Regional Conservation Strategy for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region Regional Conservation Strategy Contents

Regional Conservation Strategy for the greater Portland-vancouver Region regional conservation strategy Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: A Unique Place, a Unique Approach...... 1 Why a Regional Conservation Strategy?...... 1 Understanding Biodiversity...... 3 What Is Biodiversity?...... 3 Why Is Conserving Biodiversity Important?...... 3 Where Do You Find Biodiversity and How Do You Conserve It?...... 4 What the Strategy Is and How It Can Be Used...... 5 A Collaborative Approach...... 5 Relationship of the Strategy to The Intertwine Alliance...... 6

Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision...... 7 The Intertwine Vision...... 7 The Greenspaces Policy Advisory Committee...... 8 The Intertwine Vision: A Century in the Making...... 8 Suggested Reading...... 11

Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts...... 13 Relationship to State Plans...... 13 About the Oregon Conservation Strategy...... 14 About the Washington Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy...... 14 Relationship to Federal Programs...... 15 Relationship to Local Conservation Efforts...... 17 Regional Planning: Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods...... 18 Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Plan and 1995 and 2006 Metro Bond Measures...... 19 Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan and Legacy Lands Program...... 19 Local Government Conservation Efforts...... 20 Watershed Council Planning Process...... 20 Local Conservation Districts...... 21 Land Trusts and Other Nonprofit Organizations...... 21 Other Key Conservation Efforts...... 22 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Priority Habitats and Species (PHS)...... 22 The Intertwine Alliance. 2012. Regional Conservation Strategy for the Greater Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Plans...... 22 Portland-Vancouver Region. A. Sihler, editor. The Intertwine Alliance, Portland, OR. www.theintertwine.org Columbia River Gorge Vital Signs and Indicators Project...... 23 Oregon Biodiversity Information Center...... 23 Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds...... 23 Copyright © 2012 The Intertwine Alliance Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board...... 24 i regional conservation strategy Contents

Willamette Valley Synthesis Project...... 24 Desired Future Conditions...... 69 Washington Recreation and Conservation Office...... 25 Threats and Challenges...... 69 Washington DNR and Natural Areas Program...... 25 Strategic Actions...... 69 Cascadia Prairie-Oak Partnership...... 25 Suggested Reading...... 78 Suggested Reading...... 26 Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors...... 79 Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges...... 27 Why Do Biodiversity Corridors Matter?...... 79 Summary of the Region...... 29 Characteristics of Effective Corridors...... 80 Threats to the Region’s Biodiversity...... 30 Desired Future Condition for Biodiversity Corridors...... 84 Opportunities to Conserve the Region’s Biodiversity...... 30 Threats and Challenges...... 84 Desired Future Conditions...... 31 Strategic Actions...... 85 Landscapes of Cultural and Scenic Value...... 32 Suggested Reading...... 88 Suggested Reading...... 34 Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure...... 89 Chapter 5 Climate Change...... 35 What Are Ecosystem Services?...... 89 The Precautionary Principle...... 36 What Is Green Infrastructure?...... 90 A Step Ahead...... 36 Why Invest in Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure?...... 90 In This Chapter...... 37 Ecosystem Services Are Beginning to Guide Investment Now...... 92 Risks to Natural Systems Associated with Climate Change...... 38 Strategies for Scaling up Investment in Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure...... 93 Strategies for Increasing the Resilience of Natural Systems...... 42 Examples of Success: Implementing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies...... 45 Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research...... 95 The Schweitzer Project along Johnson Creek...... 45 Equity and Regional Conservation...... 95 Restoring Flows to the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River...... 45 Historical Roots of Inequitable Access to Nature...... 97 TriMet Bridge Crossing—Light Rail to Milwaukie...... 46 Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Conservation...... 98 Wildlife Passage at Boeckman (in Wilsonville)...... 46 Conservation Education...... 100 Monitoring to Inform Local Adaptive Management...... 46 Goals of Regional Conservation Education Efforts...... 101 Curtain Creek Enhancement...... 47 How Conservation Education Happens...... 102 Clark County Stream Health Report...... 47 Research on Urban Ecosystems...... 103 Growing Green Program...... 47 The Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium of Portland-Vancouver (UERC)...... 103 Energy Conservation...... 48 Challenges to Conducting Urban Ecosystem Research in the Region...... 104 Suggested Reading...... 48 Urban Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Needs...... 105 Suggested Reading...... 107 Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas...... 49 Conservation in Natural Areas...... 50 Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives...... 109 Why Do Natural Areas Matter?...... 53 Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of Western Oregon and Priorities for Investment in Natural Areas...... 55 Southwestern Washington...... 109 Desired Future Condition for Natural Areas and Intact Habitat...... 56 Streaked Horned Lark Working Group...... 110 Threats and Challenges...... 56 Native Turtle Conservation...... 111 Strategic Actions...... 59 Pacific Northwest Native Freshwater Mussel Work Group...... 112 Conservation in Working Lands...... 61 Salmon and Steelhead Conservation and Recovery Plans...... 112 Why Do Working Lands Matter?...... 61 Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative...... 113 Desired Future Condition for Working Lands...... 62 Coastal Cutthroat Trout Conservation Initiative...... 114 Threats and Challenges...... 63 Bull Trout Conservation and Recovery...... 114 Strategic Actions...... 63 Bald Eagle Conservation and Recovery...... 115 Conservation in Developed Areas...... 67 Western Purple Martin Working Group...... 116 Why Do Developed Areas Matter?...... 67 Bat Initiatives...... 117 ii iii regional conservation strategy Acknowledgements

White-nose Syndrome Response Plan...... 117 The Bat Grid...... 117 Bi-state Partnership to Assess Pond-breeding Amphibian Populations Using a Citizen Science Approach...... 118 Acknowledgements Peregrine Conservation and Recovery...... 119 Migratory Birds...... 120

Chapter 11 Funding Options...... 123 Bond Measures...... 123 Conservation Futures Property Tax Measure...... 124 The production of the Regional Conservation responsibility for any errors and omissions. A full System Development Charges...... 124 Strategy was coordinated by Columbia Land list of contributors is included in Appendix A. Land Trusts and Other Nonprofits...... 125 Trust with financial support from The Bullitt Investment in Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services...... 125 Foundation. Steering Committee Members Opportunities for Private Landowners...... 126 Jeff Azerrad, Washington Department Grant Programs...... 128 Additional financial support was provided by: of Fish and Wildlife Suggested Reading...... 128 Clean Water Services Susan Barnes, Oregon Department East Multnomah Soil and of Fish and Wildlife Chapter 12 References...... 129 Water Conservation District Kathleen Brennan-Hunter, Metro Metro Regional Government Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Appendixes National Parks Service, Rivers and Trails Rich Hunter, Clean Water Services A Participants in Development of the Regional Conservation Strategy...... 135 Conservation Assistance Program Pat Lee, Clark County B Intertwine Alliance Partners...... 139 Vancouver Audubon Society Deborah Lev, City of Portland Parks C Providers of Conservation Education in the Region...... 141 Esther Lev, Wetlands Conservancy The following organizations provided significant Scott McEwen, Columbia Land Trust Tables in-kind contributions: Dan Miller, National Park Service 6-1 Major Owners of the Region’s Natural Areas...... 52 Audubon Society of Portland Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust 6-2 Selected Area- or Disturbance-Sensitive Species Institute for Natural Resources Bob Sallinger, Audubon of Portland and East in the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region...... 54 Urban Greenspaces Institute Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District 6-3 Estimated Annual U.S. Bird Mortality from Selected Hazards...... 73 The Wetland Conservancy Michael Schindel, The Nature Conservancy - 8-1 Green Infrastructure Benefits by Type...... 91 Oregon 9-1 Topical Area Distribution of UERC Abstracts, 2003-2011...... 104 The Regional Conservation Strategy Steering Jonathan Soll, Metro 11-1 A Sampling of Significant Bond Measures in the Region...... 124 Committee is particularly grateful for the support Jennifer Thompson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service of The Intertwine Alliance and for significant Mike Wetter, The Intertwine Alliance Figures contributions from Metro staff who provided 1-1 Regional Map...... 4 technical support and leadership developing the Chapter Coordinators and Lead Authors 5-1 Climate Change Matrix...... 44 Regional Conservation Strategy and its companion 9-1 Distribution of UERC Abstracts by Sector...... 104 Chapter 1 Introduction Biodiversity Guide.

The creation of the Regional Conservation Scott McEwen and Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Strategy for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Mike Wetter, The Intertwine Alliance Region was made possible thanks to the collaboration of more than one hundred individuals and organizations who graciously donated their Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision time and expertise. Chapters and sections are Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute the work of numerous authors, contributors, and Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland expert reviewers. The Steering Committee accepts iv v regional conservation strategy

Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts Photography Jeff Azerrad, Washington Department Jean Akers: 62 of Fish and Wildlife Matt Benotsch: 130 Jennifer Thompson ,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Steve Berliner: i (lower), 22 (upper), Deborah Lev, City of Portland 41 (middle and lower), 45. 131 Steve Fedje: 66 Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges George Gentry: 83 (upper) Jonathan Soll, Metro Rod Gilbert: iii, 34 Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy Susie Hawes: 82, 112, 113 Nancy Heaslip: 109, 117 Chapter 5 Climate Change Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Lori Hennings: 14, 17 (lower), 49, 83 (lower), 85, 132 (upper), 134 Kaitlin Lovell, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Mike Houck: ii, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 17 (upper), 21, 24, 27, 32, 33, 36, 42, 43, 50, 57, 58, 65, 71, 77, 79, 83 (upper), 86, 88, 89, 93, 100, 107, 116, 123, 125, Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, 127 Working Lands, and Developed Areas Jim Labbe: 102 Jonathan Soll, Metro Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy Celeste Mazzacano, The Xerces Society: 112 Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland Metro: i (upper), 4, 17 (middle), 49, 60, 74, 100, 111, 132 (lower) Meta Loftsgaarden, Natural Resource Conserva- tion Service Marvin Moriarty: 117 (middle) Bob Sallinger: 68, 72, 76, 119

Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors Matthew Shepard, The Xerces Society: v Lori Hennings, Metro Al Smith: 80 Derek Thompson: ii (lower) Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Greg Thompson: 117 (right) Infrastructure U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 113 Dan Vizzini, City of Portland Mace Vaughan, The Xerces Society: 22 (lower) Bobby Cochran, Willamette Partnership Kathy Wei: 97 The Wetlands Conservancy: 39, 90 Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research Rusty Whitney: 115 Jim Labbe, Audubon Society of Portland Stacey Triplett, Metro Michael Wilhelm: cover, vi (upper), 13, 18, 23, 29, 30, 35, 41 (upper), 78, 81, 83 (middle), 84, 99, J. Alan Yeakley, Portland State University 101, 118, 129, 130 (lower), 133 (lower)

Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives Production Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Writing Ann Sihler Chapter 11 Funding Options Graphic Design Aaron Brown, National Park Service/The Laurie Causgrove Intertwine Alliance Jonathan Soll, Metro Project Coordinator Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust vi Chapter 1 Introduction: A Unique Place, a Unique Approach

Introduction A Unique Place, a Unique Approach Chapter1

Why a Regional In addition to the region’s resident species, many River Otter are Conservation Strategy? non-resident animals pass through, resting and found throughout feeding here as they migrate between larger The Intertwine region he Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area— natural areas—those in the Coast Range and Ttogether with the surrounding rural lands— Cascades to the east and west, and in the from small tributary is a special place. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette Valley and Puget Trough to the streams to the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the region sup- south and north. Without the region’s network region’s rivers. ports not just 2.1 million people, but a rich diver- of parks, waterways, backyard habitats, and rural sity of fish, wildlife, and habitats. Coho salmon landscapes, some species would not be able to continue to spawn in area streams, despite many complete their migration, or they would not find challenges, as they have for thousands of years. suitable habitat when they are pushed out of their The region’s buttes and backyards play host to home range because of development impacts or native bees that pollinate flowers and vegetables, degradation. In the future, connectivity between and to migrating orange-crowned warblers and functioning habitats will become even more painted lady butterflies that pause to rest and important as species attempt to adjust to climate feed during their journey north. Local parks are change and habitat loss. shaded by massive Douglas firs that first started Today, many of our local fish and wildlife growing in the days of Lewis and Clark; today, populations are experiencing serious long-term the cracks in those conifers’ thick bark serve as declines. In some cases only remnants are left of roosting spots for the silver-haired bat, which can what once were widespread habitat types, such as consume large numbers of mosquitoes as part of oak savanna and freshwater tidal marsh. Fortu- its diet. Coho, warblers, butterflies, bats, Douglas nately, over the past several decades tremendous firs—these are just some of the hundreds of native work has been undertaken by local governments, animals and plants that call the Portland- agencies, tribes, individuals, nonprofit organiza- Vancouver area and its environs home. tions, and businesses to protect and restore our Location is one explanation for this biodiver- natural landscapes, conserve our biodiversity, and sity. The region is an ecological crossroad. 1 regional conservation strategy Chapter 1 Introduction: A Unique Place, a Unique Approach

start building our communities in a more sustain- n The Regional Conservation Strategy is unique Conservation Strategy has brought together the table. Simply put, able manner. We understand that urban and rural in its focus on both urban and rural lands and its regional conservation practitioners and experts without biodiversity, landscapes both play critical roles in providing bi-state scope. It builds on existing local planning to explore these issues, describe the challenges we would not be able to habitat for native fish and wildlife and conserving and implementation efforts, is consistent with the ahead, and recommend approaches for overcom- survive. And the more the region’s biodiversity. We have also discovered two statewide plans that touch our region—the ing them. The resulting document uses the best biodiversity, the bet- Oregon Conservation Strategy and Washington that access to nature close to home is a criti- available science and expert opinion to build a ter—especially when Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy— cal component in maintaining our physical and framework for continued positive action to con- that biodiversity comes and strengthens regional cooperation. psychological well-being, building sustainable serve our region’s biodiversity through new and in the form of native communities, and creating a culture of conserva- n The Biodiversity Guide for the Greater Portland- expanded initiatives and collaborations. plants and animals. tion that will last for the long term. Vancouver Region is a companion document Diverse natural systems The Regional Conservation Strategy for the that summarizes scientific information about exhibit greater stability Greater Portland-Vancouver Region and its sister the region’s biogeography, meaning the spatial Understanding Biodiversity and ability to recover distribution of the habitats, plants, and animals document, the Biodiversity Guide for the Greater from disturbances that contribute to the amazing level of biodiver- What Is Biodiversity? Portland-Vancouver Region take the long view. (including climate sity. The guide is intended as a resource for those According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Together with mapping and GIS modeling com- change and more who work on the ground, do planning for specific biodiversity is the variety in form, genetics, and pleted specifically for this project, these docu- typical human-caused areas, or simply want more information about the ecological roles of organisms within a specific ments strive to build a common understanding land cover and ownership, the region’s promi- disturbances) than do geographic area. Biodiversity includes living of the biodiversity of our region, define the nent natural features, major habitat types and the simplified systems. things from all taxonomic groups and levels challenges facing local wildlife and ecosystems, plants and animals that rely on those habitats. With the future always of biological organization. Although large and and offer a vision and framework for moving The guide also explains key ecological processes unknowable, con- charismatic species such as salmon, bears, elk, forward together to protect and restore our that affect biodiversity, describes significant serving a robust and and eagles tend to get the most attention, smaller natural systems. threats to the region’s biodiversity and strategies biologically diverse organisms such as insects, fungi, and even bac- for addressing them, and summarizes condi- network of ecosystems offers society its best teria are vitally important aspects of biodiversity tions, species, and current restoration activities by chance to maintain the many benefits it receives and do much of the work in keeping ecosystems watershed. from nature. healthy. Biodiversity can be measured in different n A high-resolution (5-meter) land cover map of Conserving our natural heritage also provides ways and at different scales, from local to global. the region and a data-driven GIS model of con- important economic, legal, and social benefits Common measures of biodiversity include the servation priorities also were developed for this to society. Some of the more widely recognized number of species and communities in an area project. The land cover map represents a dramatic economic benefits come through the provision of and also the number of individual members of increase in resolution over previously existing ecosystem services such as water quality protec- those species and communities. Areas with many data and allows for detailed analysis necessary to tion, flood attenuation, carbon sequestration, and model biodiversity conservation priorities at an species and communities and many individuals plant pollination, and through the avoidance of urban scale. These products can be used to iden- of each species are considered more diverse than the expense and difficulty associated with protect- tify high-value habitat in urban and near-urban areas with fewer species and smaller populations. ing species once they become endangered. There landscapes, in riparian areas, and across the are several important federal and state environ- entire region. The intent is to encourage strategic, Why Is Conserving Biodiversity Important? targeted investment in conservation where it will mental laws related to biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity is a crucial element of the planet’s be most effective and will help achieve common such as the Clean Water Act, which specifically life support system. Ecosystems that are rich in goals. mandates water quality and wetland protection, plant and animal life play a role in regulating and the Endangered Species Act, which was Looking ahead, there are few easy answers to the atmospheric chemistry and the chemical compo- designed to protect and recover imperiled species challenges facing the region’s fish, wildlife, and sition of our water supplies, and they are critical and the ecosystems on which they depend. His- ecosystems. As the greater Portland-Vancouver to nutrient cycling and soil fertility. They address tory shows that it is cheaper and more effective region’s human population grows, so will pressure many basic human needs by providing clean air to prevent water pollution and species declines on its natural areas, surrounding rural lands, and and water and sustaining productive agriculture. through steps such as strategic habitat protection vital biodiversity corridors. The specter of climate Healthy, biologically diverse ecosystems support and restoration than it is to clean up polluted change brings added uncertainty and complica- a variety of species that pollinate our flowers and streams and rebuild species populations and tions to conservation efforts. The Regional crops, clean up our waste, and help put food on 3 2 regional conservation strategy Chapter 1 Introduction: A Unique Place, a Unique Approach

