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• 1. [Article] Mosier Valley Groundwater Conservation Action Plan: Concept Paper

  Abstract -- This concept paper attempts to describe a groundwater conservation action plan to reverse the overdraft of groundwater in the Mosier Valley, allowing for sustainable use of the resource, and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mosier Valley Groundwater Conservation Action Plan: Concept Paper Abstract -- This concept paper attempts to describe a groundwater conservation action plan to reverse the overdraft of groundwater in the Mosier Valley, allowing for sustainable use of the resource, and conservation of all natural resource values in the Mosier Valley, including homeownership, agriculture, stream flows, and fish and wildlife habitat. Title: Mosier Valley Groundwater Conservation Action Plan: Concept Paper Abstract -- This concept paper attempts to describe a groundwater conservation action plan to reverse the overdraft of groundwater in the Mosier Valley, allowing for sustainable use of the resource, and conservation of all natural resource values in the Mosier Valley, including homeownership, agriculture, stream flows, and fish and wildlife habitat. Close

• 2. [Article] Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, Wasco County, Oregon

  Abstract -- The document is an executive summary on the Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, of Wasco County, Oregon.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, Wasco County, Oregon Abstract -- The document is an executive summary on the Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, of Wasco County, Oregon. Title: Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, Wasco County, Oregon Abstract -- The document is an executive summary on the Planning for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Mosier Valley, of Wasco County, Oregon. Close

• 3. [Article] Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment

  Abstract -- This document describes a plan to improve water quality and fishery habitat within the Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed while improving the economic sustainability of the dairy and livestock industry. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment Abstract -- This document describes a plan to improve water quality and fishery habitat within the Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed while improving the economic sustainability of the dairy and livestock industry. This plan will help the agricultural community meet the requirements under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The financial and technical assistance provided will offer the agricultural community the opportunity to accelerate efforts already underway through the Tillamook Bay National Estuary Study and other state and local programs (Oregon Plan, SB1010 plans, etc.). Proposed is the development and implementation of conservation plans on approximately 60 dairies, 22 heifer replacement operations and 34 other livestock operations. Plans will address resource concerns on farm headquarters, pasture and haylands, riparian areas and wetlands. Title: Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment Abstract -- This document describes a plan to improve water quality and fishery habitat within the Lower Tillamook Bay Watershed while improving the economic sustainability of the dairy and livestock industry. This plan will help the agricultural community meet the requirements under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The financial and technical assistance provided will offer the agricultural community the opportunity to accelerate efforts already underway through the Tillamook Bay National Estuary Study and other state and local programs (Oregon Plan, SB1010 plans, etc.). Proposed is the development and implementation of conservation plans on approximately 60 dairies, 22 heifer replacement operations and 34 other livestock operations. Plans will address resource concerns on farm headquarters, pasture and haylands, riparian areas and wetlands. Close

• 4. [Article] Coho Life Cycle Monitoring in Palouse and Larson Creeks

  Abstract -- The Coho Life Cycle Monitoring project in Palouse and Larson Creeks is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examne coho salmon survival, production and habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coho Life Cycle Monitoring in Palouse and Larson Creeks Abstract -- The Coho Life Cycle Monitoring project in Palouse and Larson Creeks is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examne coho salmon survival, production and habitat use in tide gated coastal lowland streams. Tide gates are tidal flood control structures designed to open and close with each tidal cycle to limit tidal influence on upstream agricultural areas. The basic function of tide gates creates a partial barrier to fish passage. Coastal lowland streams are critical for the sustainability of Oregon Coastal coho, but it is unclear how tide gates may affect coho movement, habitat use and survival. Displaced fishers were employed by the Coos Watershed Association with funding from OWEB Grant 208-2098 during fall 2008 through fall 2009 to assist with implementation of the Life Cycle Monitoring project and related sampling efforts in the lowland coastal subbasins. Title: Coho Life Cycle Monitoring in Palouse and Larson Creeks Abstract -- The Coho Life Cycle Monitoring project in Palouse and Larson Creeks is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examne coho salmon survival, production and habitat use in tide gated coastal lowland streams. Tide gates are tidal flood control structures designed to open and close with each tidal cycle to limit tidal influence on upstream agricultural areas. The basic function of tide gates creates a partial barrier to fish passage. Coastal lowland streams are critical for the sustainability of Oregon Coastal coho, but it is unclear how tide gates may affect coho movement, habitat use and survival. Displaced fishers were employed by the Coos Watershed Association with funding from OWEB Grant 208-2098 during fall 2008 through fall 2009 to assist with implementation of the Life Cycle Monitoring project and related sampling efforts in the lowland coastal subbasins. Close

