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Sept. 27, 2024
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Willow flycatcher
Keith Kohl, ODFW |
SALEM, Ore. – ODFW’s Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program (WWMP) proposes to acquire acreage near the South Coyote unit of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area (FRWA) in Lane County.
ODFW staff will host a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams on Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the acquisitions. The public is invited to attend and comments can also be submitted via this form.
Use the information below to join online:
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 265 295 550 616
Passcode: zV9rBM
Dial in by phone
+1 503-446-4951, United States, Portland
Phone conference ID: 558 741 044#
The three proposed properties, South Coyote IV (79 acres), South Coyote V (57 acres), and South Coyote VI (86 acres), are located next to FRWA which is within the West Eugene Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) as identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy . This COA includes the largest remaining wet prairie in the Willamette Valley and supports bottom wetland, grassland and riparian habitats. The properties are also located within an ODFW-identified Priority Wildlife Connectivity Area.
ODFW acquired the 309-acre South Coyote and 224-acre Northeast Coyote units of FRWA in 2013 and 2015, and the South Coyote II and III parcels in 2022 and 2024 using WWMP funds. Critical connectivity between adjacent ODFW-owned and managed lands would be maintained and enhanced with these proposed acquisitions. Funding to permanently acquire these properties would be provided by the WWMP.
The WWMP is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) through a 15-year agreement between ODFW and BPA to settle federal wildlife habitat mitigation obligations in the Willamette Valley.
All three properties would be open to the public for hunting, wildlife viewing and educational opportunities. All rules and restrictions that will apply to the properties will be consistent with those of FRWA and a future permanent conservation easement.
ODFW would grant BPA a conservation easement to protect each property’s conservation values in perpetuity and the WWMP will provide additional funding for ongoing, long-term maintenance activities that will take place on the properties.
If purchased, ODFW will develop a land management plan for each property to guide actions to protect and enhance conservation values. The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the draft land management plans.
It is anticipated that management efforts on the three properties would focus on improving wet prairie and flowing water and riparian habitats by emphasizing control of non-native invasive vegetation and native plant establishment. These sites would permanently protect and increase habitat for northern red-legged frogs, northwestern pond turtle, willow flycatcher, yellow-breasted chat and migrating waterfowl including dusky Canada goose.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on the acquisitions on Dec. 13 at the Commission meeting in Salem. Maps, FAQs and additional information about the property acquisitions and the WWMP can be found here .
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Photo available: The property acquisitions will permanently protect and increase habitat for willow flycatcher (pictured) and other wildlife (Photo credit: Keith Kohl, ODFW).
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