habitats after they have declined. Biodiversity also space for them, apart from any utilitarian value n Focus conservation efforts around stream cor- and Washington state conservation strategies and supports economic competitiveness by improving they may have to humans. ridors, protected lands, and undeveloped areas. existing federal and local planning efforts and the quality of life for people, thus attracting strategies. “The Intertwine is business and development. (Businesses often Where Do You Find Biodiversity and What the Strategy Is and More generally, the Regional Conservation Strat- the intersection of The geography of the choose to locate or expand in areas with a healthy How Do You Conserve It? How It Can Be Used egy provides accessible and usable information Regional Conservation natural environment, which makes it easier to Biological diversity can be found nearly every- on regional conservation for practitioners, policy the built and natural attract high-quality employees.) where. With the right strategies, most land The Regional Conservation Strategy is intended to Strategy includes over makers, funders, and the public. environment in the Many people derive value from biodiversity uses and activities can contribute positively to serve as a framework for efforts to conserve bio- The Regional Conservation Strategy is not a Portland-Vancouver 2,800 square miles diversity within the greater Portland-Vancouver through recreational activities such as walking a healthy regional ecosystem. That said, not all regulatory document. It is not the product of, nor nestled between the region (Figure 1-1). This region spans portions of metropolitan region. in natural areas, birdwatching, or exploring the areas contribute equally. Conservation strategies is it directed at, any particular jurisdiction. It is two states and encompasses both urban and rural It is our waterways, Cascade and Coast natural history of their home or region. Others should be customized for each land use type to meant to reflect a regional view of conservation lands in parts of Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Range Mountains. feel satisfaction simply knowing that natural derive the maximum ecological benefit within while highlighting ongoing efforts and potential our buttes, our wildlife Washington, and Yamhill counties in Oregon and habitats and native species still exist nearby. the appropriate societal and economic context. actions at the local level. refuges, and our Within the region Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties Finally, biodiversity has intrinsic value. The Examples of appropriate strategies include install- The Regional Conservation Strategy also is not are major cities, in Washington. The region was delineated by the natural areas, com- United Nations recognized this in its 1982 World ing green roofs and native street trees in highly a comprehensive plan. It is a starting point for Regional Conservation Strategy Steering Com- bined with our trails, world-class farm and Charter for Nature, which noted that “every form urbanized areas, using farm bill programs and future collaboration. It is in no way a substitute or mittee and Geographical Information System boat ramps, parks, forest land, two major of life is unique, warranting respect regardless of land use planning to maintain habitat corridors replacement for existing planning and implemen- its worth to man.” Many people, whether through through agricultural and urbanizing areas, and (GIS) Technical Committee (see Appendix A ports, and interstate tation efforts. Rather, it synthesizes and provides buses, trains, benches, for more on membership on these committees), their religious tenets or purely personal philoso- conserving and restoring the best remaining a larger context for local efforts, reflects upon and beaches. The highways connecting based on subwatershed boundaries, the availabil- phy, believe strongly that all species on Earth have examples of natural habitat throughout the region regional issues, and can serve as a framework for the area to Mexico, ity of GIS data, and a desire to address the area Intertwine is acces- intrinsic value and a fundamental right to exist, Mapin 1 both-1 rural and urban landscapes. strategic conservation actions into the future. Canada, and the east. and that people have a responsibility to leave Some basic rules can guide our actions. Ecolo- between the large tracts of publicly owned land sible to everyone, gists generally agree that a well-connected system located to the east and west. regardless of physical The Regional Conservation Strategy’s synthesis A Collaborative Approach of protected natural areas, supported by residen- ability, and equitable Cowlitz tial and working lands strategically managed to of existing scientific information and conserva- The Regional Conservation Strategy is a product 503 in providing experi- provide ecological benefits, can work together in tion efforts will serve as a useful reference for of The Intertwine Alliance—a broad coalition of Columbia ences of nature to all both conserving biodiversity and providing clean practitioners. For policy makers, it presents public, civic, private, and nonprofit organizations. St. Helens LaCenter accurate scientific information and summarizes Since the late 1980s, a group of park providers, of the region’s neigh- 5 water and air. Larger patches of habitat and larger Ridgefield 30 Clark Skamania fish and wildlife populations are typically more conservation opportunities and approaches to be local jurisdictions, natural resource agencies, borhoods. It provides Battle Scappoose Ground considered during decision making. genetically diverse and more likely to persist over neighborhood associations, and others have been opportunities for a time than are smaller habitat areas or populations The Regional Conservation Strategy does the working to (1) protect, expand, and manage the 26 5 diversity of interests 205 with fewer individuals. Functionally connected following: region’s network of parks, trails, natural areas, and cultural prefer- Banks Vancouver n Tillamook habitats allow for larger populations and more Describes the historical, current, and desired and fish and wildlife habitats, and (2) provide 14 Camas Washougal Washington genetic mixing, dispersal, and recolonization future conditions for fish and wildlife habitat opportunities for residents to have personal ences. The Intertwine 26 Portland Forest 30 Grove Hillsboro Multnomah 84 Cornelius Troutdale (i.e., the natural return of a species after it has across urban and rural landscapes, both inside connections to these places across the urban and exists now but will Gresham 26 217 and outside the Portland–Vancouver metropoli- rural landscape. Beaverton become locally extirpated). Determining how continue to grow over Milwaukie Happy 205 Valley tan area. Tigard Lake Damascus much is enough habitat and where to focus our Like The Intertwine Alliance itself, the Oswego time.” Sandy efforts is admittedly difficult and often depends n Regional Conservation Strategy has been an inclu- Tualatin 26 Identifies conservation opportunities within Sherwood Oregon City — mike wetter 99W on the specifics of place. However, basic conser- these urban and rural landscapes, describes the sive effort from start to finish. Individuals and 99E Newberg Wilsonville representatives from organizations and agencies Executive Director Yamhill Estacada vation biology theory suggests the following as threats to potential conservation areas, and pres- Intertwine Alliance Canby a starting point: ents strategies to protect and restore biodiversity. large and small have participated in meetings and 5 Clackamas work groups over the past 2 years to create this n Have roughly 30 percent of the landscape in n Demonstrates how the greater Portland- document. A full list of participants is presented Woodburn Molalla a natural or semi-natural condition. Vancouver region fits into—and is crucial to— the larger landscape and how the Regional in Appendix A. n Protect relatively large remaining habitat Marion Conservation Strategy nests within the Oregon patches throughout the region and maintain 0 12 Miles connectivity between patches. 1 Oregon Conservation Strategy (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2006) and Washington’s Comprehensive Wildlife 4 Conservation Strategy (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2006). 5 regional conservation strategy

Relationship of the Strategy to The Intertwine Alliance

With its broad level of collaboration and deep engagement of civic, elected, and business leaders and the residents of the region, The Intertwine Alliance is a fundamentally new approach to expanding and protecting the region’s network of parks, trails and natural areas. The Regional Conservation Strategy is a key component in tems and the urban region. The Regional Con- The Intertwine Alliance’s conservation efforts to servation Strategy is a product of The Intertwine expand and protect The Intertwine. Alliance’s conservation initiative. The Intertwine Alliance has organized its work n into five interrelated initiatives whose primary Acquisition: Purchasing and protecting the best remaining land in the region to put into public objective is to increase investment in the network ownership as parks, trails, and natural areas. that constitutes The Intertwine. The five initiatives work together to leverage funds, improve n Active transportation: Completing a network of integration in service and program delivery, and bicycle and pedestrian trails and routes spanning help increase the capacity of Intertwine Alliance the region. partners. The initiatives are as follows: n Regional system: Defining, building, and main- n Conservation: Protecting and restoring the taining an integrated, world-caliber network of region’s biodiversity, fish and wildlife habitats, parks, trails, and natural areas. water and air quality, and ecosystem services and n Conservation education: Fostering stewardship addressing the vital link between native ecosys- by ensuring that residents of all ages have high- quality opportunities to learn about all elements of The Intertwine. The Intertwine Alliance recognizes the enormous value that healthy ecosystems provide in terms of clean air and water, habitat for native wildlife, chapter 1 Summary stormwater management, and opportunities

Launched by The Intertwine Alliance, the Regional Conservation for recreation and learning. The Alliance also believes that the investments we make now will Strategy is the first bi-state effort to develop a coherent strategy for reduce maintenance costs over time and provide protecting biodiversity and ensuring watershed health in the greater long-term returns to the region. The Alliance is Portland-Vancouver region. Multiple audiences—including policy committed to leveraging and integrating local, regional, state, federal, and private investments makers and the public—will find the Regional Conservation Strategy and programs to protect and restore the an informative supplement to existing planning and implementation ecological health of the region’s natural areas. efforts. As a synthesis of existing information, the strategy describes For more on The Intertwine Alliance, go to

(1) past, current, and desired future conditions, (2) conservation www.theintertwine.org or contact Mike Wetter, Executive Director of The Intertwine Alliance, opportunities available now, and (3) strategies for protecting, restor- at [email protected]. For a list of ing and managing the network of natural areas that is integral to The Intertwine Alliance partners, see Appendix B. Intertwine. The strategy also places the Portland-Vancouver area and

its environs in a larger ecological context.

6 Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision

background Fulfilling a Vision Chapter2

The Intertwine Vision Develop and implement a toolbox of innova- Wapato Lake is a unit tive strategies to conserve the region’s natural of the Tualatin River he Regional Conservation Strategy is a means resources and ensure that large and small refugia National Wildlife Refuge Tof fulfilling part of The Intertwine Alliance’s are interconnected in every neighborhood and vision—to protect, expand, and manage the watershed in the region. occupying a historic system of natural areas, parks, and the bi-state The desired outcomes of The Intertwine vision lakebed and wetland regional trail network and provide opportuni- are as follows: complex east of Gaston, ties for residents to have personal connections OR that was drained for to these areas. The vision sets a regional goal of n Ensure that the diversity of habitat types, ensuring that the diversity of plants, animals, and plants, and animals is protected, conserved, farming. Once acquisi- habitat types in the greater Portland-Vancouver and restored across the region’s urban and rural tion and restoration are landscapes. region is protected, conserved, and restored complete, the restored across the region’s urban and rural landscapes. n Acquire, protect, conserve, and manage lake will offer valuable This will be accomplished through three means, functional habitat connectivity for wildlife wildlife habitat and all of which the Regional Conservation Strategy (e.g., corridors, landscape permeability) and serves in some way: create connections between habitat areas. viewing opportunities. n Develop, adopt, and actively implement a bi- n Control invasive plant, animal, and aquatic state, multi-county regional biodiversity recovery species and reestablish native species. and management plan. Integrate it with other n Create a healthy urban forest canopy that sustainability and transportation plans and plan- contributes to improvements in stormwater ning efforts. management and air quality. n Identify significant natural areas for acquisition n Maintain the long-term ecological integrity of and protection. Formally integrate natural area streams, wetlands, rivers, and floodplains, includ- conservation into transportation, land use, and ing their biological, physical, and social values. other sustainability plans and projects (e.g., green streets) through regional and local policies.

7 regional conservation strategy Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision

system also will expand and diversify, to ensure in perpetuity as an essential element of a city’s to achieve a more compact urban form. The that all residents—regardless of income—live infrastructure is one of the central themes of The report was emphatic that “open spaces are needed and work near and have access to nature, areas Intertwine vision today. not only at the coast, or in the Columbia River Marked economy in for recreation and leisure, and public spaces that In his 1938 address to Portland’s City Club, Gorge, or in the mountains, distant from the daily municipal development bring people together and connect them with historian and regionalist Lewis Mumford advo- urban hubbub, but also for immediate enjoy- may be effected by lay- their community. Among the rationales for advo- cated for a Vancouver-Portland open space plan ment and use within the urban complex.” The cating for a bi-state system of parks, trails, and as well as establishment of a bi-state Columbia report observed that a regional open space system ing out parkways and natural areas were that such a system would: River Gorge Commission. Forty years later would “relieve the monotonous and the mechani- parks so as to embrace Drive the region’s economy and tourist trade another regionalist, William H. Whyte, argued in cal with the preservation and enhancement of streams that carry at n his book The Last Landscape that ample access to those diverse environmental features which have Preserve fish and wildlife habitat and access times more water than to nature. parks and urban nature should complement high- already stamped the region with its unique form er density, compact cities, and regional planning. and character, which make it a very special place can be taken care of by n Enhance the region’s air and water quality. Open space planning, he said, should “take its to live: the rivers and streams; the flood plains, drain pipes of ordinary n Connect the region’s communities with trails cue from the patterns of nature itself—the water and the high points that overlook the cityscape size. Thus brooks or and greenways. table, the flood plains, the ridges, the woods, and and from which the region’s famous mountain 4 little rivers which would n Support an ecologically sustainable above all, the streams. Instead of laying down an peaks are visible on clear days.” metropolitan area. arbitrary design for a region it might be in order While individual park planners took inspira- otherwise become to find a plan that nature has already laid down. tion from and implemented some elements of the The Greenspaces Policy Advisory Committee did nuisances that would One way would be to chart all of the physical CRAG plan, regional implementation was fore- not develop its vision out of whole cloth. Instead, some day have to be put The Regional Conservation Strategy was resources of the region—especially its drainage stalled. Metro, CRAG’s successor, launched the it drew heavily on previous park and open space launched by The Intertwine Alliance in 2010 in network—and see what kind of picture emerges.”2 first successful modern-day effort to create a bi- in large underground plans and on fundamental tenets regarding the order to guide strategies to achieve these desired The first regional open space and park plan, state regional parks, trails, and natural areas plan conduits at enormous integration of the built and natural environ- outcomes. from which the Greenspaces Policy Advisory in the late 1980s. Taking a lesson from the CRAG ments in cities and across metropolitan regions. expense, may be Committee drew many of its recommendations, experience, the initiative was undertaken at the The proposition that a city or region can grow The Greenspaces Policy came from Metro’s predecessor, the Columbia instigation of, and with participation by, citizens made the occasion for while sustaining ecosystem health—both within Regional Association of Governments (CRAG).3 and grassroots NGOs working cooperatively with delightful local pleasure Advisory Committee the city and in the surrounding rural matrix of In its 1971 document, A Proposed Urban-Wide Metro, local governments, and park providers. working and natural landscapes—is not new. To grounds or attractive The Intertwine vision is grounded in a regional Park & Open Space System, CRAG urged the With the support of this new coalition, Metro understand why The Intertwine Alliance created parkways. vision, established in the spring of 2005, when the creation of a landscape-scale park and open space Council adopted the Metropolitan Greenspaces the Regional Conservation Strategy, it is useful Metro Council adopted the Greenspaces Policy vision. In its prologue, “Water and Land: Heri- Master Plan in 1992, which called for the creation — john charles to trace the evolution of the Portland-Vancouver olmsted, 19031 Advisory Committee’s vision for the Portland- tage for New Generations,” the authors painted of “a cooperative regional system of natural areas, area’s efforts to articulate its physical, spiritual, Vancouver metropolitan region— a vision where “man and nature” were one and open space, trails, and greenways for wildlife and and practical relationship to the region’s land- a vision for “an exceptional, multi-jurisdictional, foresaw “creeks, streams, and rivers as a total p e op l e .” 5 scapes and with nature. interconnected system of neighborhood, commu- greenway system, a public front yard for an ever The goal of the Greenspaces Master Plan was to nity, and regional parks, natural areas, trails, open widening circle of people, the canals of Holland establish a system of large natural areas for their spaces, and recreation opportunities distributed The Intertwine Vision: and Venice, but natural and on a grand scale.” protection, combined with a system of intercon- equitably throughout the region. This regionwide A Century in the Making The CRAG report predicted that we would nected greenways and trails that would help system is acknowledged and valued here and experience an evolving view of the region’s maintain the region’s livability while providing At the turn of the 19th century, landscape around the world as an essential element of the relationship to nature in the city, given the desire passive recreational opportunities. A second, greater Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area’s architect John Charles Olmsted laid out what even today is viewed as an innovative, landscape- economic success, ecological health, civic vitality, 1 based vision for how Portland might grow in Report of the Park Board, Portland, Oregon 1903, With the Report of Messrs. Olmsted Bros., Landscape Architects, Outlining a and overall quality of life.” System of Parkways, Boulevards and Parks for the City of Portland. The committee’s vision statement urged that, harmony with natural landscapes and healthy, 2 The Last Landscape, William H. Whyte, 1968. as the region grows and develops, the regionwide functioning ecosystems. Although Olmsted never 3 Ecological Landscapes: Connecting Neighborhood to City, and City to Region, Mike Houck and Jim Labbe, Metropolitan Briefing used the term biodiversity, his advice that slide- Book, Institute for Portland Metropolitan Studies, 2007. 4 prone steep slopes, streams, river corridors, and A Proposed Urban-Wide Park & Open Space System, Columbia River Association of Governments, March 1, 1971. 5 Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Plan, Metro, 1992. upland forests should be acquired and protected 8 9 regional conservation strategy Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision

more subtle aim of the master plan was to culti- their individual natural area acquisition capital At the same time that Metro, Clark County, the parks movement consists of multiple play- vate a sense of individual stewardship, shaping improvements and trail priorities.) Tualatin Hills and local park providers were envisioning a ers and jurisdictions, we are all part of the same a civic ethic that would ensure the plan’s imple- Park and Recreation District passed its own regional system of parks and natural areas, local system. At its core, The Intertwine—both in name mentation. Furthermore, the plan was devel- $100 million bond in 2008 for acquisition of and stormwater management agencies realized that and practice—breaks down barriers that separate “[There was an] oped in concert with the region’s overall growth improvements to parks, trails and natural areas. reliance on engineered solutions alone, such as us and unifies a bi-state coalition in the cause of original mistake made management planning. An explicit philosophical In 2010 the City of Tigard passed a $17 million pipes and structural projects (i.e., grey infra- protecting and ensuring access to nature for every and policy bargain was struck. The region would bond for parks and open space. structure), was not sufficient to simultaneously resident in the region. in laying out the states “grow up and not out” and in exchange would Meanwhile, similar efforts have taken shape meet federal and state mandates under the Clean of the Northwest; protect and provide access to nature in the city, across the Columbia River. Clark County enacted Water and Endangered Species acts, respond Suggested Reading particularly in the where most residents live. its Conservation Futures Open Space Program in to growing public demand for clean water and Greenspaces Policy Advisory Committee: Vision, Metro and local park providers acted on the 1985 to preserve and enhance environmentally access to nature, and contain costs. Rising sewer Outcomes, Objectives, and Means, Metro, 2005 division between bi-state regional Greenspaces Master Plan by pass- sensitive properties as well as sites that provide and water rates pressed these agencies to seek Oregon and ing a regional bond measure in 1995 that raised opportunities for passive recreation. In 1991, more cost-effective, green approaches to manag- Washington. People $135.6 million to acquire natural areas and begin the Clark County Open Space Commission Final ing urban stormwater and improving watershed who pay more attention creation of an interconnected trail network in the Report recognized the importance of the county’s health. The concept of ecosystem services and the Portland area. Similar efforts were undertaken in rivers, floodplains, and associated uplands and integration of climate change adaptation strate- to abstract figures than Clark County, Washington, through the county’s identified many of the important public benefits gies into stormwater management have become to realities are accus- Conservation Futures acquisition program and provided by open space. In 2004 Clark County central themes in this effort. The collaboration chapter 2 Summary tomed to look upon a local park and trail programs. The Portland area adopted its Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan between park providers and stormwater agencies passed a second bond measure in 2006 that added to strategically guide land acquisition in the has resulted in a more holistic, watershed-based The Regional Conservation Strategy is an important step in fulfill- river as a dividing line: another $227.4 million for continued acquisi- county. To date, Clark County, Vancouver-Clark approach to regional open space planning and a ing The Intertwine Alliance’s vision. In a 100-year arc, the vision so it appears on maps. tion in the Oregon portion of the region. To date Parks, and their partners have acquired more multi-objective approach to the acquisition, resto- captures the philosophy espoused by landscape architect John But even rivers with Metro has acquired more than 12,000 acres, and than 4,500 acres of high-quality shorelines, gre- ration, and management of urban landscapes. Charles Olmsted and Metro’s predecessor organization (the Columbia obstructive rapids and local park providers have added more land and enways, open space, and fish and wildlife habitat The birth of The Intertwine in 2007 infused trails with their local share. (In both measures, using more than $50 million in Conservation this movement with new energy and a broader Regional Association of Governments) but it expands the scope of only occasional fords local jurisdictions received a total of $69 million Futures and matching funding. vision, expanding the geographical focus and that vision to incorporate present-day concerns such as ecosystem or bridges or navigable from the regional bond measure funds to address bringing in many more partners. In a “call to health and protection of the region’s biodiversity. The Intertwine waters are dividing lines action” issued June 28, 2007, Metro Council President David Bragdon, with the enthusiastic vision also takes goals from the Metropolitan Greenspaces Master from only one point of support of the full Metro Council, challenged the Plan, which Metro Council adopted in 1992. The master plan calls for view: military attack. community to accelerate its efforts and coalesce creation of “a cooperative regional system of natural areas, open From every other stand- around a unified vision. The Metro Council, the space, trails, and greenways for wildlife and people.” point the river basin as region’s local jurisdictions, park providers, and stormwater agencies all recognized that, although a whole is a unit.”