• 5. [Article] AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary

  Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area with the goal to rehabilitate the estuary “to its condition prior to the existing diking and agricultural use.” To achieve this goal, the U.S. Forest Service has completed three dike removal projects at 9-year intervals beginning in 1978. These projects created a patchwork of restored marshes in various stages of recovery, providing a natural laboratory for studying marsh restoration processes and their effects on estuarine rearing salmonids. Our Sea Grant-funded research, which is a cooperative study with researchers from the University of Washington, has four objectives: (1) describe salmon species use of undiked reference and recovering marshes; (2) compare diets of juvenile salmon among reference and diked marshes of different recovery ages; (3) compare availability and distribution of prey organisms consumed by juvenile salmon; and (4) assess geomorphological and ecological indicators (“metrics”) of restored wetlands and relationships to salmon use. This report describes the results of fish distribution and abundance surveys. Results of the other objectives are described in Gray et al. (In Review). Title: AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area with the goal to rehabilitate the estuary “to its condition prior to the existing diking and agricultural use.” To achieve this goal, the U.S. Forest Service has completed three dike removal projects at 9-year intervals beginning in 1978. These projects created a patchwork of restored marshes in various stages of recovery, providing a natural laboratory for studying marsh restoration processes and their effects on estuarine rearing salmonids. Our Sea Grant-funded research, which is a cooperative study with researchers from the University of Washington, has four objectives: (1) describe salmon species use of undiked reference and recovering marshes; (2) compare diets of juvenile salmon among reference and diked marshes of different recovery ages; (3) compare availability and distribution of prey organisms consumed by juvenile salmon; and (4) assess geomorphological and ecological indicators (“metrics”) of restored wetlands and relationships to salmon use. This report describes the results of fish distribution and abundance surveys. Results of the other objectives are described in Gray et al. (In Review). Close

