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• 51. [Article] Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Alverson, Edward R., VanderSchaaf, Dick, Kagan, James S., Christy, John A., Titus, John H. As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian plant communities and their threatened biota in the Willamette Valley. Between October 1994 and September 1996, we evaluated 172 wetland and riparian sites throughout the Willamette Valley. A site is a stream or river reach or wetland area that was inventoried at one to many locations. Of these sites, 21 are high-quality remnants important for future protection and restoration efforts. We identified 153 natural communities as occurring in native wetland and riparian habitats, of which 101 are new to the plant community classification of the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. Twenty-six species of rare animals and 23 species of rare plants occur in the Willamette Valley. Thirty-two species of rare plants and animals appear to be directly dependent on wetland and riparian communities in the Willamette Valley, and twenty-two species are dependent on upland communities in the Willamette Valley. Mapping of presettlement vegetation in the Willamette Valley indicates that 456,119 hectares (1,127,071 ac) of wetland and riparian habitat have been lost overall, with 12 communities impacted in particular. As for uplands, 732,432 hectares (1,809,841 ac) of habitat have been lost overall, with 7 natural communities impacted in particular. We recommend local citizen involvement, land purchases and restoration as means of protecting and restoring remnant ecosystems and their biota in the Willamette Valley. Title: Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Alverson, Edward R., VanderSchaaf, Dick, Kagan, James S., Christy, John A., Titus, John H. As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian plant communities and their threatened biota in the Willamette Valley. Between October 1994 and September 1996, we evaluated 172 wetland and riparian sites throughout the Willamette Valley. A site is a stream or river reach or wetland area that was inventoried at one to many locations. Of these sites, 21 are high-quality remnants important for future protection and restoration efforts. We identified 153 natural communities as occurring in native wetland and riparian habitats, of which 101 are new to the plant community classification of the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. Twenty-six species of rare animals and 23 species of rare plants occur in the Willamette Valley. Thirty-two species of rare plants and animals appear to be directly dependent on wetland and riparian communities in the Willamette Valley, and twenty-two species are dependent on upland communities in the Willamette Valley. Mapping of presettlement vegetation in the Willamette Valley indicates that 456,119 hectares (1,127,071 ac) of wetland and riparian habitat have been lost overall, with 12 communities impacted in particular. As for uplands, 732,432 hectares (1,809,841 ac) of habitat have been lost overall, with 7 natural communities impacted in particular. We recommend local citizen involvement, land purchases and restoration as means of protecting and restoring remnant ecosystems and their biota in the Willamette Valley. Close

• 52. [Article] The Nehalem Estuary Critical Wetlands

  Abstract -- This report discusses the Nehalem Estuary. Topics include wetland systems, estuarine subsystems, habitat classes, critical estuine habitat, salmonid use of estuary, current conditions, protection ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Nehalem Estuary Critical Wetlands Abstract -- This report discusses the Nehalem Estuary. Topics include wetland systems, estuarine subsystems, habitat classes, critical estuine habitat, salmonid use of estuary, current conditions, protection of wetlands and estuary, and estuine management units. Title: The Nehalem Estuary Critical Wetlands Abstract -- This report discusses the Nehalem Estuary. Topics include wetland systems, estuarine subsystems, habitat classes, critical estuine habitat, salmonid use of estuary, current conditions, protection of wetlands and estuary, and estuine management units. Close

• 53. [Article] Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats

  Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only mapped within their associated Strategy Ecoregions (see http://oregonconservationstrategy.org/strategy-habitats/ for more information on all Strategy Habitats). The list of Strategy Habitats is: Aspen Woodlands, Coastal Dunes, Estuaries, Flowing Water and Riparian Habitats, Grasslands, Late Successional Mixed Conifer Forest, Natural Lakes, Oak Woodlands, Ponderosa Pine Woodlands, Sagebrush Habitats, and Wetlands. Title: Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only mapped within their associated Strategy Ecoregions (see http://oregonconservationstrategy.org/strategy-habitats/ for more information on all Strategy Habitats). The list of Strategy Habitats is: Aspen Woodlands, Coastal Dunes, Estuaries, Flowing Water and Riparian Habitats, Grasslands, Late Successional Mixed Conifer Forest, Natural Lakes, Oak Woodlands, Ponderosa Pine Woodlands, Sagebrush Habitats, and Wetlands. Close