— lewis mumford6

Timeline

1903 1938 1971 1991 1992 1995+ 2004 2005 2007 2012

John Lewis Columbia Open Space Metropolitan Bond Conservation Greenspaces The Regional Charles Mumford Regional Commission Greenspaces Measures Areas Policy Advisory Intertwine Conservation Olmsted Association Report Master Acquisition Committee Alliance Strategy of Goverments (Clark County Plan Plan (Metro) (CRAG) report (Clark County)

6 Regional Planning in the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Regional Council, Portland, Oregon, January 23, 1939.

10 11

Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

Integration with Other Efforts Chapter3

ccording to industrialist Henry Ford, involved in conservation can achieve more Roosevelt Elk A“coming together is a beginning; keeping by working together than they can by working together is progress; working together is suc- independently. cess.” It is a premise of this Regional Conservation Strategy that ultimate success will require coordi- Relationship to State Plans nated efforts at multiple levels: individual, local, The Regional Conservation Strategy builds on regional, state, and federal. Until now, most con- statewide wildlife action plans in both Oregon servation plans and related documents in Oregon and Washington. In Oregon, the Oregon and Washington have focused on a specific Conservation Strategy provides information on resource, covered a geography smaller or larger at-risk species and habitats, identifies key issues than the greater Portland-Vancouver region, or that affect them, and recommends actions. dealt primarily with either urban or rural lands. Similarly, the Washington Comprehensive Wildlife In contrast, the Regional Conservation Strategy is Conservation Strategy creates a framework for the a comprehensive, regionally focused document protection of Washington’s species and habitats that is intended to complement existing efforts in greatest need of conservation, while recogniz- by identifying and broadcasting shared needs, ing the importance of keeping common species filling information gaps, recommending strategies common. Both states’ plans emphasize biodiver- that support other initiatives, and encouraging sity conservation, stress the importance of more collaboration and coordination among the many localized planning and implementation efforts, entities involved in conservation initiatives that and have been heavily used in the region as guid- touch the region. The goal is to make conserva- ing documents for conservation actions. tion efforts in the region as seamless as species’ In some ways, the Regional Conservation habitat use across jurisdictional boundaries. Strategy is a more localized version of the state- The following sections describe how the wide wildlife action plans. The Regional Regional Conservation Strategy can integrate Conservation Strategy borrows from the research with other key conservation efforts so that those and conclusions of the statewide plans while 13 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

The Oregon Conservation Strategy is con- new management framework for the protection salmon recovery plans and assessments, and structed to provide information, ideas, and tools of Washington’s species and habitats in greatest WDFW wildlife area plans. Among other ben- at the statewide, ecoregional, and habitat scales need of conservation. Guiding principles for the efits, the process of creating the strategy prompt- as well as by species, issue, and landscape. Six key strategy include conserving species and habitats ed WDFW to thoroughly reevaluate priorities for statewide conservation issues are identified (with with the greatest conservation need and building species and habitat conservation, transition from climate change to be included as a seventh issue and strengthening conservation partnerships with statewide to ecoregional conservation, acceler- in an upcoming revision): other conservation agencies, tribes, local govern- ate its evolution from species management (fine ments, and non-governmental organizations. For filter) to a more ecosystems-based management n Land use changes WDFW and its conservation partners, the Com- approach (coarse filter), and expand its emphasis n Invasive species prehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy serves on biodiversity conservation, at the statewide and n Disruption of disturbance regimes as a solid biological foundation and strategic ecoregional scales. framework from which to identify and conserve n Barriers to fish and wildlife movement important wildlife and habitats and ensure that Relationship to Federal Programs n Water quality and quantity the natural habitats are healthy enough to provide The Regional Conservation Strategy provides a n Institutional barriers to voluntary conservation clean water and air for both wildlife and people. unique opportunity to examine the connections Actions outlined in the strategy are intended to Instead of being a regulatory document, the Ore- between local conservation planning and relevant do the following: gon Conservation Strategy identifies opportunities federal programs and plans—and to build on n and recommends voluntary actions to improve Identify species of greatest conservation need those connections to improve the effectiveness the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation and habitats of conservation concern of conservation efforts within the region. The Evening Grosbeak adding local information and perspectives at a in Oregon. Numerous planning efforts, includ- n Identify the most effective conservation strate- strategy is expected to serve as a vehicle for the scale not possible in statewide planning docu- ing the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, gies for species and habitats following: ments. The Regional Conservation Strategy also the Northwest Power and Conservation Council n Identify scientific information needed by local n Improving communication, coordination, and serves as an important connection between the subbasin plans, and The Nature Conservancy’s governments and planners leverage. The Regional Conservation Strategy can statewide plans and other state-specific planning ecoregional assessments, served as a framework be useful to federal agencies and local conser- and implementation efforts that cover the region. n Enhance and conserve habitat on public, The Regional Conserva- for development of the Oregon Conservation vation practitioners in identifying priorities of private, and tribal lands and waterways Strategy, which synthesizes the Oregon Plan and mutual interest and developing complementary tion Strategy provides About the Oregon Conservation Strategy n many other voluntary and regulatory programs Implement species conservation strategies and strategies. It provides a snapshot of relevant a unique opportunity Prepared by the Oregon Department of Fish and into one document. coordinated salmon recovery national environmental laws, facilitates the Wildlife, the Oregon Conservation Strategy is a to examine the By design, the Oregon Conservation Strategy n Expand wildlife information and conservation incorporation of federal information into local blueprint for conservation of the state’s native connections between is not prescriptive at a local level; rather, it is education programs conservation plans, and highlights local and fish, wildlife, plants, and invertebrates. The intended to be a tool that local planners, biolo- regional effects that can inform future federal local conservation n Conduct biological assessments, research, strategy identifies 286 species and 11 habitats as gists, policy makers, and the public can use to conservation planning. planning and relevant monitoring, and surveys of fish, wildlife, and those in greatest need of conservation action. help prioritize and guide more locally specific n Contributing to the habitat network. habitat The greater federal programs and Although some of these species are threatened efforts. The Regional Conservation Strategy is an Portland-Vancouver region sits between large n plans. and endangered, most are not and were chosen example of that next step: a regional approach Ensure implementation of local, state, and blocks of federally managed land. The Regional because, even though they are at risk, they are that addresses local needs and interests while federal laws to protect fish, wildlife, and habitat Conservation Strategy can serve as a guide for not yet on the brink of extinction and there is a contributing significantly to state conservation In developing the Comprehensive Wildlife expanding on and connecting these well-func- significant chance that they can be conserved and tioning habitats to ensure that future generations goals. Conservation Strategy, WDFW reviewed and recovered through proactive measures. Using the will be able to enjoy healthy ecosystems and the synthesized hundreds of conservation plans that best available science, the Oregon Conservation region’s natural heritage. About the Washington Comprehensive Wildlife provide information and recommendations for Strategy creates a broad vision and framework for n Conservation Strategy priority wildlife species and the habitats they Maximizing conservation dollars. By facilitat- conservation, highlights large-scale conservation In consultation with other governmental and depend on; these plans included ecoregional ing information sharing, new partnerships, and actions that Oregonians can take, explains how non-governmental organizations, the Washing- assessments along with the Washington Natural coordination, the Regional Conservation Strategy actions can be implemented, and explores is expected to increase the efficiency of conserva- ton Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Heritage Plan, Northwest Forest Plan, Northwest possible funding sources. tion efforts and thus yield maximum results developed a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Power and Conservation Council subbasin plans, from money spent to comply with national Strategy in 2005 with the intention of creating a Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan, 14 15 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

environmental laws and carry out proactive envi- forests and the Bureau of Land Management Conservation-related Programs tion to development of ronmental projects. within the Salem District. Federal agencies administer a wide portfolio of policy and educational proactive, voluntary natural resource conserva- programs. As described below, federal contributions toward National Environmental Laws tion programs and provide funding and technical The Regional Con- conserving natural areas in the greater Portland- assistance for habitat restoration and conserva- servation Strategy and Vancouver region are primarily delivered in three National environmental laws affect many of tion. Examples include Farm Bill programs to accompanying Biodi- ways: by managing federal public lands, oversee- our local natural and cultural resources. Major improve wildlife habitat and water quality on versity Guide support ing national environmental laws, and adminis- categories of regulated resources include migra- farm lands, grants to acquire land for parks and these local efforts in tering various conservation-related projects and tory birds, species at risk of extinction, wetlands, natural areas, and grants for invasive species many ways: programs. However, even though national laws floodplains, streams and rivers, and historical and cultural resources. The following federal laws are control. Federal agencies also collect and manage and programs protect some natural resources, n Clarifying regional data and develop technical reports and resources by themselves federal efforts are not adequate to relevant to the conservation of these local natural priorities. For local Ore- that can be used to inform conservation efforts ensure that the vision of conserving biodiversity resources: gon and Washington and guide adaptive management. Federal agen- and ecosystem functions set out in the Regional n Endangered Species Act (ESA). Administered by agencies that are gov- cies that perform these functions in the greater Conservation Strategy will be achieved; federal the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. erned by different state Portland-Vancouver region include the Natu- protections and programs need to be comple- Fish and Wildlife Service, the ESA is designed rules, the Regional Con- ral Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish servation Strategy offers mented by additional local and regional measures to protect and recover imperiled species and the and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisher- a common vocabulary that have been carefully designed to fill the gaps ecosystems upon which they depend. ies Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land and consensus on the and leverage their effectiveness. Contributions n Migratory Bird Authorities. The U.S. Fish and Management, Environmental Protection Agency, region’s priorities in at the local level also are needed to effectively Wildlife Service is authorized by the Migratory U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power reaching conserva- protect the nation’s public trust resources. This Bird Treaty Act and more than 25 other primary tion goals. Clarifying Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey. is consistent with the premise of the America’s conventions, treaties, and laws to ensure the con- regional priorities may ... federal protections Federal technical assistance is also available Great Outdoors Initiative launched by President servation of migratory birds and their habitats. improve consistency and programs need to for local efforts, such as the work of The Inter- Obama in 2010—i.e., the initiative suggests that n National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). All among plans produced twine Alliance and its partners. To date, the be complemented by the protection of our natural heritage is a nonfederal agencies are required to integrate envi- for different watersheds National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife additional local and partisan objective shared by all Americans, and ronmental values into their decision-making or municipalities; it Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, that lasting conservation solutions should rise processes by considering the environmental also will help elected regional measures and Environmental Protection Agency all have from the American people. impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable officials and nonprofit that have been care- alternatives to those actions. become partners and supporters of The Inter- organizations set their fully designed to fill twine Alliance. own conservation Federal Lands n Clean Water Act (CWA) . The Clean Water Act priorities and target scarce financial resources. In the gaps and leverage Federal lands make up part of the network of established the basic structure for setting water Relationship to Local addition, having regional priorities documented their effectiveness. natural areas in the greater Portland-Vancouver quality standards and regulating discharges of in the Regional Conservation Strategy may also be region, provide some of the region’s anchor pollutants and fill material into the waters of the Conservation Efforts helpful in making a political or funding case for habitats for fish and wildlife, and are prized as United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Conservation planning in the region is done at conservation initiatives. locations for outdoor education and recreation. Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other several levels. Local and regional governments n Placing local conservation efforts within a For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service federal and state agencies play various roles in administering the CWA. and public agencies implement state and fed- regional context. Local conservation plans manages the Tualatin River National Wildlife eral regulations and local initiatives to protect currently are guided by state- and basin-level Refuge, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge n National Historic Preservation Act. Federal agen- resources and maintain livable communities. strategies and planning, along with local invento- Complex, and Steigerwald Lake National Wild- cies work to conserve prehistoric and historic Watershed councils, local conservation districts, ries. Although local conservation plans typically life Refuge, and the greater Portland-Vancouver resources. and other non-governmental organizations per- acknowledge the statewide or large-basin context region includes part of the federally designated n Flood Insurance Reform Act. The National Flood form assessments and develop resource plans that of natural resources, they seldom benefit from Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area local data specific to urban and regional resources Insurance Program, which is overseen by the cross jurisdictional boundaries. And agencies and to the east. In addition, the region is contained Federal Emergency Management Agency because this information generally has been organizations at all levels are involved in imple- between the Pacific Coast and Cascades moun- (FEMA) and authorized by the Flood Insurance unavailable. The Regional Conservation Strategy menting projects intended to achieve a variety of tain ranges, which consist in part of federal lands Reform Act, affects how floodplains are managed helps fill that gap by describing the regional con- conservation goals, from on-the-ground restora- managed by the U.S. Forest Service in the Mt. at the local level in many areas. text for local conservation efforts. Hood, Willamette, and Gifford Pinchot national 16 17 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

Clean Water Services’ Shade Credit Program n Providing reliable information. The Regional Regional Planning: whether the program is achieving its objectives Conservation Strategy and accompanying Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods and targets. These include conserving large habi- In 2001 Washington County’s main water agency faced a dilemma. Despite Biodiversity Guide present reliable scientific Although the boundaries of the greater Portland- tat patches, habitat connectivity, water resources, huge investments in infrastructure and a successful track record of improving information that will aid local organizations in Vancouver region extend far beyond Metro’s and habitats of concern. Metro plans to issue an the water quality of the Tualatin River, Clean Water Services faced the pros- their conservation work. The two documents also jurisdictional boundary, Metro’s role in shaping update of these indicators every other year. This pect of having to invest more than $100 million in additional infrastructure provide additional reference material to make it land use and natural resource protection for the report could offer insights into how effectively easy to explore the issues in greater depth. For urban and urbanizing portions of the Portland different habitat areas are being preserved. to meet legal requirements for water temperature. Rather than follow the the many local jurisdictions whose biodiver- metropolitan area significantly affects regional Similarly, the Greater Portland Pulse Project 1 traditional path, Clean Water Services worked with the Oregon Department sity, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem conservation efforts. Metro has authority from services analyses are still in the early stages of includes performance measures related to envi- of Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take a the state of Oregon for managing the Portland development or are up for renewal, the Regional ronmental health that may serve as a tool for more holistic approach. This collaboration led to issuance of the first inte- Metro area’s urban growth boundary (UGB) and evaluating the region’s natural resources Conservation Strategy and Biodiversity Guide grated, municipal watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination provide information useful in advancing local meeting the state’s land use planning goals. Effec- over time. programs in these areas. tive use of the region’s UGB—and the designa- System (NPDES) permit in the nation. The permit covers Clean Water Services’ Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Plan and four wastewater treatment facilities and the stormwater discharge permit it n tion of urban and rural reserves in 2011—helps By providing opportu- Supporting establishment of new partnerships. protect many of the natural areas, farms, and for- 1995 and 2006 Metro Bond Measures Development of the Regional Conservation Strat- holds in conjunction with Washington County cities. nity for people to con- est resource lands outside of Metro’s UGB from The Metro Council has referred and voters have egy and participation in The Intertwine Alliance Most important for biodiversity conservation, the permit allows for nect with nature close have facilitated formation of new partnerships to urban development. Designation of rural reserves passed two bond measures, totaling $363 million, Oregon’s first water quality trading program. Instead of building energy-inten- to where they live, the support agencies, organizations, and individu- is intended to protect agricultural, forested, and for land acquisition designed to protect some of als in the region in meeting shared conserva- other significant natural resource lands for up the region’s most valuable natural areas and pro- sive cooling systems, Clean Water Services has worked with farmers, agencies, Intertwine Alliance can tion goals and increasing awareness of all of the to 50 years. Additionally, the Metro Council’s vide people with greater access to nature. Since and the conservation community to restore 35 miles of riparian forest. This help foster a lifetime of conservation efforts that are under way. requirements for urban reserves are intended to 1995 a total of 12,000 acres have been purchased does more than cool the water by providing shade. It also cleans the water exploration, enjoyment help protect habitat and natural resources within by Metro to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, The following sections summarize local and with wetlands and produces habitat for salmon, songbirds, and pollinators the urban reserve boundaries and provide parks and good stewardship regional conservation planning and activities and recreational opportunities for future genera- and trail connections in urban areas. tions. Metro’s two bond measures trace their roots along the way. By reaching beyond pollution control alone and recognizing of natural resources. being carried out within the region. Metro has used its land use authority to to the Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Plan, the complex interrelationships among water quality, water quantity, and protect natural resources inside its current urban which Metro and all of the cities and counties in wildlife habitat, this approach helps streamline and advance water quality growth boundary. Most significant is the Metro the Metro area adopted by resolution in 1992. programs in ways not possible under the typical regulatory framework. Council’s 2005 adoption of Title 13 of Metro’s The plan established the region’s top priorities Urban Growth Management Functional Plan, for natural area protection and investment. The which implements Oregon Statewide Planning Regional Conservation Strategy has the potential Lands Program seeks to establish an intercon- Goal 5 (Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic to be a similar catalyst and guide for prioritizing nected system of parks, natural areas, trails, Areas, and Open Spaces), Goal 6 (Air, Water, and and inspiring regional investments in the coming and open spaces within the region. More than Land Resources Quality) and Metro’s Nature in decades. 4,000 acres of high-quality shorelines, green- Neighborhoods initiative. Nature in Neighbor- ways, open space, and fish and wildlife habitat hoods seeks to conserve, protect, and restore fish Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan have been acquired through the program since it and wildlife habitat through a comprehensive and Legacy Lands Program was established in 1985. In 2004, Clark County approach that includes voluntary, incentive- Originally known as the Conservation Futures adopted a Conservation Areas Acquisition plan based, educational, and regulatory elements. Open Space Program, Clark County’s Legacy that identifies priority areas for conservation of Metro’s functional plan provides additional Lands Program seeks to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, greenways, and farmland. The regionwide habitat and resource protection environmentally sensitive properties and sites county will be updating the Conservation Areas through its Title 3 (Water Quality and Floodplain that provide opportunities for passive recreation. Acquisition plan in late 2012 and early 2013 and Protection), which implements Oregon Statewide Like Metro’s Greenspaces Program, the Legacy intends to integrate elements of the Regional Planning Goals 6 and 7 (Natural Hazards).