• 6. [Article] ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas

  Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified in this Plan. The objective of these recommendations is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for impacts on sage-grouse habitats from energy development, its associated infrastructure or other industrial/commercial developments. The rapid increase in energy development across the West in recent years has initiated a landscape approach to wildlife conservation, referred to as core areas (Doherty et al. 2011). The landscape approach prioritizes habitats based on measures that assess sage-grouse population and habitat relative abundance, and provides protection for a minimum of 75% of the population. The remaining 25% of the population area would be available for development with some level of stipulations and regulations, but likely at a reduced level. The strength of this approach is that it uses biological information to identify core areas with the objective of protecting the most important breeding areas. It also enables managers, at the landscape scale, to map and analyze the risks and necessary conservation measures for each core area. The limitation of this approach is that it focuses on breeding abundances. For sage-grouse the relative abundance data is drawn from spring lek counts of males. Thus, habitat conservation measures may be biased towards breeding and nesting only. Lek data have limitations as well including: variable sampling effort both spatially and temporally and detection probabilities have not been estimated for ground or aerial counts. Notwithstanding, these are the best data available for mapping sage-grouse distributions. Because the method outlined by Doherty et al. (2011) focuses on breeding habitats and ODFWs lek data is prone to variable sampling, an additional and complementary method was used to approximate seasonal use ranges, referred to as connectivity corridors. Using a home range estimator local and seasonal connectivity corridors were estimated. Thus, it is important to clarify some definitions about the mapping approach in Oregon. This document refers to Doherty's "core areas" (i.e., 25, 50, 75, 100%) as lek density strata. Lek density 25-75% polygons and the intersection of 100% strata and local connectivity polygons collectively define a "core area." Title: ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified in this Plan. The objective of these recommendations is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for impacts on sage-grouse habitats from energy development, its associated infrastructure or other industrial/commercial developments. The rapid increase in energy development across the West in recent years has initiated a landscape approach to wildlife conservation, referred to as core areas (Doherty et al. 2011). The landscape approach prioritizes habitats based on measures that assess sage-grouse population and habitat relative abundance, and provides protection for a minimum of 75% of the population. The remaining 25% of the population area would be available for development with some level of stipulations and regulations, but likely at a reduced level. The strength of this approach is that it uses biological information to identify core areas with the objective of protecting the most important breeding areas. It also enables managers, at the landscape scale, to map and analyze the risks and necessary conservation measures for each core area. The limitation of this approach is that it focuses on breeding abundances. For sage-grouse the relative abundance data is drawn from spring lek counts of males. Thus, habitat conservation measures may be biased towards breeding and nesting only. Lek data have limitations as well including: variable sampling effort both spatially and temporally and detection probabilities have not been estimated for ground or aerial counts. Notwithstanding, these are the best data available for mapping sage-grouse distributions. Because the method outlined by Doherty et al. (2011) focuses on breeding habitats and ODFWs lek data is prone to variable sampling, an additional and complementary method was used to approximate seasonal use ranges, referred to as connectivity corridors. Using a home range estimator local and seasonal connectivity corridors were estimated. Thus, it is important to clarify some definitions about the mapping approach in Oregon. This document refers to Doherty's "core areas" (i.e., 25, 50, 75, 100%) as lek density strata. Lek density 25-75% polygons and the intersection of 100% strata and local connectivity polygons collectively define a "core area." Close

• 7. [Article] ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017)

  Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017) Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; http://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH/; Title: ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017) Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; http://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH/; Close

