Coastal Program
The mission of the Coastal Program is to protect and recover threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and inter-jurisdictional fish - known as Federal Trust Species - by supporting voluntary restoration and the enhancement of high priority coastal habitats.
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Habitat Focus Areas
Species' needs are addressed through actions conducted in habitat-based focus areas on the Oregon Coast, as described in our strategic plan:
• Lower Columbia River (salmonids)
• Estuaries (salmonids and others)
• Coastal Strand (Western snowy plover)
• Coastal Meadows (Oregon silverspot butterfly)
• Coastal Bogs (Western lily)
• Key Watersheds (salmonids and others)
• Coastal Rocks and Islands (migratory seabirds, marine mammals) Restoration Projects
Restored Coastal Strands
Restored Coastal Strands provide habitat for the threatened western snowy plover, a species highly impacted by the invasion of European beach grass and dune stabilization.Siletz Bay Restoration
Restoration at Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge improved habitat for salmonids and other wetland species. Tidal wetlands, tributary spawning and rearing habitats, and off-channel and winter refugia habitats for juvenile salmon are the highest priority habitats for anadromous fish recovery.Alsea River Estuary Restoration
Plans for tidal marsh restoration and protection in the Alsea River estuary are underway, including dike removal and conservation easements.Partner Contributions
In an effort to improve fish and wildlife habitat, conduct habitat assessments, and provide technical assistance. the Coastal Program has collaborated with federal, state and tribal governments; non-governmental organizations; private industry; and private landowners.
Since 2003, the Coastal Program in Oregon has leveraged over $1.25 million dollars of partner contributions, representing a greater than 1-to-5 match and restoring over 300 acres of high priority coastal habitats.
All Coast Program goals continue to be met annually and in 2008 approximately 18 projects will be under way on the Oregon coast.
What We Can Accomplish Together
Salmonid Recovery
The Coastal Program contributes to the recovery of native salmonids in Lower Columbia River estuaries and key watersheds by: a) removing barriers to fish passage, b) planting riparian areas, c) increasing stream structural complexity, and d) restoring tidal connectivity.Western Snowy Plover Recovery
The Coastal Program contributes to the recovery of western snowy plovers in the Coastal Strand by: a) removing non-native vegetation, and b) lowering stabilized dunes.Oregon Silverspot and Western Lily Recovery
The Coastal Program contributes to the recovery of Oregon silverspot butterflies in coastal meadows, and western lilies in coastal bogs by: a) reducing encroaching vegetation, b) planting desirable species, and c) protecting occupied areas from disturbance.Seabird and Marine Mammal Stability
The Coastal Program contributes to the maintenance of occupied marine mammal and seabird nesting habitat by: a) protecting coastal rocks and islands from disturbance, and b) monitoring annual productivity.
Getting Schooled on Fish Taxonomy
Hot off the press! A Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Oregon by Douglas F. Markle is now available. It is the first authoritative guide to native and non-native freshwater fishes found in Oregon. This book combines the rigorous science of Oregon State University's Dr. Markle with beautiful illustrations by renowned artist Joseph R. Tomelleri.