The Metro Council committed to monitor and 1 Begun in 2009 as the Greater Portland-Vancouver Indicators Project (www.pdx.ude/ims/indicators), the Pulse Project is a evaluate the Nature in Neighborhood program’s collaborative effort by Metro, Portland State University, and scores of private and public stakeholders to track the region’s well- being over time by evaluating nine categories of indicators: education, housing, economic opportunity, health, safety, the natural performance over a 10-year period to determine environment, access and mobility, civic engagement and connections, and arts, culture, and creativity.

18 19 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

Conservation Strategy into the plan. Primary local adopted that protect flood hazard areas, move on to conducting other assessments to fill funding for the county’s natural areas acquisition geological hazard areas, wetlands, shorelines the data gaps and developing an action plan to program is through the Conservation Futures and surface waters, wildlife conservation areas, prioritize the work of the organization. Many property tax levy, which generates approximately aquifer recharge areas, and scenic areas. watershed councils have progressed from hav- $2.3 million per year and is extremely important Local jurisdictions address water quality and ing an action plan to developing a multi-year as the primary source of local match for grants habitat protection issues through the following strategic plan. Watershed councils have been the through the Washington Recreation and Con- regulatory and non-regulatory programs: drivers of many restoration projects, coordinating servation Office and other conservation funding staff, volunteers, and agency partners in imple- n Incentives and guidelines for low-impact devel- entities. In addition to being used directly for opment menting priority projects from their action plans. land acquisitions by the county, Conservation Watershed councils participate in regional n Futures tax revenue is periodically awarded to Acquisition programs to protect valuable planning and prioritization efforts as the oppor- habitats towns, cities, and nonprofit conservation orga- tunity arises. They have provided input into nizations for important conservation acquisition n Restoration and management of parks and several Willamette-based efforts, including sub- projects, through a proposal process. natural areas owned or managed by the basin planning, establishment of basin restoration jurisdiction priorities, and salmon recovery planning. Local Government Conservation Efforts n Invasive species policies and control programs Local jurisdictions in both Oregon and Washing- Local Conservation Districts n Resource inventories and regulations to protect Land Trusts and Other Nonprofit Organizations Balch Creek, Forest Park ton operate under their respective state land use The greater Portland-Vancouver region is served high-value and environmentally-sensitive land A number of nonprofit land trusts, including planning frameworks, which require establish- by ten local conservation districts (called soil and Columbia Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, ment of urban growth boundaries. In part, these n Community grant programs for neighborhood water conservation districts in Oregon). Each is The Wetlands Conservancy, Trust for Public boundaries protect agricultural and forestlands of projects locally led by an elected board and works closely Land, and Western Rivers Conservancy, work to long-term commercial significance. In unincor- n Urban forest management plans and planting with the Natural Resources Conservation Service conserve natural areas in the region. These orga- porated areas, the respective county is the land programs and state Department of Agriculture, among nizations focus on voluntary land conservation use authority. Both inside and outside of urban many other partners. Because each district is n Environmental education programs and often conduct their own conservation plan- growth boundaries, land use regulations are unique, capacities vary widely. Local districts n ning while working closely with public agencies Green solutions to stormwater management typically work with landowners on a voluntary and jurisdictions on shared conservation priori- n Programs to train and manage volunteers to basis to address conservation concerns such as ties. In addition to on-the-ground conservation 4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area enhance local resources preventing erosion, enhancing wildlife habitat, work, area land trusts often play a significant role and managing weeds and manure. District staff The Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah, and Washington County Cooperative in regional planning efforts and in advocating for may provide technical assistance to landowners Weed Management Area is a partnership of about 25 organizations in the Watershed Council Planning Process conservation programs. and partners, facilitate access to federal funding Watershed councils are organizations that are Many other nonprofit organizations work four counties dedicated to combating invasive weeds for the benefit of (usually the federal Farm Bill), and may be able to made up of a wide range of stakeholders rep- toward regional biodiversity conservation in a native habitat and people. The 4-County CWMA is part of the Northwest provide local cost-share funding for certain types resenting the diverse interests in a watershed. number of ways. Nonprofits in the region, such as of conservation practices. Several local conserva- Weed Management Partnership. Because weed issues typically extend Most of the councils either are nonprofits or are the Audubon Society of Portland and Audubon tion districts in the region have programs that affiliated with another conservation organization, Society of Vancouver, offer a number of educa- across multiple ownerships, the CWMA emphasizes and supports collabora- work with public and private landowners to plant such as a soil and water conservation district. tional programs, advocate for environmental tive weed management among land managers. The partnership actively riparian buffers of native trees and shrubs along Watershed councils are directed by local citizens programs and causes, and participate in steward- rivers and streams. Some districts also work in engages in weed education and outreach and serves as a coordinating body and historically have based their conservation ship and restoration efforts. Many organizations urban areas on topics such as stormwater man- for weed inventory and prevention and on-the-ground weed control activi- efforts on the needs of their local communities focus on a specific portion of the region or even agement, toxics reduction, and environmental and waterways. a particular natural area. For example, the Forest ties, with a focus on members’ early detection and rapid response lists. The education. In some cases project funding in the Most watershed councils start their plan- Park Conservancy focuses its efforts on Forest CWMA meets monthly and maintains a master weed list as well as informa- form of grants may be available for conservation ning process with a watershed assessment that Park and surrounding lands. Nonprofit organi- projects. tion on the status of invasive species in the region. For more information, describes the conditions of the watershed, identi- zations often offer a high level of flexibility in go to www.4countycwma.org and http:/www.westerninvasivesnetwork. fies priority areas for protection and restoration, developing and implementing conservation proj- and identifies potential data gaps. Councils then ects. In order to be truly effective on a regional org/pages/nwmp.html. scale, these projects need to be developed within 20 21 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

a broad context and be The Priority Habitat and Species list, which plans address local salmon and steelhead spe- participation. Of the five assessment areas, the well coordinated with identifies all of Washington’s priority species, cies that are listed as threatened or endangered natural resources work area entails assessment other efforts. serves as the foundation of the PHS program. To under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). of terrestrial and aquatic habitat quality, surface Development of be included on the list a species must be either (1) The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) water and air quality, and the condition of at- the Regional Conser- legally designated as an endangered, threatened, develops and implements recovery plans based on risk plant species in the Columbia River Gorge. vation Strategy offers or sensitive species, (2) susceptible to significant locally developed plans that address local inter- Upland, instream, and riparian habitats will be watershed councils, population declines, within a specific area or ests as well as ESA delisting. Final recovery plans monitored for changes in habitat fragmentation local conservation statewide, by virtue of the species’ inclination to by NMFS describe a process to remove the threats and species distribution. districts, land trusts, aggregate, or (3) of recreational, commercial, or to long-term survival of the listed species, reverse and other nonprofits tribal importance. The PHS list also recognizes a species decline, and restore the species and its Oregon Biodiversity Information Center the opportunity to group of priority habitats that all have been desig- ecosystem to a point where the species’ future is The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center is coordinate their work nated for their significant wildlife value. Informa- safeguarded and the protections of the ESA are a cooperative, interagency effort to identify the with regional planning tion from the PHS database is widely distributed no longer necessary. Recovery plans are guidance plant, animal, and plant community resources of efforts that bridge the to municipal governments, conservation organi- rather than regulatory documents. Oregon. The program is managed by the Oregon gaps among water- zations, industries, tribes, and private consultants. In the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Natural Heritage Information Center, part of the sheds, jurisdictions, The PHS management recommendations provide recovery plans cover Upper Willamette Chinook Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural and focus areas. Habi- scientifically credible and expertly peer-reviewed and steelhead, Columbia River chum, and Lower Resources, under a cooperative agreement with tats cross both politi- guidelines to address the management and con- Columbia River coho, Chinook, and steelhead. the Oregon Division of State Lands. The Natural cal and geographic servation of priority habitats and species. WDFW The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has Heritage Program was established by the Oregon The Regional Conserva- boundaries, and it is important to be able to put has published management recommendations for completed plans for the Upper Willamette and Natural Heritage Act and is overseen by the Natu- tion Strategy provides local conservation and restoration efforts into a 73 species, species groups, and habitats. the Oregon portion of the Lower Columbia; these ral Heritage Advisory Council, a board appointed larger context. The Regional Conservation Strategy Because PHS is a recognized source of best plans address ESA recovery as well as Oregon’s by the Governor. The Oregon Biodiversity Infor- a general roadmap also can serve as a planning tool for future efforts available science, it has been widely used to guide Native Fish Conservation Policy. The Lower mation Center has three main program areas. for conserving the that have regional significance or aid nonprofits local land use planning and help protect signifi- Columbia Fish Recovery Board has completed It works to voluntarily establish natural areas full range of life that in connecting to other groups trying to accom- cant fish and wildlife resources. In Southwest a plan for the Washington portion of the Lower in Oregon, manages the Rare and Endangered inhabits the Portland- plish similar goals. Washington, Clark County relies heavily on PHS Columbia that addresses both ESA and state Invertebrate Program for the state of Oregon, and Vancouver metropolitan in implementing its critical areas development needs. In addition, the Lower Columbia River manages the Oregon regulations, and the Columbia Land Trust has Estuary Partnership has developed a plan that Natural Heritage area and enriches our Other Key Conservation Efforts made use of PHS to prioritize sites for restora- covers the Columbia River estuary. NMFS is in Databank, which con- A great deal of additional work has been com- lives in so many ways. tion, land donations, conservation easements, or the process of adopting these plans and develop- tains comprehensive pleted related to priority species identification, outright purchase. ing a species-level summary plan for the entire information on ecologi- habitat restoration, and salmon recovery, as PHS has recently been augmented to incorpo- Lower Columbia. cally and scientifically described below. rate local and regional biodiversity data, so that significant natural areas biodiversity hot spots and wildlife movement Columbia River Gorge Vital Signs and in the state. The Washington Department of Fish and corridors can be identified. With this advance Indicators Project Wildlife’s Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) PHS could serve as a possible repository for spa- Led by the Columbia River Gorge Commission Oregon Plan for Salmon The Washington Department of fish and Wild- tial data generated for the Regional Conservation in concert with the U.S. Forest Service, the Vital and Watersheds life’s Priority Habitats and Species program Strategy and other local and regional biodiversity Signs and Indicators project is an effort to assess In 1997 Oregon’s Gov- (PHS) provides comprehensive information efforts. the state of the Columbia River Gorge National ernor and Legislature about Washington’s important fish and wildlife Scenic Area. Scenic, natural, cultural, recreation- adopted the Oregon resources. First introduced in 1989, PHS consists Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Plans al, and economic resources in the National Scenic Plan for Salmon and of a list of statewide fish and wildlife priorities, Salmon and steelhead recovery planning and Area are being monitored. The project encom- Watersheds to begin a database of known locations of priority habi- implementation are under way in the greater passes assessment of conditions, including trends state-led recovery tats and species, and a series of publications that Portland-Vancouver region through collaborative and causes; development of an adaptive manage- efforts. The mission of provide recommendations for land use planning; processes involving federal, state, local, and tribal ment framework; collaboration with local, state, the plan is to restore these tools are regularly updated to ensure that entities and other stakeholders. The recovery and federal agencies; and forums for community Oregon’s native fish they represent timely information. 22 23 regional conservation strategy Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts

what needs to be done to conserve and improve Future strategies related to the Willamette (DNR) is responsible for managing state-owned rivers and natural habitat in the places where Valley Synthesis Project focus on (1) directing forest lands. In Clark County, DNR manages they live. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board resources and investments in the Willamette approximately 60,000 acres, most of it within the grants are funded from the Oregon Lottery, Valley toward activities in the conservation foothills of the Cascades and including many federal dollars, and salmon license plate revenue. opportunity areas, (2) updating the conserva- headwaters of important streams such as the The agency is led by a 17-member citizen board tion opportunity areas annually, (3) preparing North Fork Lewis and East Fork Lewis rivers, drawn from the public at large, tribes, and federal outreach materials to distribute to landowners the Washougal River, and Salmon Creek. The Washington’s Recre- and state natural resource agency boards and and partners, and (4) making the maps and data majority of the land is actively managed for for- ation and Conserva- commissions. available on the Internet for public access, to est products but also includes some agricultural tion Office resources facilitate a broad, ongoing discussion of the val- leases. State forest ownership is concentrated in have been awarded Willamette Valley Synthesis Project ley’s conservation needs. Partners involved in the the northeast corner of the county east of Yale for projects through- The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Chapter led a project include the Willamette Partnership and Lake and in the eastern third of the county, south collaborative, 2-year effort to synthesize the most many of the other organizations and agencies of the East Fork Lewis River. There is also a lesser, out Clark County, with current mapping data on imperiled habitats in the that are actively engaged in conservation in the more fragmented concentration south of Lake particular concentra- Willamette Basin, based on priorities identified in Willamette Basin. Merwin. tions of investments a variety of conservation assessments completed DNR also manages the state’s Natural Areas within the Vancouver over the previous decade. The Willamette Valley Washington Recreation and Conservation Office Program, which protects outstanding examples of Synthesis Project sought to identify areas where Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office the state’s natural diversity. Within Clark County, Lake Lowlands and populations and the aquatic systems that support investments in conservation or restoration would (RCO), through the Recreation and Conserva- two natural resource conservation areas have at Salmon Creek, the them to productive and sustainable levels that will improve water quality, protect and restore habitat tion Funding Board and the Salmon Recovery been established: Washougal Oaks and Lacamas East Fork Lewis River, provide substantial environmental, cultural, and for at-risk species, and provide other environ- Funding Board, awards grants to state agencies, Prairie. Located near Steigerwald National Wild- Lacamas Lake, and the economic benefits. The plan has a strong focus on mental values and ecosystem services. The result local governments, tribes and nonprofit con- life Refuge, Washougal Oaks Natural Resource Lower Washougal River salmon, with actions designed to improve water of the project was a comprehensive GIS-based servation organizations for conservation and Conservation Area was established to protect one quality and quantity and restore habitat. map depicting the extent, composition, and struc- recreation purposes. Grants encompass land of the last high-quality Oregon live oak habitats Greenway. Oregon is implementing the Oregon Plan tural condition of white oak (Quercus garryana), acquisition, environmental/habitat enhancement, in western Washington. Lacamas Prairie, located for Salmon and Watersheds in a manner that is ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and riparian and recreational facility development activi- along Lacamas Creek from slightly south of SR consistent with ESA recovery planning and other and floodplain forests in the Willamette Valley ties and are awarded on a competitive basis that 500 to its outlet into Lacamas Lake, was estab- Oregon programs related to salmon. Watershed and foothills. By identifying priority sites—called involves review by technical advisory panels lished to protect and restore one of the largest councils and soil and water conservation districts conservation opportunity areas—the map repre- and the funding boards. Since the agency began remnants of wet prairie habitat known to occur in lead efforts in many basins, with support from sents a shared vision of the best opportunities for in 1964, it has awarded $1.4 billion in grants to the state. landowners and other private citizens, sport and meaningful and ecologically functional conser- more than 6,400 projects statewide. Since 1990, commercial fishing interests, the timber industry, vation in the Willamette Valley. It also serves the agency has averaged 230 grant awards for $60 Cascadia Prairie-Oak Partnership environmental groups, agriculture, utilities, busi- as a state-of-the-art, user-friendly tool that can million every fiscal year. Local matching funds The Cascadia Prairie-Oak Partnership (CPOP) nesses, tribes, and all levels of government. The incorporate new data as they become available. are required for most grant programs; since 1964, is an umbrella group that provides a formal- Oregon Plan relies on volunteerism and steward- When queried for specific information, the syn- grant recipients have contributed more than $866 ized framework for what historically has been a ship, public education and awareness, scientific thesis tool identifies areas delineated in multiple million in matching resources. RCO resources loose association of working groups that work to oversight, coordinated tribal and government assessments as being important for one or more have been awarded for projects throughout conserve the prairie and oak habitats of Oregon, efforts, and ongoing monitoring and adaptive particular ecological benefits, such as floodplain Clark County, with particular concentrations of Washington, and western British Columbia; management to achieve program success. restoration, rare or at-risk species habitat conser- investments within the Vancouver Lake Lowlands member groups include Oregon Oak Communi- vation, or water quality protection or improve- and at Salmon Creek, the East Fork Lewis River, ties, the South Puget Sound Prairies and North Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board ment. In addition, by identifying groups that Lacamas Lake, and the Lower Washougal River Sound Prairies working groups (in Washington), The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is a have already engaged in conservation activities Greenway. and the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team state agency that provides grants to help Orego- or assessments in a given area, the tool has the (in Canada). The focus of the CPOP is to bring nians take care of local streams, rivers, wetlands, potential to increase cooperative and collective Washington DNR and Natural Areas Program these groups together to share expertise, develop and natural areas. Community members and investment in ecologically significant areas. Like the Oregon Department of Forestry, the resources, coordinate planning, and implement landowners use scientific criteria to decide jointly Washington Department of Natural Resources effective conservation actions. All member

24 25 regional conservation strategy

groups are interested in seeing CPOP provide Suggested Reading coordination and information-sharing services Index of Federal Departments and Agencies: at the ecoregional scale. Combining these groups http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_ while also maintaining the local focus of sub- Agencies/index.shtml groups allows the partners to improve efficiency Federal funding opportunities: (e.g., conservation planning and research) and http://www.grants.gov/ coordinate prairie and oak conservation at a Summaries of many federal laws and executive larger, landscape scale. CPOP currently hosts sev- orders: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/ eral range-wide species-specific working groups (e.g., streaked horned lark, Taylor’s checkerspot America’s Great Outdoors: http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/ butterfly). A CPOP listserv is hosted and supported by the Washington Department of Fish and Oregon Conservation Strategy: Wildlife. The Nature Conservancy of Washington http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ has secured funding to develop, in collaboration Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds: http:// with partners, a business plan for CPOP that www.oregon-plan.org/OPSW/about_us.shtml will include a defined vision, mission statement, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: and funding opportunities. This work currently http://www.oregon.gov/OWEB/ is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense Legacy Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Other Oregon-specific or Columbia River plans Service. Partners will continue to seek addi- and partnerships: tional sources of funding to support ecoregional http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/programs.asp coordination and information sharing under the Washington Comprehensive Wildlife auspices of CPOP. Conservation Strategy: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/cwcs/ Washington Priority Habitats and Species: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/

chapter 3 Summary

Natural resources in the greater Portland-Vancouver region are managed through a number of local, state, and federal conservation plans, initiatives, and regulations, some of which emphasize species or biodiversity conservation. Rather than competing with these existing efforts, the Regional Conservation Strategy is intended to fill a regional-scale gap in conservation planning, provide accurate scientific information specific to the region, improve communication among the many entities involved in conservation efforts that affect the region, and increase those entities’ leverage in obtaining funding.