• 54. [Article] The application of geographic information systems for delineation and classification of tidal wetlands for resource management of Oregon’s coastal watersheds

  Resource managers of Oregon’s tidal wetlands require an improved GIS layer for management of existing tidal wetland habitat and areas considered for tidal wetland restoration. A reconnaissance project ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The application of geographic information systems for delineation and classification of tidal wetlands for resource management of Oregon’s coastal watersheds Author: Scranton, Russell W. Resource managers of Oregon’s tidal wetlands require an improved GIS layer for management of existing tidal wetland habitat and areas considered for tidal wetland restoration. A reconnaissance project was initiated, such that interpretations of remote sensing data, the National Wetland Inventory, Oregon Estuary Plan Book and additional management tools were used to create a “tidal wetland” in an ArcGIS Geodatabase, for Oregon’s coastal estuaries, excluding the Columbia River. With an improved hydrologic delineation of tidal waters and channels this data set classifies existing tidal wetlands for future resource management use based on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification (adopted nationally and by the State of Oregon) and for habitat classification based on the Oregon Estuary Plan Book classification system. The classification “restoration consideration areas” was developed for lands where restoration of tidal circulation might be geotechnically feasible pending further investigations. Additional groundwork and validation of the data set classification’s is recommended before this interpretation is used as an official reference for resource management. In addition to wetland classification this project was partly developed to provide a GIS base layer, which when combined with supplementary data sets, would enhance the ability of resource mangers and citizens to prioritize tidal wetland restoration efforts and evaluate the ecological integrity of an individual tidal wetlands or an entire estuarine complex. A simple spatial analysis of this data set’s classification system by watershed and comparison to the Oregon State of the Environment Report 2000 (SER) shows improvements to total existing tidal marsh habitat. It also shows that the SER underestimated the total habitat lost due to anthropogenic alteration based on information and techniques available for their assessment. Additional development of the data set may enhance management of Goals 16 and 17 of Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals Guidelines, aid in management of non-point source pollution and the designation Critical Habitat and restoration priorities for the endangered Coastal Coho. Resource managers and citizens will be able to view and interpret this data set and supporting documentation at the OSU Library or in part online at the Oregon Coastal Atlas (www.coastalatlas.net). Title: The application of geographic information systems for delineation and classification of tidal wetlands for resource management of Oregon’s coastal watersheds Author: Scranton, Russell W. Resource managers of Oregon’s tidal wetlands require an improved GIS layer for management of existing tidal wetland habitat and areas considered for tidal wetland restoration. A reconnaissance project was initiated, such that interpretations of remote sensing data, the National Wetland Inventory, Oregon Estuary Plan Book and additional management tools were used to create a “tidal wetland” in an ArcGIS Geodatabase, for Oregon’s coastal estuaries, excluding the Columbia River. With an improved hydrologic delineation of tidal waters and channels this data set classifies existing tidal wetlands for future resource management use based on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification (adopted nationally and by the State of Oregon) and for habitat classification based on the Oregon Estuary Plan Book classification system. The classification “restoration consideration areas” was developed for lands where restoration of tidal circulation might be geotechnically feasible pending further investigations. Additional groundwork and validation of the data set classification’s is recommended before this interpretation is used as an official reference for resource management. In addition to wetland classification this project was partly developed to provide a GIS base layer, which when combined with supplementary data sets, would enhance the ability of resource mangers and citizens to prioritize tidal wetland restoration efforts and evaluate the ecological integrity of an individual tidal wetlands or an entire estuarine complex. A simple spatial analysis of this data set’s classification system by watershed and comparison to the Oregon State of the Environment Report 2000 (SER) shows improvements to total existing tidal marsh habitat. It also shows that the SER underestimated the total habitat lost due to anthropogenic alteration based on information and techniques available for their assessment. Additional development of the data set may enhance management of Goals 16 and 17 of Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals Guidelines, aid in management of non-point source pollution and the designation Critical Habitat and restoration priorities for the endangered Coastal Coho. Resource managers and citizens will be able to view and interpret this data set and supporting documentation at the OSU Library or in part online at the Oregon Coastal Atlas (www.coastalatlas.net). Close