• 8. [Article] The Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2006

  Abstract -- State and federal agencies, as well as other organizations, have developed and led many plans during the years to guide conservation of Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Most of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2006 Abstract -- State and federal agencies, as well as other organizations, have developed and led many plans during the years to guide conservation of Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Most of these plans have focused on a particular species, area or natural resource. Although wildlife conservation often has been an implicit concern of these plans, many were developed primarily for other purposes. With the creation of this Oregon Conservation Strategy, Oregon has its first overarching state strategy for conserving fish and wildlife. The Conservation Strategy is an effort to use the best available science to create a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon's native fish and wildlife, as well as various in­vertebrates and native plants. As a guide to conserving the species and habitats that have defined the nature of Oregon, this strategy can help ensure that Oregon's natural treasures are passed on to future generations. The Conservation Strategy emphasizes proactively conserving declining species and habitats to reduce the possibility of future federal or state listings. It is not a regulatory document, but instead presents issues and opportunities, and recommends voluntary actions that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation in Oregon. Healthy fish and wildlife populations require adequate habitat, which is provided in natural systems and, for many species, in landscapes managed for forestry, agriculture, range and urban uses. The goals of the Conservation Strategy are to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations by maintaining and restoring functioning habitats, preventing declines of at-risk species, and reversing declines in these resources where possible. These goals fit well with ODFW's statutory obligation to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. However, this is not a management plan for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Instead, it is a broad strategy for all of Oregon, offering potential roles and opportunities for residents, agencies and organizations. It incorporates information and insights from a broad range of natural resources assessments and conservation plans, supple­mented by the professional expertise and practical experiences of a cross-section of Oregon's resource managers and conservation interests. It is designed to have a variety of applications both inside and outside of state government. Most important, perhaps, it establishes the basis for a common understanding of the challenges facing Oregon's fish and wildlife, and provides a shared set of priorities for addressing the state's conservation needs. The heart of the Conservation Strategy is a blueprint for voluntary action to address the long-term needs of Oregon's fish and wildlife. The future for many species will depend on landowners' and land managers' willingness to voluntarily take action on their own to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The strategy outlined in this document considers fish and wildlife from a statewide perspective, establishing a broader context for decisions about the species and habitats in greatest need of conservation attention. It also recognizes that these issues vary in different regions, requiring conservation actions to be tailored to the unique needs of the fish, wildlife and human communities that coexist throughout Oregon. Much good work already is being done by private landowners. water-shed councils, conservation organizations and agencies like the many soil and water conservation districts. This strategy continues building on the solid foundation these groups have set for Oregon's conservation future. This document is called a strategy, not a plan, because its purpose is to help people make decisions more strategically about how they can invest time and resources in fish and wildlife conservation. To that end, the Conservation Strategy focuses on a suite of species and habitats, many of them closely linked, that are in greatest need of conservation attention. The strategy provides guidance on the types of actions most likely to benefit these species and habitats, and describes a variety of non-regulatory programs that can help landowners and land managers with implementation. For agencies and organizations working on a larger scale, the Conservation Strategy highlights specific geographic "Conservation Opportunity Areas" that provide good opportunities to address the conservation needs of high-priority habitats and species. These landscape-scale areas include both public and private ownership where targeted investments in conservation actions and incentives for private landowners are likely to generate the greatest long-term benefits for fish and wildlife. The expanding footprint of human development and 150 years of landscape alteration have left much of Oregon's fish and wildlife at varying degrees of risk. For example, the song of Oregon's state bird, the western meadowlark, is rarely heard in the Willamette Valley any more. A grassland bird still common in eastern Oregon, the meadowlark is not going to be a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act any time soon. But the state bird is in trouble across a significant portion of its historic range in Oregon. Like most of Oregon's wildlife, it retains a natural resilience and will respond to improved habitat conditions. However, the meadowlark needs some conservation attention. For the western meadowlark and dozens of other similarly vulnerable species including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates and plants, the Oregon Conservation Strategy offers hope for a more secure future. Title: The Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2006 Abstract -- State and federal agencies, as well as other organizations, have developed and led many plans during the years to guide conservation of Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Most of these plans have focused on a particular species, area or natural resource. Although wildlife conservation often has been an implicit concern of these plans, many were developed primarily for other purposes. With the creation of this Oregon Conservation Strategy, Oregon has its first overarching state strategy for conserving fish and wildlife. The Conservation Strategy is an effort to use the best available science to create a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon's native fish and wildlife, as well as various in­vertebrates and native plants. As a guide to conserving the species and habitats that have defined the nature of Oregon, this strategy can help ensure that Oregon's natural treasures are passed on to future generations. The Conservation Strategy emphasizes proactively conserving declining species and habitats to reduce the possibility of future federal or state listings. It is not a regulatory document, but instead presents issues and opportunities, and recommends voluntary actions that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation in Oregon. Healthy fish and wildlife populations require adequate habitat, which is provided in natural systems and, for many species, in landscapes managed for forestry, agriculture, range and urban uses. The goals of the Conservation Strategy are to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations by maintaining and restoring functioning habitats, preventing declines of at-risk species, and reversing declines in these resources where possible. These goals fit well with ODFW's statutory obligation to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. However, this is not a management plan for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Instead, it is a broad strategy for all of Oregon, offering potential roles and opportunities for residents, agencies and organizations. It incorporates information and insights from a broad range of natural resources assessments and conservation plans, supple­mented by the professional expertise and practical experiences of a cross-section of Oregon's resource managers and conservation interests. It is designed to have a variety of applications both inside and outside of state government. Most important, perhaps, it establishes the basis for a common understanding of the challenges facing Oregon's fish and wildlife, and provides a shared set of priorities for addressing the state's conservation needs. The heart of the Conservation Strategy is a blueprint for voluntary action to address the long-term needs of Oregon's fish and wildlife. The future for many species will depend on landowners' and land managers' willingness to voluntarily take action on their own to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The strategy outlined in this document considers fish and wildlife from a statewide perspective, establishing a broader context for decisions about the species and habitats in greatest need of conservation attention. It also recognizes that these issues vary in different regions, requiring conservation actions to be tailored to the unique needs of the fish, wildlife and human communities that coexist throughout Oregon. Much good work already is being done by private landowners. water-shed councils, conservation organizations and agencies like the many soil and water conservation districts. This strategy continues building on the solid foundation these groups have set for Oregon's conservation future. This document is called a strategy, not a plan, because its purpose is to help people make decisions more strategically about how they can invest time and resources in fish and wildlife conservation. To that end, the Conservation Strategy focuses on a suite of species and habitats, many of them closely linked, that are in greatest need of conservation attention. The strategy provides guidance on the types of actions most likely to benefit these species and habitats, and describes a variety of non-regulatory programs that can help landowners and land managers with implementation. For agencies and organizations working on a larger scale, the Conservation Strategy highlights specific geographic "Conservation Opportunity Areas" that provide good opportunities to address the conservation needs of high-priority habitats and species. These landscape-scale areas include both public and private ownership where targeted investments in conservation actions and incentives for private landowners are likely to generate the greatest long-term benefits for fish and wildlife. The expanding footprint of human development and 150 years of landscape alteration have left much of Oregon's fish and wildlife at varying degrees of risk. For example, the song of Oregon's state bird, the western meadowlark, is rarely heard in the Willamette Valley any more. A grassland bird still common in eastern Oregon, the meadowlark is not going to be a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act any time soon. But the state bird is in trouble across a significant portion of its historic range in Oregon. Like most of Oregon's wildlife, it retains a natural resilience and will respond to improved habitat conditions. However, the meadowlark needs some conservation attention. For the western meadowlark and dozens of other similarly vulnerable species including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates and plants, the Oregon Conservation Strategy offers hope for a more secure future. Close