Locally the Regional Conservation Strategy offers the possibility of increased collaboration among cities and counties,

Metro, watershed councils, local conservation districts, and other nonprofit organizations. Federal partners include the

National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency; in addition, the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, and other federal agencies play a key role in managing resources within the region. At the state level, the Regional

Conservation Strategy serves as a more localized version of the Oregon Conservation Strategy and Washington Comprehensive

Wildlife Strategy, which have been heavily used in the region as guiding documents for conservation actions. Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges

Current Conditions and Challenges Chapter4

Summary of the Region The land cover, large habitat patches, interior forest habitat, and natural land cover data were he greater Portland-Vancouver region covers used to produce GIS-based models of fish and 1 T1,829,575 acres, or 2,850 square miles, the wildlife habitat and maps that help identify some majority of which are within Clark, Multnomah, of the region’s most important biodiversity and Clackamas, and Washington counties. The Coast water quality hotspots. For more information, Range lies to the west, the Cascades to the north see Chapter 1 of the Biodiversity Guide for the and east, and the southern portion of the region Greater Portland-Vancouver Region. extends into the Willamette Valley. One-fifth of the region falls within urban Land cover data (see sidebar on next page) growth boundaries (which in Washington are indicate that, overall, about one-half of the region known as urban growth areas); this includes is covered by trees, primarily within large forest the cities of Portland, Vancouver, Beaverton, patches. More than one-fifth of the region is in and Hillsboro, along with many smaller cities. agriculture, and about 13 percent consists of Because urban areas are intended to concentrate developed lands such as buildings and pavement. development, it is to be expected that they would Thirteen percent of the region is publicly owned, have a high amount of developed lands and less in the form of natural areas, parks, schools, golf overall habitat. But that does not mean that they courses, and state or federally owned forest and lack habitat. In the greater Portland-Vancouver recreation lands. region, areas that fall within urban growth

1 This section summarizes information from the Biodiversity Guide for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region, which has nine chapters: “Current Conditions,” which presents statistics relating to land cover and ownership in the region; “Biogeography,” which describes changes in the region over time; “Major Habitat Types of the Region”; “Flora of the Region,” which emphasizes sensitive plant species; “Fish and Wildlife of the Region,” which is accompanied by an appendix with a comprehensive list of the region’s vertebrate species and their conservation status; “Important Issues and Concepts,” which explains key ecological processes that affect the region’s biodiversity; “Threats and Challenges,” which describes major threats to biodiversity; “Major Categories of Strategies,” which explains conservation approaches; and “Watersheds,” which describes conditions, species, and current restoration activities by watershed.

27 regional conservation strategy Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges

Mapping Land Cover and Modeling Fish and Wildlife Habitat Land cover information in this chapter comes from Chapter 1, “Current Conditions vary by geography, and so does the forests; shrub habitat; wetlands; upland forests; Historically, natural forces and processes Conditions,” of the Biodiversity Guide for the Greater Portland-Vancouver effectiveness of conservation strategies. Some of oak woodland and savanna; upland prairie, wet such as the climate, fire, flooding, pollination, Region. The Biodiversity Guide organizes the region’s different types of the region’s largest watersheds have substantial prairie and rocky balds; and special features that and a network of large interconnected habitats land cover into a variety of classifications, including trees and regenerating public land holdings. For example, the Lower add value to habitats. Examples of special features played critical roles in creating and maintaining forest, shorter vegetation such as shrubs and meadows, agriculture, open Columbia-Sandy and Lewis River watersheds are include snags, downed wood, rocky areas, and biodiversity in the region. But these forces and 26 and 22 percent publicly owned, respectively; off-channel wildlife habitat such as beaver ponds processes have been disrupted at the site, water- water, and developed lands such as buildings, roads, and parking lots. they also are among the region’s least developed and river oxbows. shed, and regional scale by growth in the human Classifying and mapping land cover was a challenging task, given the watersheds. The region’s largest watershed, the The greater Portland-Vancouver region is population and dramatic changes in land uses. available data and their limitations. For example, it was difficult to distin- Tualatin, makes up one-quarter of the region home to a variety of invertebrates, fish, amphib- Conserving biodiversity in the region will involve guish between tree cover and certain crops, such as tree farms and orchards, and contributes correspondingly high amounts ians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Invertebrates not just reducing specific threats, but also finding of tree cover and large forest patches, primarily are the least known of these groups because there ways to reestablish natural processes. By incorpo- or between natural prairie and lawns, commercial grass fields, or orchards. in privately owned lands managed for timber. At are thousands of species and they are not always rating ecological processes into the modern-day Where feasible, the mapping team resolved some inconsistencies by 54 percent developed land cover, the Willamette easy to locate or describe. At least 366 native landscape as much as possible, we can harness reclassifying land cover by hand. Because large habitat patches are so River–Frontal Columbia watershed is the region’s vertebrate species are known to use the region their inherent ability to create varied habitats and important to biodiversity conservation, the team assessed the amount of most urban watershed. It has nearly 30 percent each year. These include 47 fish species, 18 types thus boost regional biodiversity and the ecosys- the region covered by (1) forest patches 30 acres in size and larger, tree cover; although it contributes only 1 percent of amphibians, 14 reptile species, 219 types of tem’s resilience in the face of future changes. of the region’s large forest patches, 65 percent of birds, and 68 mammal species. An additional 43 (2) interior forest habitat,2 and “natural” land cover (meaning everything these acres are publicly owned. In this watershed non-native species add diversity but also threaten Threats to the Region’s Biodiversity except developed and agricultural land). there is little doubt that the strategy of purchasing many native species and habitats. The region also Destruction, degradation, and fragmentation natural areas for protection is working. provides habitat for many rare plants, which are of habitats and the associated loss of ecological Several major rivers in the region, includ- threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and processes are the greatest threats to biodiversity. ing the Clackamas, Columbia, Lewis, Molalla, climate change. (For specific information on plant boundaries demonstrate the following Habitat is commonly lost through the conver- Salmon, Sandy, Tualatin, Washougal and Willa- and wildlife species in the region, see Chapters 4 characteristics: sion of wetlands, prairie, and forests to urban and mette, have thousands of tributaries and numer- and 5 of the Biodiversity Guide and the associated n suburban development, and—historically—to They consist of 44 percent developed land ous associated wetlands and lakes, as well as appendixes, which provide comprehensive species cover (compared to 5 percent in areas outside agriculture. But habitat loss also occurs through floodplains and bottomland habitat. Collectively, lists and, for some species, relevant conservation urban growth boundaries). the introduction of invasive species. Transporting these water features contribute enormous value strategies.) n They have 30 percent tree cover, represent- to biodiversity in the region. This is true in spite ing 13 percent of all the region’s tree cover in 20 of the fact that most of these water features have Beaver, once nearly percent of its area. (Rural areas are more than half been heavily modified for water supply and flood extirpated from North tree cover, which includes large individual trees as control and by land use changes such as urbaniza- America, have made well as forests.) tion and agriculture. Analysis of historical and a strong comeback, n They have relatively fragmented forests, with current vegetation indicates that urbanization even in smaller urban about 10 percent of the land cover in large forest and agriculture have caused the greatest changes patches (more than 30 acres), compared to 54 in habitat, with oak, prairie, and savanna habitats watersheds where they percent in areas outside the urban growth bound- having sustained the greatest losses. Although contribute to fish and aries. The scarcity of large urban forest patches there are still substantial amounts of forestland wildlife habitat through increases the conservation value of existing large in the region, most forestland today is relatively patches. their dam building. young and biologically simplified compared to Living with beavers is n They consist of nearly 10 percent publicly the vast extents of old-growth and complex for- owned lands, including some very important ests that historically grew in the region. essential for healthy natural areas in both Oregon and Washington Beyond rivers, streams, and open waters, watersheds, urban and (see Appendix C). major habitat types in the river include shorelines rural. and mudflats; riparian and bottomland hardwood

2 Interior forest habitat is defined as habitat that is 50 meters or more inside a forest, measuring from the forest’s outside edge.

28 29 regional conservation strategy Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges

In an urban or urbanizing environment, it support an interconnected system of functional systems), fire (in prairie), and flooding (in can be difficult to place a value on the benefits of natural areas across the region’s urban and rural streams and many wetlands).3 Finally, the region’s wildlife and nature—including biodiversity—in landscapes to conserve and enhance regional natural areas need to be viewed and managed as a context where the value of economic develop- biodiversity. a system of anchors connected to one another ment can so easily be expressed. Biodiversity through stream and habitat corridors, with adja- provides economic, ecological, aesthetic, and Desired Future Conditions cent lands managed to promote and facilitate the spiritual benefits. Although it is easy to describe movement of organisms through the region and We envision a future One goal of the Regional Conservation Strategy is the economic benefits of biodiversity in terms to the larger, adjacent ecoregions. in which a world class to collect and provide in one place information of timber produced and fish harvested, the task Whether urban or rural, natural areas alone and a framework for describing and determining regional system of becomes more challenging when considering cannot support and sustain the region’s ecologi- the desired future conditions of natural ecosys- parks, trails and natural the economic value of biological organisms that cal integrity and biodiversity. Working lands and tems of the region. Conceptually, there should be decompose waste products, remove impurities the built landscape also play a role in (1) creating areas is integrated with an interconnected system of functional natural from water, and pollinate crops. It is even harder and helping to connect and protect a functional sustainably managed areas across the urban and rural landscapes. to put a value on the inherent right of other network of ecosystems across the urban and These areas should be managed in a way that working and residential organisms to exist, or the enjoyment that humans rural landscape, and (2) keeping hazards to fish does the following: landscapes to provide get from having beauty and nature around them. and wildlife to a minimum. The information n Protects the water and air quality of the region described in the Regional Conservation Strategy for healthy people and ecosystems. Opportunities to Conserve the n Provides other important ecosystem services, and accompanying Biodiversity Guide and the Region’s Biodiversity such as flood control, water storage, and pollina- programs provided by members of The Intertwine organisms beyond their natural ranges, whether tion Alliance can encourage and assist private land- Pulling information together to identify “hot owners in taking actions that will help sustain the intentionally or unwittingly, can significantly n Supports—at a minimum—the current level spots” of biological diversity, species unique to region’s biodiversity by managing and restoring degrade and even destroy important habitats and of biodiversity (i.e., the existing range of plants, this region, and the status and extent of the exist- portions of their land to enhance and sustain the ecological processes, leading to local extirpations animals, and wildlife habitats) ing network of conserved lands is a key first step or total extinctions of native species; this happens regional system. in designing a blueprint for continued efforts to n Helps species and habitats recover from both directly (through competition and preda- Because the resources available for conserva- conserve the biodiversity of the region. Candidate historical losses or degradation tion) and indirectly (through changes in habitat tion related work are limited, priorities and goals areas in need of protection and management can or ecological processes). The addition to the n Increases natural systems’ resilience and their need to be set—and difficult decisions made—to then be selected to form a complementary suite ecosystem of nutrients (from fertilizers or waste- ability to adapt to an unpredictably changing determine how and where to invest resources. of areas that encompass the widest variety of water) and toxins (from industrial waste, pesti- climate Instead of being a detailed road map, this resources. Priority may be given to areas that sup- cides, or car brake pads, for example) also can n Provides opportunities for people to access Regional Conservation Strategy is meant to serve port the most intact native habitats, areas of high degrade habitat and reduce biodiversity. Habitat natural areas for local recreation, research, and as a guidebook to a future that includes healthy biodiversity, sites where biodiversity is being lost fragmentation decreases biodiversity because appreciation ecosystems throughout the greater Portland-Van- especially rapidly, or areas where at-risk species spatial patterns of the habitat change and rem- couver region. Although the Regional Conserva- and habitats are especially vulnerable to extirpa- To realize these benefits, the habitat types and nant habitat patches become smaller and more tion Strategy does identify geographic priorities tion (i.e., local extinction). Another consideration vegetative communities of our region need to isolated; for example, a forest habitat broken into (i.e., conservation opportunity areas) and key might be the cost of protecting candidate areas, be well represented in natural areas that are (1) small patches supports different flora and fauna strategies, it does not identify or prioritize specific in order to assemble a suite of areas that protect relatively large, (2) geographically distributed than a large forest habitat patch. In addition, projects, which generally should be developed the most biological diversity for a given cost. This throughout the region, and (3) occupied by barriers to traditional migration routes created based on local conditions and funding opportuni- Regional Conservation Strategy and the accom- appropriate native species or represent realistic by development, roads, culverts, and fences can ties. It is also important to recognize that climate panying Biodiversity Guide strive to identify restoration opportunities. Furthermore, key habi- degrade the remaining habitat disproportionately change will be a constant variable as we prioritize where there are priority opportunities for natural tat features and processes must be present that to the amount of habitat actually lost. Lastly, places to work and determine desired future con- resource conservation in both urban and rural are specific to given habitat types, such as large people’s needs for safety and predictability often ditions. It is likely that stream and river hydrology settings. live trees, snags, and large trees on the ground (in lead to practices and infrastructure that limit fire, and other landscape characteristics will change, We can collectively use the information in this upland forest), side channels (in river flooding, and other important natural processes Regional Conservation Strategy and the accompa- that otherwise would help maintain biodiversity. 3 The accompanying biodiversity guide and supporting documents provide detailed information on native habitat types, nying Biodiversity Guide to continue to build and vegetative communities, and species and key habitat features and processes.

30 31 regional conservation strategy Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges

and plant communities, wildlife habitats, and fish landscapes in a recent study conducted for and wildlife species will be changing and adapt- Metro.4 The study described notable landscapes ing to new conditions. as those that serve important ecological functions (such as filtering water and providing critical Landscapes of Cultural and habitat), provide unique natural experiences in Scenic Value an urban environment, and represent the region’s “Threats to local unique natural heritage. landscapes arouse more Although the Regional Conservation Strategy Some work already has been completed in focuses exclusively on protecting biodiversity, the region to analyze landscapes that are region- passion than positive there is significant overlap between those land- ally significant because of their scenic or cultural planning proposals. scapes we would protect, restore, and manage for value. In addition to the Metro study, the Damas- Planning that becomes the benefit of fish and wildlife and those that the cus Scenic Assessment 5 surveyed Damascus region’s residents hold dear for cultural or aes- residents in 2008 about what matters to them too abstract will miss a thetic reasons. Oak prairie and savanna, upland regarding the rural landscape, natural features, vital motivating factor. and old growth forests, volcanic buttes, riparian and scenic views. The survey found that undevel- The landscape ele- areas, wetlands, rivers, floodplains, confluences, oped forested buttes were the most highly valued ment of any long-range islands, ponds, and lakes could be considered scenic landscape in the southeast quadrant of the examples of such multi-value landscapes. These Portland metropolitan region, with views of the regional plan will only particular landscape types, which are well distrib- Clackamas River also scoring very high. These be a small part of the uted throughout the greater Portland-Vancouver results are consistent with more general scenic total effort, but more region, were among those considered “notable” landscape research, which indicates that people prefer undeveloped, natural-appearing land- than any other element scapes over all others. Within that framework, ing certain features, such as mature forest, steep these two agencies would be able to assist in iden- it can enlist a personal people favor diverse vegetation, rugged topog- slopes, prominent land forms, rocky outcrops, tifying scenic landscapes in the region. involvement. People raphy, and views of water. How landscapes are and water features. These features may or may not The National Park Service, which is an active are stirred by what viewed and from where also are important. Views coincide with landscapes that support regional Intertwine Alliance partner, has indicated an they can see.” from public roads and trails—especially those biodiversity, as landscape professionals generally interest in providing expertise to a regional that are designated as scenic routes—are most believe that scenery and ecologically significant cultural and scenic landscape inventory. In addi- — William H. Whyte highly valued. sites overlap only partially. And different assess- tion, an informal local group that is working at The Last Landscape, 1968 There is a need for a more refined and compre- ment methods would be needed to identify his- the national level to improve scenic assessment hensive inventory of the entire greater Portland- torically or culturally significant landscapes, such techniques might be enlisted to assist The Inter- Vancouver region—of landscapes that contribute as vineyards. (Vineyards are of high scenic value twine Alliance in initiating a regional cultural and both ecological functions and cultural or scenic but relatively low ecological value.) scenic inventory in the next year or two.6 values, and landscapes that are significant because Both the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of of their cultural or scenic value alone. According Land Management employ architects and land- to local landscape analysts it is possible to use scape architects with nationally recognized skills GIS-based U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land in identifying scenic landscapes. However, given Management inventory techniques to identify budget constraints, it remains unclear how much what are likely to be the most highly valued scenic landscapes. This is accomplished by not-

4 Intertwine—Access to Nature (Alta Planning + Design, 2010) defined notable landscapes present within The Intertwine, listed publicly accessible and high-quality examples, assessed the accessibility of notable landscapes, and provided a basic data set of notable landscapes for use in future projects. 5 The Damascus Scenic Assessment: Part I: Full Report of Survey with Summary (Ribe et al. 2008). 6 Personal communication, Dean Apostol, former Greenspaces Policy Advisory Committee participant, April 24, 2011. 32 33 regional conservation strategy

Suggested Reading The Last Landscape, William H. Whyte

chapter 4 Summary The greater Portland-Vancouver region is a mix—of urban and rural uses, developed lands and natural areas,

hard streetscape and high-functioning habitat. Conditions vary greatly by geography, as do conservation oppor-

tunities and strategies. Current threats to the region’s biodiversity include not just direct human activities but

also the loss of ecological processes and our own difficulty putting a value on healthy ecosystems. Still, hun-

dreds of wildlife species and rare plants continue to find what they need within the region, and even our most

urban areas provide habitat and contribute to the region’s biodiversity.

We can make choices now that will maintain or even boost the region’s biodiversity over current levels. The

desired future for the region includes an interconnected system of functioning natural areas that protect our

air and water quality, help species and habitats recover from past degradation, and increase their resilience to

change. Also envisioned is a larger role for working lands and the built landscape in supporting the region’s

biodiversity.

Fortunately, we have new tools—high-resolution land cover maps and GIS modeling of habitat—to help us

understand and prioritize conservation opportunities and make this vision a reality. The mapping and model-

ing, in combination with expert knowledge and analysis, can be used to identify areas that support the most

intact native habitats, have high levels of biodiversity, are losing biodiversity especially rapidly, have especially

vulnerable at-risk species and habitats, or could be protected relatively cost-effectively. Undoubtedly some of

these high-priority areas for conservation overlap with landscapes that we also value because of their scenic and

cultural qualities, but additional landscape inventory work will be needed to know where this is so, and to what

extent.