• 55. [Article] Ecosystem Recovery in Estuarine Wetlands of the Columbia River Estuary

  In the restoration of tidal wetland ecosystems, potential drivers of plant community development range from biotic controls (e.g. plant competition, seed dispersal) to abiotic controls (e.g. tidal flooding, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecosystem Recovery in Estuarine Wetlands of the Columbia River Estuary Author: Kidd, Sarah Ann Year: 2017 In the restoration of tidal wetland ecosystems, potential drivers of plant community development range from biotic controls (e.g. plant competition, seed dispersal) to abiotic controls (e.g. tidal flooding, salinity levels). How these controls influence the success of tidal wetland restoration are only partly understood, but have important implications for wetland habitat recovery. Specifically, the extent to which the existing native and non-native seed banks in tidally reconnected wetlands interact with these controls is not clear, yet the potential success of passive restoration methods depends upon this understanding. For a 54-year chronosequence of eleven tidal wetland restoration sites in the Lower Columbia River of western Oregon, USA, it was hypothesized that native plant species and soil properties would show trends approaching reference levels within 3 to 20 years post-restoration and that lower elevation wetland areas within restored sites would exhibit a greater native species abundance and similarity to reference sites, compared with restored high elevation wetland areas. Results indicated that plant species richness, soil organic matter, bulk density, pH, and salinity conditions among the restoration sites reached reference wetland ranges within 3-6 years post-tidal reconnection. The mid-low marsh elevation zones (2.5 m) remained dominated by non-native species Phalaris arundinacea and Juncus effusus subsp. effusus. To investigate the mechanisms driving these non-native plant invasions, it was hypothesized that native and non-native wetland plant community distributions would be reflective both of their abundance in the seed bank and of their germination tolerance to wetland tidal flooding and salinity conditions. Using a factorial study design of three tidal conditions by three salinity levels, these hypotheses were tested in the greenhouse. Overall, non-native seeds were found to significantly outnumber native seeds in both seed banks. In the greenhouse, P. arundinacea and J. effusus were found to germinate more readily out of the seed bank under freshwater high-marsh flooding (1 hour a day) treatments as compared to oligohaline (3 ppt) mid-low marsh flooding (3-6 hours twice a day) treatments and to brackish salinity (10 ppt) treatments. Dominant native wetland species, Carex lyngbyei and Schoenoplectus lacustris, germination were not found to vary significantly among the treatments (p > 0.10). These results indicate that the salinity and flooding gradients within these restored marshes suppress germination of the non-native species in the low-mid marsh but not in the high marsh, where they are likely able to outcompete the native species due to their dominance in the seed bank. The implications of these results for passive tidal wetland restoration efforts are that both seed bank composition and species-specific tolerances to restored tidal flooding and salinity gradients are key mechanisms driving native and non-native plant community development and resilience. Title: Ecosystem Recovery in Estuarine Wetlands of the Columbia River Estuary Author: Kidd, Sarah Ann Year: 2017 In the restoration of tidal wetland ecosystems, potential drivers of plant community development range from biotic controls (e.g. plant competition, seed dispersal) to abiotic controls (e.g. tidal flooding, salinity levels). How these controls influence the success of tidal wetland restoration are only partly understood, but have important implications for wetland habitat recovery. Specifically, the extent to which the existing native and non-native seed banks in tidally reconnected wetlands interact with these controls is not clear, yet the potential success of passive restoration methods depends upon this understanding. For a 54-year chronosequence of eleven tidal wetland restoration sites in the Lower Columbia River of western Oregon, USA, it was hypothesized that native plant species and soil properties would show trends approaching reference levels within 3 to 20 years post-restoration and that lower elevation wetland areas within restored sites would exhibit a greater native species abundance and similarity to reference sites, compared with restored high elevation wetland areas. Results indicated that plant species richness, soil organic matter, bulk density, pH, and salinity conditions among the restoration sites reached reference wetland ranges within 3-6 years post-tidal reconnection. The mid-low marsh elevation zones (2.5 m) remained dominated by non-native species Phalaris arundinacea and Juncus effusus subsp. effusus. To investigate the mechanisms driving these non-native plant invasions, it was hypothesized that native and non-native wetland plant community distributions would be reflective both of their abundance in the seed bank and of their germination tolerance to wetland tidal flooding and salinity conditions. Using a factorial study design of three tidal conditions by three salinity levels, these hypotheses were tested in the greenhouse. Overall, non-native seeds were found to significantly outnumber native seeds in both seed banks. In the greenhouse, P. arundinacea and J. effusus were found to germinate more readily out of the seed bank under freshwater high-marsh flooding (1 hour a day) treatments as compared to oligohaline (3 ppt) mid-low marsh flooding (3-6 hours twice a day) treatments and to brackish salinity (10 ppt) treatments. Dominant native wetland species, Carex lyngbyei and Schoenoplectus lacustris, germination were not found to vary significantly among the treatments (p > 0.10). These results indicate that the salinity and flooding gradients within these restored marshes suppress germination of the non-native species in the low-mid marsh but not in the high marsh, where they are likely able to outcompete the native species due to their dominance in the seed bank. The implications of these results for passive tidal wetland restoration efforts are that both seed bank composition and species-specific tolerances to restored tidal flooding and salinity gradients are key mechanisms driving native and non-native plant community development and resilience. Close