• 9. [Article] The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5

  Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Close

• 10. [Article] 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006

  Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 (Markle and Pearsons 1990; Rhew 1993). This species was formerly distributed throughout the Willamette River Valley (Snyder 1908) in off-channel habitats such as beaver ponds, oxbows, backwater sloughs, and flooded marshes. These habitats usually have little or no water flow, have silty and organic substrate, and have an abundance of aquatic vegetation and cover for hiding and spawning. In the last 100 years, off-channel habitats have disappeared because of changes in seasonal flows and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands for bottomland agriculture. This loss of habitat combined with the introduction of non-native species to the Willamette Valley resulted in a restricted distribution and sharp decline in Oregon chub abundance. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. To evaluate abundance and distribution of Oregon chub populations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted surveys since 1991. Information collected also included the presence of non-native and native species, the characteristics of Oregon chub habitats, the characteristics of potential introduction sites, evaluation of Oregon chub introductions, and life history characteristics (Scheerer 2002, Scheerer and McDonald 2003, Scheerer et al. 2006). The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals. Thirteen of these populations met the above criteria. Eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage (Scheerer et al. 2006). The status of this species has improved substantially over the past decade and with the addition of a single Santiam population, the downlisting criteria will be met (Scheerer et al. 2006). Title: 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 (Markle and Pearsons 1990; Rhew 1993). This species was formerly distributed throughout the Willamette River Valley (Snyder 1908) in off-channel habitats such as beaver ponds, oxbows, backwater sloughs, and flooded marshes. These habitats usually have little or no water flow, have silty and organic substrate, and have an abundance of aquatic vegetation and cover for hiding and spawning. In the last 100 years, off-channel habitats have disappeared because of changes in seasonal flows and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands for bottomland agriculture. This loss of habitat combined with the introduction of non-native species to the Willamette Valley resulted in a restricted distribution and sharp decline in Oregon chub abundance. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. To evaluate abundance and distribution of Oregon chub populations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted surveys since 1991. Information collected also included the presence of non-native and native species, the characteristics of Oregon chub habitats, the characteristics of potential introduction sites, evaluation of Oregon chub introductions, and life history characteristics (Scheerer 2002, Scheerer and McDonald 2003, Scheerer et al. 2006). The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals. Thirteen of these populations met the above criteria. Eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage (Scheerer et al. 2006). The status of this species has improved substantially over the past decade and with the addition of a single Santiam population, the downlisting criteria will be met (Scheerer et al. 2006). Close