34 Chapter 5 Climate Change

Climate Change Chapter5

s an issue that is likely to affect our region strong evidence that climate change is affecting Because of their Aecologically, socially, and economically, our natural systems, with documented shifts in sensitive skin and use climate change cuts across all aspects of the habitat, the extent and timing of migrations, and of multiple habitats, Regional Conservation Strategy. The built envi- the geographical ranges of many insects, birds, amphibians, especially ronment, our social systems, and our economic trees, and flowering plants.2 In the coming years, health all depend on properly functioning natural additional impacts are expected on birds, terres- pond-breeding species systems to provide clean water and air, mitigate trial wildlife, plants, and aquatic species through- like the red-legged floods, pollinate our food crops, maintain agricul- out the Pacific Northwest, as well as on the flow frog may be especially tural and forest productivity, and provide other of the upper Willamette and Columbia rivers. vulnerable to and ecosystem services. It is likely that in the coming Although the causes and general effects of decades, as climate change exacerbates existing climate change are well documented, informa- indicators of climate stressors on natural systems, related human and tion about impacts at a finer regional scale and change and ecosystem built systems also will be affected; these systems predictions of future effects are less precise. Most health. include public health, infrastructure, and the climate models are developed at global scales and economy. are difficult to scale down to the local or regional That climate change already is occurring has level because of greater uncertainty at these been well documented. Over the last century, the smaller scales. Yet managers and policymakers Pacific Northwest has seen an increase in aver- need regional and local data now that reflect how age temperature (by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit), the climate change will affect their specific region, for loss of snowpack in the Cascades, and shifts in use in planning and policy development.3 How, the timing and volume of stream flows.1 There is then, to proceed?

1 Building Climate Resiliency in the Lower Willamette Region of Western Oregon (Climate Leadership Initiative, 2011) and Oregon Climate Assessment Report (Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, 2010). 2 Ibid, plus “Climate Change Impacts on Streamflow Extremes and Summertime Stream Temperatures and Their Possible Consequences for Freshwater Salmon Habitat in Washington State” (Mantua et al., 2010, in Climate Change), The Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment (Climate Impacts Group, 2009), and Climate Change Impacts on Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife (Independent Scientific Advisory Board, 2007). 3 Projected Future Conditions in the Lower Willamette River Subbasin of Northwest Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington Counties (Hamilton et al. 2009). 35 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

The Precautionary Principle and built systems and the importance of those to increase under climate change. There are also in the most heavily urbanized areas.6 This sug- systems to our well-being, strategies to respond to things we can do to mitigate the effects of climate gests that the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan To date, most responses to climate change have climate change should be based on the precau- change: agencies in our region have demonstrated area should incorporate carbon sequestration focused on actions to reduce greenhouse gas tionary principle. We will need flexible, adaptive that protecting, enhancing, mimicking, and strategies across the urban landscape and initi- emissions, such as reducing vehicle miles traveled management that helps maintain and restore the integrating natural systems with each other and ate research to determine how much carbon the to lower the amount of CO being emitted by 2 resilience of our natural and human systems. with the built environment are likely to increase urban forest canopy and natural areas sequester. the transportation sector. However, even if local Even though we are unsure of the exact effects natural systems’ resiliency to climate impacts. This effort would dovetail with ongoing manage- emissions are reduced, natural systems likely of climate change and the extent of those effects, For example, an analysis of the future impacts of ment of the spatial distribution of vegetated areas, will continue to be affected by climate change we need to take action now and manage for the climate change in the Johnson Creek watershed which already is an important consideration in because of the existing buildup and longevity rare events as they become more commonplace, (through 2040) showed that, with implementa- land use planning and the acquisition, restora- of both local and global emissions in the atmo- especially in cases where the social, economic, or tion of planned restoration projects, the quality of tion, and management of natural areas.7 The pos- sphere. Therefore, it is essential that we prepare ecological cost of action is small or the conse- habitat for steelhead trout and coho and Chinook sibility of combining these two efforts—seques- for changes that are either generally known or quences of inaction would be severe. salmon would be maintained at a high level, even tering carbon and managing the distribution of already occurring. In addition, because many of in the face of climate change; without the restora- greenspaces—as a regional goal demonstrates the future impacts of greenhouse gas emissions A Step Ahead tion actions, habitat quality would decline.4 how climate change adaptation strategies could are simply unknown, particularly at the regional The greater Portland-Vancouver region is well successfully serve multiple purposes. Fortunately the news about climate change is not scale, we simply cannot anticipate some climate positioned to respond to climate change. We have all bad. In some cases, our region’s unique geogra- change impacts. an engaged public and political institutions that In This Chapter phy and environment, combined with restoration The precautionary principle advises that, in understand the opportunities created by resilient and management initiatives already under way, Although there is a strong link between the the face of uncertainty, when an action could natural systems and associated environmental will buffer natural systems against the nega- ecosystem services that natural systems provide result in harm to human health or the environ- markets (see Chapter 7). We have a wealth of tive impacts of climate change. In other cases, and the built and social systems we depend on, ment, precautionary measures should be taken experienced professionals and institutions, such natural systems may respond positively to climate the scope of the rest of this chapter is limited to even if some effects have not been fully estab- as the Oregon Climate Change Research Insti- change; examples include oak and prairie habitats climate change’s potential impacts on our region’s lished scientifically. In the case of climate change, tute,5 that are dedicated to collecting, assimilat- that depend on fire regimes, which are projected biodiversity, watershed health, and natural sys- given the range of potential impacts on natural ing, and downscaling information regarding the tems. The chapter summarizes and synthesizes likely impacts of climate change and our potential The extent of Oregon conclusions from existing scientific literature responses. And we have a diversity of ecosystems and applies information from federal, state, and white oak habitats and economic drivers that make the region well regional climate adaptation reports to our region. have declined by 90% suited to invest in adaptive strategies that address The chapter describes the following: or more throughout the multiple problems simultaneously—including problems related to climate change. n Risks associated with climate change Regional Conservation As an example, if planned properly, carbon n Strategies for improving ecosystem resilience strategy extent. These sequestration strategies that encourage the in the face of climate change beautiful habitats are absorption of carbon from the atmosphere into n Specific recommendations for adapting to priorities in Oregon trees, wetlands, and soils will improve river and climate changes, based on scientific literature and stream health as well as benefit forest manage- and Washington’s state experience ment. In the Seattle metropolitan region, recent conservation plans. research by the University of Washington found that significant carbon sequestration occurs even

4 Johnson Creek Salmonid Potential with Future Urban Development, Climate Change and Restoration: 2009 to the 2040s (ICF International, 2011). 5 Based at Oregon State University, the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) is a network of more than 100 researchers at OSU, the University of Oregon, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, and affiliated federal and state labs. The OCCRI is charged with fostering climate change research, serving as a clearinghouse for climate information, and providing climate change information to the public in an easily understandable form. For more, go to www.occri.net. 6 “Terrestrial Carbon Stocks Across a Gradient of Urbanization: A study of the Seattle, WA Region” (Hutyra et al. in Global Change Biology, 2010) and Linking Urbanization and Vegetation Carbon Patterns (Marina Alberti, 2010). 7 Linking Urbanization and Vegetation Carbon Patterns (Marina Alberti, 2010). 36 37 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

n Examples of strategies currently being applied level rise and higher stream flows may result in ing thermal barriers and increasing mortality in the region, including monitoring plans that significant increases in river stages, especially at different life stages. inform local adaptive management along the mainstem Willamette and Columbia rivers. Floodplain management and infrastruc- Changes in Wetland Ecosystems Risks to Natural Systems Associated ture considerations may need to vary from their Even slight changes in precipitation and ground- with Climate Change non-tidally influenced tributaries. water will change the period during which wet- Climate change may also reduce flows in some land soils are wetted and/or have standing water. Water Resources smaller streams and in extreme cases may result Both wetland plants and resident and migratory Changes in Hydrology, Water Supply, and in them drying up entirely in summer. Because animals depend on functional wetlands at criti- Stream Flows groundwater is recharged by the slow infiltration cal life stages. In some instances, wetlands are Although there is significant uncertainty as to of rain, higher intensity storms may result in a expected to expand in response to greater rainfall; whether the region will experience more or less shift from subsurface flow to overland flow into this could help store water and recharge ground- overall precipitation,8 there is much stronger rivers and storm drains. This shift would cause water systems in the winter, thereby buffering evidence that the frequency and intensity of pre- increased peak flows in streams and decreased hydrologic changes. Restoration of wetland cipitation will change. This region likely will face levels of groundwater and aquifer recharge. When hydrology to more historical patterns (i.e., before more intense rain events with greater frequency combined with summertime droughts that will the Columbia River dam era) has the potential to in the winter and fewer events in the summer, further deplete groundwater systems, reservoirs reverse the levels of plant invasions and at least 14 with the most pronounced effects in rain-fed and and groundwater sources may be significantly partially restore native plant communities. transitional streams9 (transitional streams have reduced. However, the expansion of wetlands in winter a mix of rain- and snow-dominated regimes). may not benefit wetland-dependent species that Reduced Water Quality rely on wetlands in late summer. Wetlands may Changes in the frequency and intensity of precipi- be affected by diseases such as West Nile virus Although wetlands The range of potential water quality impacts actually shrink as a result of changes in precipita- tation likely will result in altered river and stream and new diseases to which they have never includes higher temperature, lower dissolved tion, runoff, and higher ambient temperatures. occupy a small percent- morphology, increased erosion, and changes in been exposed. the timing and magnitude of short-term floods.10 oxygen levels, changes in biochemical processes, The overall changes in hydrology may lead to age of the landscape These changes may result in the expansion of higher pollutant loading, and increased turbid- wetland loss or a shift in species composition that they provide vital ity. These impacts may be due to changes in rain affects food web dynamics and migration periods. Air Resources floodplains. Streams that rely on snowpack as biodiversity conserva- their primary source of water also will experience events that increase pollutant-laden runoff from Reduced Air Quality 12 tion and water quality shifts in the timing of flow as a result of earlier impervious surfaces in urban areas. Pollutant Increase in Breeding Grounds for Water-Borne Climate change will amplify air quality problems protection benefits. Such snowmelt with increasing air temperatures; pulses may harm native aquatic species and affect Diseases by dramatically affecting weather patterns, which streams in rainfall-dominated areas are likely to species composition. Increased air temperatures Although there is insufficient information to pre- influence air quality. For example, ground ozone benefits are threatened have higher magnitude of flow in winter, with are also likely to increase stream temperatures, dict whether the prevalence of water-borne dis- levels and particulate deposition will increase by, but will also be more no changes in the timing of peak flow.11 There particularly in urban streams where riparian veg- eases such as West Nile virus will increase in the as a result of stagnant air caused by changes in 13 important in a changing is little information on the impact of sea level etation is reduced or lacking altogether, further region, if such increases do occur, the responses upper atmospheric wind patterns.15 Increased climate. rise in our region. However, a rise in sea level stressing native species and possibly altering fish of vector control and health agencies might have car exhaust and other combustion by-products could impound water throughout the Columbia migration patterns. Increases in water tempera- significant negative impacts on non-target spe- can lead to localized acid rain. Both acid rain River estuary, including the lower portion of the ture will have a cascade of effects on salmon, cies. If incidents of water-borne disease increase, and ground-level ozone that forms through the Willamette River. The combined effects of sea other native fish, and amphibians, such as creat- it will be important to ensure that vector control interaction of sunlight and combustion by- programs do not adversely affect natural systems. 8 products can damage vegetation and ecosystem “Future Climate in the Pacific Northwest” (Mote and Salathé, in Climatic Change, 2010). There are also direct consequences to wildlife 9 Final Report for the Columbia Basin Climate Change Scenarios Project (Hamlet et al. 2010). processes; this can lead to a loss of genetic and from a number of diseases. Birds will most likely 16 10 “Spatial and Temporal Changes in Runoff Caused by Climate Change in a Complex Large River Basin in Oregon (Chang and population diversity in different plant species. Jung, in Journal of Hydrology, 2010. In contrast, CO 2 is on the rise—rapidly—and is 11 Ibid. 12 Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their Roles in Watershed Health and the Recovery of Oregon’s Wild Salmonids (Multi- disciplinary Science Team, 2010) and “Impacts of Climate Change and Urban Development on Water Resources in the Tualatin 14 “First-Year Responses to Managed Flooding of Lower Columbia River Bottomland Vegetation Dominated by Phalaris Arundi- River Basin, Oregon” (Praskievicz and Chang, in Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 2011). nacea” (Jenkins et al. in Wetlands, 2008). 13 “Performance of Management Strategies in the Protection of Riparian Vegetation in Three Oregon Cities” (Ozawa and Yeakley, 15 “Effects of Climate Change on Air Quality” (D.J. Jacobs and D.A. Winner, in Atmospheric Environment, 2009). in Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2007) and “Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Water Tem- 16 Building Climate Resiliency in the Lower Willamette Region of Western Oregon: A Report on Stakeholder Findings and Recom- perature in an Urbanizing Oregon Basin” (Chang and Lawler, in International Association of Hydrological Sciences, 2011). mendations (Climate Leadership Initiative, 2011). 38 39 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

what plants use for photosynthesis. One hypoth- Increase in Wildfire Frequency and Intensity n They are not mobile or are capable of only It may be that certain salmon and steelhead esized outcome of higher atmospheric CO 2 levels The effects of an increased incidence of wildfire limited mobility. runs are more adapted to future conditions under is increased vegetation; if increased temperatures depend on land management practices. In some n They already have been isolated or are at the climate change. If these runs of salmon disap- lengthen growing seasons, the combined result areas, fire suppression has led to the buildup of edge of their range. pear, the genetic traits that allow adaptation to could be greater biomass. This could also increase vegetative fuels. Warmer, drier summers coupled future conditions under climate change could pollen production (and possibly pollinators), to with dense vegetation likely will lead to more The loss of specialist species will reduce the be lost from the species altogether, and this may the detriment of allergy sufferers.17 frequent and intense wildfires. Slope destabiliza- region’s biodiversity. hasten the demise of the remaining populations. tion and erosion may result from increased fire Conversely, generalist species, relatively common Some salmon and steelhead species are culturally Increase in Average Annual Air Temperatures frequency. In other areas, prescribed burning species and habitats, and highly mobile species important, and their loss may significantly affect and Likelihood of Extreme Heat Events currently is used as a management strategy to may benefit from climate change. Species such cultural practices, especially for Native American From 2000 to 2050, the average annual air tem- maintain fire-dependent habitats, such as oak as Anna’s hummingbirds that can migrate and tribes. perature in the Pacific Northwest is projected woodland, oak savanna, and prairie. These habitat already are in a hospitable environment are likely to increase 1 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.18 Higher types, and at least some of the species that depend to expand their ranges. In fact, there is strong Shifts in Migration Patterns and Habitat Range air temperatures will stress and likely decrease on them, may benefit from an increased inci- evidence that the expansion of Anna’s humming- Many species found in the greater Portland- the effectiveness of the natural cooling systems dence of fire. Species that use dead and downed birds into Oregon over the past two decades has Vancouver region migrate across a much larger in trees, wetlands, and cool water bodies. It is wood or snags may also benefit. been due to climate change. geography. Some of those species may be unable likely that extreme heat events will become more to shift their ranges, frequent in urban areas as population growth Increased Incidence of Landslides Changes in Inter-species Interactions and which could result is accompanied by increases in the amount of Increased intensity of precipitation in the winter Life History Timing in local extirpations, impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, concrete, and loss of cover as a result vegetation dying or The constriction of certain species’ ranges, the especially for those etc.) and reductions in vegetation in urban areas burning may result in increased landslides in expansion of others’, and potential changes in species that currently result in less shading and evaporative cooling. steeply sloped areas and other heavily disturbed the timing of species’ life cycles may significantly are at the edge of their The increased urban heat island effect will not landscapes. Landslides are an important part of affect the interactions between species. For ranges. Conversely, only further stress ecological systems; it also the ecological cycle, bringing nutrients, sedi- example, some fish depend on aquatic prey being other species may will affect human health and built systems, with ments, and wood into lowland areas and streams. available at a certain time, both in fresh water and expand their ranges or likely impacts including more heat advisory days, However, if the hillsides are barren or developed, in the ocean. Turtles and frogs depend on stand- shift their migrations stressed infrastructure such as buckling roads, landslides could deliver too much sediment ing water for breeding in the spring. Trees may farther north. Analyses and more frequent brown-outs or even black-outs downstream, choking the system, or they could compete for space. Pollinators rely on various of data from the past because of increased energy consumption. significantly damage infrastructure. flowers to bloom continuously or successionally 40 years of Audubon’s during certain periods, and in turn the flowering Christmas Bird Count Terrestrial Resources Species Diversity and Abundance plants rely on the pollinators for reproduction. reveal that 177 of the Climate change may cause species assemblages 305 widespread species Shifts in Quality of Habitat Increased Incidents of Short-Term Drought to change and some of the interactions between that winter in North Climate models suggest that increases in air tem- In general, “specialist” species and species that species to be severed or to shift, which could lead America have shifted perature, combined with reductions in summer require certain habitats or ecosystem processes to the decline and potential loss of vulnerable significantly northward seasonal precipitation, will lead to increases in are expected to be more adversely affected by species. since 1968, some by the frequency of 3-month and 6-month droughts climate change than “generalist” species. For hundreds of miles. in the region. Long-term droughts, which are example, species are likely to experience local Loss of Genetic Diversity and Shift in Species Of these, 140 species defined as lasting 12 to 24 months, are not extirpation or further constriction of their range Gender Balance are found in Oregon. 19 projected to change significantly. if they have any of the following characteristics: Loss of diversity in life history, genetics, and age The ongoing trend of n They rely on habitat types that are relatively classes will put some species at risk. In species movement by some limited, such as wetlands, prairie, or oak savanna. that depend on temperature for gender determi- 177 species—closely n They depend on cold water. nation (such as the region’s two native freshwater correlated to long-term turtles: the western painted turtle and northern increases in winter 17 “With Climate Change Comes More Pollen—and a Meaner Allergy Season” (The Oregonian, May 26, 2010). Pacific pond turtle), the gender balance between 18 Oregon Climate Assessment Report (Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, 2010). males and females may shift. 19 Ibid. 40 41 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