• 56. [Article] Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Title: Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Close

• 57. [Article] Coastal steelhead trout : life in the watershed

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coastal steelhead trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Title: Coastal steelhead trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Close

• 58. [Article] Water quality effects of hyporheic processing

  "PB2000-107420."

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water quality effects of hyporheic processing Author: Wigington, P.J., Landers, Dixon, Fernald, Alexander "PB2000-107420." Title: Water quality effects of hyporheic processing Author: Wigington, P.J., Landers, Dixon, Fernald, Alexander "PB2000-107420." Close

• 59. [Article] White River Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- This Assessment has been undertaken by the White River Watershed Council, in partnership with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is the intent of this Assessment to provide ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: White River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This Assessment has been undertaken by the White River Watershed Council, in partnership with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is the intent of this Assessment to provide a reference point from which the stakeholders in the White River Watershed, those who live and work in the watershed, can continue to plan for the health of its lands and waters into the future. The assessment contains sections on: a watershed description, settlement and development, stream flow and water rights, irrigation and water management, runoff and erosion, water quality, channel types, riparian and wetlands conditions, aquatic habitat, upland habitat, and evaluation. Title: White River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This Assessment has been undertaken by the White River Watershed Council, in partnership with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is the intent of this Assessment to provide a reference point from which the stakeholders in the White River Watershed, those who live and work in the watershed, can continue to plan for the health of its lands and waters into the future. The assessment contains sections on: a watershed description, settlement and development, stream flow and water rights, irrigation and water management, runoff and erosion, water quality, channel types, riparian and wetlands conditions, aquatic habitat, upland habitat, and evaluation. Close

• 60. [Article] Coho salmon : life in the watershed

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coho salmon : life in the watershed Author: Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program, Oregon Coastal Watershed Enhancement Project Title: Coho salmon : life in the watershed Author: Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program, Oregon Coastal Watershed Enhancement Project Close