the Oregon Conservation Strategy: riparian, wetlands, and freshwater aquatic habitats that include Willamette River shoreline, backwater sloughs, and overflow channels. Acquisition will provide habitat for salmon, native turtles and frogs, Pacific lamprey and many other fish and wildlife species.
Hayden Island is currently held by a private company and acquisition would be funded through Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Transportation, The Trust for Public Land, and the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program (WWMP). The WWMP is funded through an agreement between the State of Oregon and the Bonneville Power Administration to permanently settle wildlife mitigation responsibilities for the Willamette River Basin Flood Control and Hydroelectric Project in the Willamette subbasin.
Coyote Creek NE
The public meeting is Nov. 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Fern Ridge Public Library, 88026 Territorial Road in Veneta. Written public comments will be taken through Nov. 28, 2014 and can be addressed to Laura Tesler, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem OR 97302 or email laura.tesler@state.or.us
Coyote Creek NE consists of 225 acres of prairie habitat adjacent to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. When restored, this area could provide habitat for declining grassland birds such as the streaked horned lark, western meadowlark, amphibians, reptiles, raptors, waterfowl and other species. Restoration will also provide opportunities for reintroduction of endangered Willamette Valley plant species such as Bradshaw’s lomatium and Willamette daisy.
Coyote Creek NE is currently owned by two separate landowners. Acquisition would augment surrounding parcels which are held for conservation purposes and would be managed under the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. Property acquisition will be funded through the WWMP.
The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of about 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas and Roseburg with ten district offices located throughout the state. Visit www.odfw.com.
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Contact:
Laura Tesler (503) 947-6086
Ann Kreager (541) 757-5246
Fax: (503) 947-6002
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