fic volume. Some degree of habitat connectivity all, our responses should be based on the precau- environmental management and research com- can be maintained and restored by establishing tionary principle. munities through the Urban Ecosystem Research unobstructed habitat corridors, safe under- or With these factors in mind, the following strat- Consortium, Portland State University’s expand- over-road passage structures, and relatively per- egies should be incorporated into our approach to ing urban ecosystem research initiatives, and meable areas that allow wildlife to move across adapting to climate change: other partnerships and forums. the landscape between larger core habitats and n n Protect the best and restore the rest. We should Enhance integration of the regional climate other key areas (see Chapter 6). adaptation strategies described in this chapter protect the region’s best functioning natural sys- Curb extensions, tems and restore degraded systems. with local, state, and federal strategies for mitigat- ing for and adapting to climate change for fish a common feature of Strategies for Increasing the n Manage natural resources to allow for dyna- and wildlife across the region’s urban and rural green street designs, Resilience of Natural Systems mism in the landscape—i.e., ensure that flood- landscapes. plains are allowed to expand, fire regimes are allow water that would The cumulative and synergistic effects of climate n allowed to function, and other changes in the Build strong partnerships and coordinate otherwise be directed change on both natural and built systems may be landscape are allowed that accommodate the across political and jurisdictional boundaries. dramatic. Oregon’s framework on climate change into storm drains to needs of natural systems. This can be accomplished in part by increasing adaptation for fish and wildlife21 calls for immedi- the diversity and number of partners in recharge groundwater n Adopt regional and local land use policies that ate action to proactively adapt to the predicted The Intertwine Alliance. where soils conditions 22 anticipate a dynamic landscape (for example, consequences of climate change. Fortuitously, n accommodate expanded floodplains, unstable Integrate regional growth management strate- allow for infiltration. the region already is taking steps to protect and slopes, and increases in fire at the urban-rural gies with local land use and water planning to These bioswales also improve natural resources and function—for interface) to eliminate or minimize conflicts with proactively mitigate for and adapt to climate reasons unrelated to climate change—that will calm traffic and make the built environment and human health and change. Bioswales are critical temperature—reveals a strong correlation to the serve us well in responding to climate change. safety. a more aesthetically 20 Figure 5-1 (on the following page) lists specific to infiltrating urban changing climate. For example, stormwater management agencies pleasing streetscape. n recommendations for lessening the risks to are integrating ecoroofs, bioswales, and other Protect and restore the natural diversity of stormwater, thereby habitat types and species. Apply ecosystem- natural systems identified earlier in this chapter. Increase in Invasive Species low-impact development policies protect sewer removing water from based approaches to establish an interconnected Warmer temperatures are likely to result in and stormwater infrastructure. These actions also network of terrestrial and aquatic habitats across the piped stormwater increases in the number of invasive, non-native protect and revitalize groundwater sources by the urban and rural landscape that support plant, system which saves plants and animals, with the definition of “inva- cleaning and infiltrating stormwater, which will fish, and wildlife conservation and adaptation. money, helps replen- sive” possibly changing over time. Native species help mitigate some climate change impacts. In n may not be able to find suitable habitat or food addition, watershed councils, nonprofit organiza- Develop and use the best available science. ish groundwater, and sources. Our climate may better suit species that tions, individuals, and government agencies are n Incorporate back-up strategies and redun- reduces winter runoff previously were considered invasive but have protecting and restoring many miles of stream dancy. Redundancy is a positive attribute of which otherwise would filled niches left behind by historically native habitats to improve water quality and restore ecosystem management because it adds resil- erode streams and species. salmon, but these responses also will serve as ience. Multiple approaches should be pursued to ensure success. Fortunately, there are many ways impact wetlands. climate adaptation strategies. Increased Fragmentation of Biodiversity The general themes related to the potential to restore stream flows, reduce water temperature, and protect habitat. Corridors and Habitats impacts of climate change—both negative and As animals attempt to move in response to cli- positive—are uncertainty, cumulative and syner- n Use adaptive management. Incorporate moni- mate change they will encounter a landscape of gistic effects, and scale. These themes carry over toring and research into ecosystem management, varying levels of permeability. Urbanization and into our potential responses. What is needed is a continuously evaluate performance, and adjust roads in particular can serve as barriers to animal suite of solutions that are applied systematically management actions and policies as needed. movement. Potential barriers include fences, to the range of problems being addressed. Above n Seek solutions—including increased reliance buildings, impervious surfaces, and high traf- on green infrastructure—that yield multiple benefits. Adopt integrated approaches to maximize 20 “Audubon Society Study Bird Migration Shift to Climate Change” (Matthew Tresaugue in Houston Chronicle, 2009). benefits. 21 Preparing Oregon’s Fish, Wildlife, and Habitats for Future Climate Change: A Guide for State Adaptation Efforts (Oregon Global n Share results and success stories. Strengthen Warming Commission’s Subcommittee on Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Adaptation, 2008). 22 Oregon Climate Assessment Report (Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, 2010). communication between and within the 42 43 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

timing e lows s balanc eam f WATER AIR TERRESTRIAL SPECIES , & str eme heat event Table 5-1 supply xtr ater & shifts in gender Examples of Success w es & e y , y efugia ClimateClimate ChangeChange Matrix Matrix y ology -borne diseases species interactions & life history qualit r- asive species ydr wetland ecosystemsater qualit ater w Implementing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies w orridors & habitat ed ed air t e eased ease in temperatur ease in inv eased fragmentation of SPECIFIC RECO MMENDA TIONS educ educ ough Changes in hR Changes in Incr R Incr Dr Wildfir Landslides Shifts in habitatChanges & r in inteLoss of geneticMigration diversit & Incrhabitat changesIncr wildlife c

Protect and restore wetlands and reconnect ■■■ ■ ■■■■ hydrologically

Protect and restore floodplains and connect ■■■ ■■ ■ ■■■ Here are a few local them to their rivers examples of how Increase stream complexity ■■■ ■■ ■ climate change adapta- Protect, expand, and connect existing ■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■ high-quality habitat tion strategies can be Restore and connect lower quality habitats ■■■ ■■■ ■■■■■■ incorporated proactively Use a landscape approach to conservation ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ into the management of Revise species management plans ■■■■■■

Restore and manage beaver presence in ■■■ ■■■ natural systems and the riparian communities design of the built envi- Improve water resource management, including reassesment of allocation of water ■■■■■■■ ronment—while meet- rights ing other goals. These Increase vegetation in the riparian, upland, ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■■■ and built environments successes are based on Restore or mimic natural fire regimes and what we already know fire-adapted ecosystems (eg. controlled ■■■■■■■ burns) about the potential Enhance drought-resistant ecosystems ■■■ ■■■ impacts of climate Reduce the impact of the built environment by reducing impervious surfaces, removing change on our region’s field drain tiles, increasing green infra- ■■■ ■■ ■■■ structure and encouraging infiltration and natural systems. groundwater recharge

Design, operate, and adapt the built environment to create habitat opportunities (e.g., ■■■ peregrine falcons and bats on bridges)

Increase and refocus monitoring efforts ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ The Schweitzer Project along Johnson Creek Restoring Flows to the Oak Grove Fork of the The Pileated Wood- Incorporate climate change strategies into ■■■ ■■■■■■■■■ The City of Portland purchased 30 acres of flood- Clackamas River watershed management plans pecker, the region’s plain along Johnson Creek in an effort to alleviate As part of the operation of the Clackamas River largest woodpecker, Increase preservation and promotion of ■■ ■ ■■■■■ ecosystem services (e.g., pollinators) “nuisance” floods that occur every 2 to 10 years. hydropower system, PGE diverted water from prefers older forests for Create comprehensive monitoring plans that The floodplain in this area had been diked and the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. The ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ are tied to adaptive management farmed for nearly a century, so the creek was result was low, warm flows. In their relicensing nesting and foraging Increase tree canopy ■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■ channelized. The City of Portland reconnected negotiations with the federal government, PGE habitat. They can be Provide technical assistance ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ the creek with its floodplain, added substantial and its partners agreed to change hydropower seen throughout Where restoration and enhancement are not amounts of large wood to the stream to benefit operations to restore flows to the Oak Grove Fork possible, research and apply technological ■ The Intertwine region and innovative solutions to natural resource salmon, and heavily planted the area with native during critical fish migration periods, and in such degredation trees and shrubs. Shortly afterwards, there was a volume as to maintain low temperatures. This where sufficient older Research the possible effects of sea level extensive flooding in the new natural floodplain will not only help fish, but will also help reduce conifers dominate the rise, acidification and other ocean impacts on ■■ ■■ ■ inland tidal freshwater rivers but not at nearby homes. Similar restoration river temperatures that could otherwise increase forest canopy, although ■■■■ efforts have been undertaken in the Salmon even further with climate change. Detect and combat invasive species they are also seen in Update flood maps based on projections of Creek and Curtin Creek watersheds in Clark ■■ ■■ more urbanized settings. future flood conditions County. Minimize development in landslide-prone ■■ areas

44 45 regional conservation strategy Chapter 5 Climate Change

TriMet Bridge Crossing—Light Rail to Milwaukie ing voles, raccoon, skunk, mice, and blue heron— The Portland Area Watershed Monitoring and Clark County Stream Health Report When TriMet began building the first new bridge used multiple passage options. The habitat Assessment Program (PAWMAP) is based on the Monitoring and assessment are important com- across the Willamette River in 40 years, under- connectivity provided by the Boeckman project is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environ- ponents of Clark County’s Clean Water program. standing of the river and its future had changed. essential in preventing animal-vehicle collisions mental Monitoring and Assessment Program.24 The program uses a variety of sampling methods, For both ecological and navigational reasons, and maintaining the gene flow of wildlife popula- Under PAWMAP, the City of Portland randomly from sophisticated automatic sampling to col- engineers were required to evaluate the possibility tions. Especially given the project’s proximity selects spatially balanced monitoring sites from lection by hand at targeted locations. Each year of the river rising in response to climate change. to core habitat areas and the Willamette River, all Portland rivers and streams. Staff sample 32 a series of stormwater needs assessment reports Their analysis resulted in a design that raised habitat connectivity in this landscape will be sites four times a year on a four-year rotating are compiled 68 sub-watersheds. Over a 5-year Monitoring of animal the elevation of the bridge compared to where it important in maintaining healthy wildlife for the cycle. (For example, Site 1 will be sampled in period all 68 subwatersheds are investigated in movement at Boeckman would be without taking climate change into con- long term and allowing movement associated Years 1, 5, 9, and so on.) Data are collected on detail to identify potential stormwater-related showed that almost sideration. This change did not significantly alter with changing climate. water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, projects and activities that would improve stream all of the 25 species the design, construction, or cost of the bridge. pathogens, metals, water levels, velocity, ripar- health and assist with adaptive management of In addition, mitigation for the impact of a new Monitoring to Inform Adaptive Management ian vegetation, stream bed composition, bank the county’s stormwater management program. detected in the area bridge includes creation of additional beach and The City of Portland has regularly monitored condition, native and non-native fish, aquatic Tracking these data allows for assessment of the approached and crossed shallow-water habitat—two critical features for water quality, flow, fish presence, and habitat in insects, and birds. In addition, GIS analysis health of the county’s streams, rivers, and lakes under the road, with migrating juvenile salmon that are likely to be at area rivers and streams, but typically not in the will evaluate treated and untreated impervious and identification of trends over time. Regular the variety and spacing risk with climate change. same place or at the same time. As a result, there areas, passage barriers, road densities, and other monitoring helps identify problems that can then of the under-road is very good information about a particular met- urban land use factors. The data will be presented be corrected. Wildlife Passage at Boeckman (in Wilsonville) ric in a particular location, but very limited con- in annual reports available at portlandonline. Much of the information from the most recent gtpassages providing a Increasingly, animal passage has been incorporat- clusions can be drawn about overall watershed com/bes/watershed. As a result of this new 5-year assessments is summarized in the 2010 range of suitable crossed into the design of road projects, to reduce the health and the success of efforts to improve it. monitoring approach, the City will be able to Stream Health Report. The following indicators ing options for many barrier effect of roads on animal movements. The In 2010, as part of the Portland Watershed statistically determine over time whether some are summarized in the report at the larger water- wildlife species. Boeckman Road Extension project, which crosses Management Plan, the City of Portland rede- areas are more affected than others by climate shed level, for 10 watersheds: a wetland in Wilsonville, Oregon, is an excel- signed its monitoring program. First, it estab- change, urban development, or other factors, n Water quality — the chemical and physical lent example of how transportation needs can be lished numeric targets for watershed health across whether stormwater management and watershed condition of the water served while maintaining habitat connectivity. four goals: hydrology, water quality, physical restoration efforts are improving the watershed, n Biological health — how well the creatures This project coupled safe under-road passage habitat, and biological communities. The City or whether approaches need to be changed to living in the water are doing for wildlife with habitat enhancement, creating then developed a comprehensive, efficient, and respond to changing conditions. a meandering waterway, providing hydrologic statistically robust monitoring program that is n Stream flow — whether streams are getting connectivity, and replacing invasive plants with intended to do four things: measure the effec- Curtain Creek Enhancement the right amount of water to sustain healthy native vegetation. An amphibian barrier topped tiveness of watershed protection and restoration Clark County acquired what formerly was a conditions by a deer fence prevents over-road movement efforts, demonstrate compliance with state and 25-acre wetland that had been drained by a deep and directs animals to crossing structures, which federal regulations, compare local data to state ditch. The 4.7-square-mile tributary drainage Growing Green Program include multiple 1.5- and 2-foot round culverts, and national databases, and inform adaptive area was an older residentially and industrially In 2010 Clark County initiated the Growing 4 x 9-foot culverts, and a bridge that has passage management, especially as it relates to stormwa- developed section of the county with non-existent Green Program, which enhances county-owned options for large terrestrial animals. ter management and maintenance responsibili- or inadequate stormwater quality treatment and property with native vegetation to maximize Monitoring of animal movement at Boeckman ties and watershed health. This new approach to runoff control facilities. The county constructed ecological benefits, including habitat enhance- showed that almost all of the 25 species detected monitoring will enable the City to detect changes a meandering stream channel, excavated a ment, water quality, stormwater management, in the area approached and crossed under the in the short and long term and to better under- floodplain bench, and reconnected the stream to and nuisance/noxious vegetation control. More road, with the variety and spacing of the understand whether those changes are a result of land its floodplain, restoring wetlands and enhancing than 50 acres of county land was enhanced in the road passages providing a range of suitable cross- use effects, restoration efforts, or climate change. habitat that provide multiple water resources and first year of the program. ing options for many wildlife species. Mink and In addition, the new approach is consistent with environmental benefits. short-tailed weasel used smaller passages, deer the Climate Leadership Initiative’s recent call for used the bridge, and many other species—includ- an increase and refocusing of monitoring efforts

to be more adaptive and integrated with 23 Building Climate Resiliency in the Lower Willamette Region of Western Oregon: A Report on Stakeholder Findings and management regimes.23 Recommendations (Climate Leadership Initiative, 2011). 24 For more information, see epa.gov/emap. 46 47 regional conservation strategy

Energy Conservation Suggested Reading Beginning in 2008 Clark County invested $8 mil- Building Climate Resiliency in the Lower lion to finance 35 individual energy conservation Willamette Region of Western Oregon: A Report and renewable energy projects at county facilities on Stakeholder Findings and Recommendations to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon Climate Leadership Initiative, 2011 pollution. From 2008 to 2010 the county reduced Oregon Climate Assessment Report greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent. Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, 2010 Renewable energy initiatives included installa- The Oregon Climate Change Adaptation tion of 629 solar panels on rooftops of five county Framework buildings in the downtown campus. New technol- State of Oregon, 2010 ogy was installed at the Salmon Creek Waste- Preparing Oregon’s Fish, Wildlife, and Habitats for water Treatment Plant that allowed for more of Future Climate Change: A Guide for State Adapta- the methane produced through the anaerobic tion Efforts Oregon Global Warming Commis- digesters to be used to heat the treatment plant. sion’s Subcommittee on Fish, Wildlife, The county also is investigating the feasibility of and Habitat Adaptation, 2008 developing biomass burning power generation Conservation in a Changing Climate facilities to further reduce power demand from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service traditional natural gas and electricity sources. http://www.fws.gov/home/climatechange/

chapter 5 Summary

Climate change already is affecting the region’s air and water resources, the quantity and distribution of habitats, and the ranges and behavior of native fish and wildlife species. Although much remains unknown about the long-term effects of climate change in the region, existing scientific literature identifies likely future impacts and points to strategies for increasing the resilience of natural systems under a variety of future conditions. Given the many unknowns and the inter- connectedness of natural, built, and human systems, it would be wise to adopt a flexible, proactive approach to climate change that is consistent with the precautionary principle—i.e., to act now and manage assuming severe impacts. Fortu- nately, we have on-the-ground examples of how climate change adaptation strategies can be combined with other regional and project-level goals. The overall theme is clear: conserving natural systems by protecting existing high-functioning areas, maintaining connectivity across the landscape, restoring where we can, and integrating natural areas and features into the built system provides multiple benefits, including mitigation for and adaptation to climate change.

48 Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas Chapter6

he greater Portland-Vancouver region ownership. Some urban and industrial lands are “Most importantly, each Tincludes property with various land uses and completely devoid of habitat value, while oth- category of land use has a range of “naturalness,” from nearly pristine ers—either unintentionally or by design—provide a role to play in protect- to highly developed. The same conservation significant breeding, roosting, and feeding oppor- strategies are not appropriate for every land use. tunities for a variety of wildlife and plant species. ing and restoring the In order to identify appropriate strategies, the Most importantly, each category of land use region’s biodiversity, Regional Conservation Strategy divides lands has a role to play in protecting and restoring and strategies exist for within the region into three categories: natural the region’s biodiversity, and strategies exist for developing the conser- areas, working lands, and developed areas. developing the conservation potential of each vation potential of each (Biodiversity corridors1 are discussed separately, land category. Even the adverse impacts of urban in Chapter 7.) and industrial lands can be softened by planting category of land.” The designation of an area as natural, native street trees, establishing backyard habitat developed, or working land is somewhat artifi- programs, designing to minimize hazards and cial, as there is considerable variation within the maximize ecological values, and investing in different categories and some overlap between green infrastructure. categories. Natural areas, for example, include The following sections describe each of the publicly owned patches of relatively intact histori- three categories of land, why that category of cal vegetation communities and habitats, the land is important, its desired future conditions, region’s many semi-natural parks that have been the unique threats and challenges to its ecologi- modified and now generally have infrastructure cal function, and strategies for maximizing its (e.g., trails, roads, and parking lots) and are conservation potential. subject to heavy recreational use, and unmanaged “semi-natural” lands in public and private

1 Biodivesity corridors are also known as wildlife corridors. The term “biodiversity corridors” is used in this document to acknowledge the importantce of plant species—as well as wildlife—in healthy ecosystems. 49 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Conservation in Natural Areas largely unmanaged. Examples of the latter include Intact Habitat: A Subset of Natural Areas is due to the history of land use in the region, forested patches at the edges of farms, unman- Given the variety of current and historical land changes in ecological processes, and the presence In this Regional Conservation Strategy, natural aged forests that are part of residential ownership, uses in the region, the degree of “naturalness” of invasive species. For example, regional natural areas are defined as protected or unprotected or lands that are part of larger parcels managed varies from one site to the next. Intact habitat systems such as oak habitat, prairie, and some lands that are not developed and that are com- for other purposes, whether that be for non- is the most valuable habitat condition. Intact- types of Douglas fir forest depend on periodic In this Regional posed primarily of native habitat components. agricultural economic return, public safety or ness can be assessed by the presence of the key fire, yet safety concerns and the cost of safely Conservation Strategy, Most protected natural areas in the region are convenience, or recreational, scenic, or aesthetic ecological features and processes for that habi- implementing fire in these areas greatly limit our managed with the primary goal of conserving, opportunities. tat type and the relative absence of degrading ability to conduct controlled burning. Likewise, the term “natural areas” enhancing, or restoring native species, the eco- Managing natural areas for conservation typi- features. Large trees, snags, and downed wood some wetland systems evolved with moder- encompasses protected logical processes that create and maintain habitat, cally involves manipulating or restoring habitat are examples of key ecological features in forests, ate seasonal flooding; however, for the most and unprotected lands and the ecosystem services that result, such as to benefit native species, restricting potentially and appropriate hydrology and native species are part seasonal flooding either no longer occurs with a range of intact- water quality protection. Examples of protected conflicting uses, and allowing or actively facilitat- examples in wet prairie. Degrading features for or occurs with much greater intensity because ness, as long as they natural areas include wildlife refuges and wildlife ing important natural processes, including fire both forests and wet prairies include small patch wetlands have been disconnected from the areas, nature preserves, nature parks, and pub- or flooding, which usually are not considered size, disconnection from similar habitat, non- floodplain and peak flows have increased as the are not developed and licly owned parks that retain patches of habitat acceptable within the larger landscape because of native species, and incompatible uses. amount of impervious surface area and stormwa- are composed primar- characteristic of the region. Unprotected privately their potential impacts on human activities and Often the same features that characterize ter runoff has grown. Although the specifics vary ily of native habitat owned lands may also be considered natural areas infrastructure. Management may also mean set- intact habitat are vital to the persistence of wild- among habitat types, commonly missing features components. Protected if they still maintain their conservation values. ting thresholds for the control of non-native spe- life or the provision of certain ecological func- include adequate habitat size and connectivity, These lands may or may not be actively man- cies or other impacts that are caused by humans tions. For example, standing dead trees in forests native grasses and forbs (in savanna and prairie), lands and intact habitat aged, but they are not considered natural lands but can be modified. support woodpeckers and cavity-nesting species, channel complexity (in rivers and streams), and are of special interest if they are managed specifically for agricultural Frequently, the quality of habitat for rare plants and once those trees fall into streams they create large, old trees, both living and dead (in conifer because of their impor- or forest production (such lands are considered 2 and wildlife in natural areas is inversely related to and support vital fish habitat. Ideally, key habitat forests). tance and rarity within working lands). Although all of these land types the amount and type of human use, which varies attributes are maintained through natural eco- the region. are considered part of the family of natural areas, along a spectrum from heavy (for recreation, system processes such as flooding, fire, disease, Management of Public Natural Areas there is an important distinction between the off-road vehicle use, or dog walking, for example) and grazing, which currently are rare—especially Management of The Intertwine’s system of natural “nature first” focus of protected and actively man- to light or minimal (in areas where public access in urbanized areas. To appreciate the variety areas is the responsibility of many different enti- aged natural areas (whether public or private) and is limited or prohibited). Most publicly owned in degrees of naturalness within natural areas, ties, each with its own mission and set of stake- unprotected and undeveloped lands that retain natural areas have some degree of public access, consider the difference between a complex, multi- holders. Nearly all of these natural lands include some natural features and functions and may be whether planned or not. Planned trails gener- species prairie that burns every 3 to 5 years and some mixed use, whether that is hiking, bicycling, ally reflect considerations such as recreational a grass field dominated by a few weedy species hunting, fishing, or nature appreciation. Actively opportunity, aesthetics, and protecting human and maintained by mowing; the former provides managed natural areas are scattered throughout safety, which could involve adding lighting or higher habitat quality than the latter. In the same the region, with particularly high concentrations removing hazardous trees. Even in areas with- way, a forest in which trees are allowed to grow in the Johnson Creek, lower Sandy, middle Clack- out formal trails, human use frequently occurs, large, die, and decompose in place provides bet- amas, and Tualatin River watersheds (U.S. Fish whether relatively benignly through casual walk- ter habitat function than the same forest where and Wildlife Service refuges and regional natural ing and wildlife observation or with potentially the standing dead trees have been removed for areas), the Tualatin Mountains (Forest Park and greater impacts through off-road vehicle use, the safety reasons. Both forests provide higher quality Tryon Creek State Natural Area), the Willamette construction of mountain bike obstacle courses, habitat than a forest harvested every 45 years for Narrows (Metro and Oregon Parks and Rec- or illegal, semi-permanent camping. timber. reation Department), and the Columbia River Unfortunately, many if not all of the natural (Government Island, Sauvie Island) in Oregon. areas in the greater Portland-Vancouver region In Washington, actively managed natural areas are not truly intact; instead, most natural areas include large portions of the Columbia floodplain lack some of the key defining features and pro- (Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, cesses they are being managed to conserve. This Shillapoo Wildlife Area, and Steigerwald National

2 See the accompanying biodiversity guide for descriptions of the region’s major habitat types and important biological features.

51 50 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Table 6-1 Major Owners of the Region’s Natural Areas Approximate Acres Wildlife Refuge) and numerous wide greenways species require structures or other characteris- Owner in the Region Description along the upper and lower Lewis River, Salmon tics that are not typically found in semi-natural

Audubon Society of Portland 200 Adjacent to Forest Park. Audubon manages all, but part is owned by Metro. Creek, and some of their tributaries. The region landscapes managed for economic return. For also includes the western end of the Columbia example, large standing trees, whether alive or Bureau of Land Management 35,300 Majority is in the Salem District. Includes timber lands and Wild and Scenic River segments of the Clackamas, Sandy, and Salmon rivers. River Gorge National Scenic Area and parts of dead, support cavity-dependent species such Salmon Habitat the Mt. Hood (Oregon) and Gifford Pinchot as pileated and hairy woodpeckers, small owls, Clackamas County Parks 1,000 Most within the urban-rural interface and in rural settings along three major Acquisition and regional rivers or their tributaries: the Clackamas, Molalla, and Willamette. (Washington) national forests. Major owners of flying squirrels, and some bats. Large dead trees Enhancement City of Hillsboro 900 Includes a large portion of Jackson Bottom Wetlands preserve. the region’s natural areas are listed in Table 6-1. and woody debris on the ground are key habitat City of Portland 11,000 Includes more than 8,000 acres within city limits, including 5,000 acres in The ownership and management approach of for insects, most salamanders, many fish, and Through Clark County’s Forest Park. these areas are described more fully in Appendix small mammals. Large and sometimes varied Legacy Lands Pro- C of the accompanying Biodiversity Guide. habitat areas are needed by the Swainson’s thrush, City of Gresham 600 Includes several natural area parks, multiple parcels along Johnson Creek and gram, significant land the Springwater Trail, and other protected areas without formal public access. Why do Natural Areas Matter? Steller’s jay, winter wren, short-tail weasel, north- acquisitions have Clark County/Vancouver Clark Parks & Recreation 7,300 Includes 17 regional parks and a variety of park types and uses. Regional natural Natural areas provide biological and economic ern flying squirrel, and Douglas and western gray areas, trails and greenways, and special use areas cover 3,350 acres. occurred on many of the benefits and can help industry and governments squirrels. Columbia Land Trust 1,100 Manages 1,050 acres; 505 acres in conservation easements, partners with Clark From a legal and regulatory perspective, a county’s most impor- County on 230 acres, owns 285 acres. address regulatory requirements such as those related to the federal Clean Water and Endan- variety of laws obligate society to protect clean air tant salmon-bearing Forest Park Conservancy 300 Owns and manages a 38-acre “Ancient Forest Preserve” and eight conservation and water and prevent the loss of species. Prin- easements totaling roughly 300 acres north of Forest Park. gered Species acts. Significant or rare physical streams. Salmon habitat features, such as unique geological formations or cipal among these laws are the Clean Water Act Metro 16,000 Includes 4,000 acres of developed park facilities, some leased for agricultural enhancement projects use, remaining acres (11,000+) are natural areas. soils, can be preserved in natural areas. Biologi- (CWA), Clean Air Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act (ESA). on county-owned land North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District 800 Owns or manages 800 acres of parks, open spaces, and natural areas, including cally, natural areas serve as places where relatively holdings in unincorporated Clackamas County, Milwaukie, and Happy Valley. intact habitat can persist. In the same way that When a species is considered at risk of extinction, are being conducted by Oregon Department of Forestry 23,000 Mostly in the Gales Creek, Sunday Creek, and Scoggins Creek basins, which are large sites help anchor smaller ones, natural areas the ESA requires its protection, even if economic both the county and its headwaters to the Tualatin River, in the Tillamook State Forest. consequences are severe. The Pacific Northwest with relatively intact habitat support the region’s nonprofit conservation Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 12,100 Most (11,500 acres) in the Sauvie Island Wildlife Management Area biological diversity by providing habitat for has faced the challenges of ESA listings for spe- partners to contribute Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 11,000 Includes Stub Stewart, Tryon Creek, Rooster Rock, McIver, Champoeg, and other (1) species whose habitat requirements are the cies such as the bald eagle, Fender’s blue butterfly, state parks. Manages an additional 2,200 acres on Government Island. most rare, specific, or complex, and (2) species spotted owl, and many runs of salmon. Similar to the recovery of Lower PacifiCorp 10,000 All in the Lewis River basin in southwest Washington; offsets habitat impacts that are most sensitive to human disturbance issues are at play for air, water quality, and wet- Columbia River salmon from hydropower. lands. A well-planned system of effectively man- (sound and light, human presence, domestic and steelhead. Five Port of Portland 3,100 Includes owned mitigation and natural areas along the Columbia Slough, three animals, encroachment of non-native species, aged natural areas can help prevent future CWA river islands, and open space in Troutdale. species of salmon and etc.). Pregnant elk and many neotropical migra- Section 303(d) listings for waters that do not meet Port of Vancouver 1,300 Includes 600 acres of natural areas that may be developed and 570 acres of water quality standards—and avoid the associated steelhead that use dedicated natural areas; is establishing a new 157-acre wetland mitigation bank. tory songbirds are among those species that are sensitive to human disturbance; for others, see remedies, costs, and conflicts. rivers and streams Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District 1,300 Owns or manages 1,300 acres of natural areas in more than 100 different sites, In addition to avoiding costs and restrictions including 220 acres co-managed with Metro at Cooper Mountain. Table 6-2. Although more developed landscapes within Clark County on economically beneficial activities, proactive The Nature Conservancy 490 Includes 471 acres in the lower Sandy River watershed between Dodge and can and do contribute significantly to ecosystem are officially listed as Oxbow parks, plus the 27-acre Camassia Natural Area and 12-acre Little Rock health, large functional natural areas—whether measures to maintain well-functioning natural threatened or endan- Island. urban or rural—protect more habitat diversity, areas can provide substantial economic benefits gered by state and The Wetlands Conservancy 130 13 wetland preserves totaling 131 acres in Oregon, including many small wet- more species, and more of the species that are dif- in the form of ecosystem services, such as air and lands and the 31-acre Hedges Creek Marsh and Pascuzzi Pond in Tualatin. ficult to protect. In addition, large urban or rural water quality protection. For example, natural federal authorities. USDA Forest Service 27,500 About half is in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, with the remain- natural areas provide for larger populations sizes vegetation, forests, and wetlands cool and filter der in the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot national forests. and greater stability than do developed lands. water, thus reducing the cost of providing clean U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 15,400 Includes the Ridgefield, Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, Pierce, and Tualatin River drinking water. This is what happens in the Bull (Wapato and Tualatin) National Wildlife Refuge complexes. Although species and functions that are easy to conserve may be significantly protected via Run watershed, a protected natural area just out- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2,400 Includes Shillapoo and part of the Mount St. Helens wildlife areas, plus several side the boundary of the greater Portland-Van- smaller holdings. street trees, city parks, improved riparian habitat, couver region that supplies exceptionally high- Washington Department of Natural Resources 50,000 Includes 40,000 acres in the Yacolt Burn State Forest managed for timber har- and small patches of forest, some species can only vest, plus four natural area preserves. be supported by a system of larger, well-managed quality drinking water for Portland and many surrounding communities. Natural vegetation Total 229,400 urban or rural natural areas. Many of these 53 52 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Table 6-2 Table 6-2, continued Selected Area- or Disturbance-Sensitive Species in the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region Selected Area- or Disturbance-Sensitive Species in the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region

Species Notes Species Notes

Black-headed Grosbeak Breeding: Portland region. Associated with wider riparian areas and low road density. White-footed Vole Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Pheucticus melanocephalus Arborimus (= Phenacomys) albipes Brown Creeper Breeding: Portland, Maryland, New Jersey, and local data. Area sensitive. Trowbridge’s Shrew Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Certhia americana Sorex trowbridgii Cassin’s Vireo Breeding: Northern California and local data. Vagrant Shrew Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Vireo cassinii Sorex vagrans Hairy Woodpecker Breeding and non-breeding seasons; Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Quebec. Area Douglas Squirrel Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. and Picoides villosus gap sensitive. Tamiasciurus douglasii Pacific-slope Flycatcher Breeding: Western Oregon, Northern California. Area sensitive. Western Gray Squirrel Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Empidonax dificilus Sciurus griseus Pileated Woodpecker Breeding: East Texas, Maryland, Northern California. Area sensitive. Townsend’s Chipmunk Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Dryocopus pileatus Tamias townsendii Steller’s Jay Breeding season: Western Oregon, Western Washington, Northern California. Roosevelt Elk Arizona, California, Montana, Kentucky. Area sensitive; averse to human disturbance. Cyanocitta stelleri Cervus elaphus roosevelti Swainson’s Thrush Breeding and fall migration: Canada, South Carolina, local data. Area sensitive during Catharus ustulatus breeding season. Note: The season (e.g., breeding or fall) refers to the time of year during which the study was conducted. The states or regions in the “Notes” column refer to the Pacific (Winter) Wren Breeding: Western Oregon, southeast British Columbia. Area sensitive. area(s) in which the research was conducted. Only those species are included that are suspected to be area sensitive within the greater Portland-Vancouver region. Troglodytes troglodytes “Area sensitive” means that a species is found most frequently in large habitat patches during the noted season. “Gap sensitive” refers to a species not willing to fly across significant) gaps in vegetation (e.g., 50 meters or larger). Many area-sensitive species also seem to require wider movement corridors. Yellow-breasted Chat Breeding (fall): East Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, local data. Associated with wide Icteria virens riparian areas; gap sensitive. also modifies surface temperatures, reducing the ational opportunities close to home and work. Northern Harrier Breeding: Willamette Valley grasslands. Area sensitive. region’s demand for cooling during summer, and Natural areas also support the region’s economy Circus cyaneus supports a huge diversity of native pollinators. through tourism and recreation opportunities, Short-eared Owl Breeding: Willamette Valley grasslands. Area sensitive. These rarely recognized insects provide value to and the positive effects of clean air and water Asio flammeus our region by pollinating roughly one-third of on human health may reduce regional health all food crops and as many as 75 percent of all care and mental health costs. At the very least, Western Meadowlark Breeding: Colorado, Willamette Valley grasslands. Area sensitive and trail averse. Sturnella neglecta plants; the recent declines in native bees around natural areas contribute to community health by the world reaffirms the importance of protecting protecting environmental quality and providing Streaked Horned Lark Breeding: Oregon and Washington grasslands. Area sensitive. this valuable asset. Many natural areas slow the opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise. Eremophila alpestris strigata return of water to streams, thus reducing flooding Lastly, although each person’s sense of well-being Slender-billed (White-breasted) Nuthatch Breeding: Maryland, New Jersey. Area and gap sensitive. Associated with large Oregon during storms events and increasing the avail- is unique, for some a walk or time spent in a Sitta carolinensis aculeate white oak trees. ability of water during the summer. In larger river natural area provides peace and calm. For others, Ermine (short-tail weasel) Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. systems, where rivers still have or can be given just knowing that the lands are protected and Mustela erminea access to undeveloped floodplains, floodwater seeing them in the background of their everyday can spread out and slow down, thus reducing travels provides similar fulfillment. Creeping (Oregon) Vole Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. Microtus oregoni the magnitude, intensity, and duration of floods and subsequent damage to developed areas and Priorities for Investment in Natural Areas Northern Flying Squirrel Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. instream habitat located downstream. Investment in natural areas is most efficient and Glaucomys sabrinus The quality of life associated with healthy effective if it follows a scientifically based, strate- Shrew-mole Area sensitive in the Portland metropolitan region. natural areas can draw businesses to the com- gic, and regional approach. The partners of The Neurotrichus gibbsii munity by helping them attract and keep highly Intertwine Alliance worked with regional experts skilled employees who are attracted to the region’s and stakeholders to develop such a process, using natural landscapes, access to nature, and recre- GIS-based mapping that will aid in identifying

54 55 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

the most important areas for conservation efforts Anyone doubting the need for management of costs of $2,000 to $9,000 per acre for a new tree and strategies. (See Appendixes A and B of the natural areas can observe the largely unmanaged planting project. Biodiversity Guide for detailed information on roadsides along Southwest Macadam, South- Unfortunately, funding for management mapping.) west Terwilliger, and Highway 26 through west of natural areas has not kept pace with the Portland, or in fact almost any major road in increased recognition of its importance and the A Vision for Natural Areas and Habitat Southwest Portland. In these areas, a combination increase in the number of acres under conserva- Watersheds Protected There is broad agreement among conservation of blackberry, English and Irish ivy, non-native tion ownership. Bond programs and the many for Drinking Water practitioners that there is a need for an intercon- clematis, and other invasive species threaten the state and federal grant programs that fund Portland’s Bull Run nected system of natural areas, semi-natural integrity of the forest canopy and hillside stabil- acquisition and initial restoration of land do not areas, and sustainably managed working lands ity. This same scene is repeated at field edges and generally cover long-term maintenance costs. watershed was initially that together serve multiple purposes. This forest patches throughout the greater Portland- This has resulted in an additional funding chal- protected by President includes supporting abundant wildlife, help- Vancouver region. As a result, the unmanaged lenge to jurisdictions, agencies, and organiza- Benjamin Harrison in ing to prevent the further decline of rare spe- natural areas within our area have mixed value as tions that own and manage public natural areas.

1892, with additional cies, providing ecosystem services such as water habitat and sometimes contribute to threats and Lack of Funding for Acquisition restrictions added as cooling and filtration, offering opportunities to stressors in the ecosystem. Currently we do not know precisely how many experience nature close to where we live, and Natural area management comes at a price. recently as 2001. The acres of natural areas are protected and man- being resilient in the face of climate change. To Treatment of invasive species can range from a aged for conservation purposes. Table 6-1, Portland region is not that end, The Intertwine should have as its core a few dollars per acre to several thousand, depend- which reflects some of the region’s major natu- the only urban region network of interconnected natural areas that are ing on the degree of infestation and need for ral area landowners but is by no means com- to rely on a protected dominated by native vegetation and intact habitat replanting. Initial planting and early maintenance prehensive, documents nearly 230,000 acres; watershed for drinking used by native fish and wildlife species. Specific in upland forests or riparian corridors typically however, some of the larger tracts are managed Development or Conversion of Natural Lands habitat types and fish and wildlife appropriate cost between $2,000 and $9,000 per acre. Large- for timber production rather than strictly for con- water. New York City has In the greater Portland-Vancouver region, to the region’s natural areas are described in the scale restoration projects in river systems that servation. Our current natural area system was acquired 70,000 acres 160 years of development have fundamentally accompanying Biodiversity Guide. involve grading, excavation, water control, culvert created in part through acquisitions by Portland’s altered the landscape by converting it to other just since 1997 in order removal, or bridge construction can run into Bureau of Environmental Services; acquisitions uses: protect its municipal Threats and Challenges hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. through Clark County’s Conservation Futures In light of the funding required to restore n Conversion for Urban or Industrial Uses. Histori- water supply from devel- Sustainable Support for Effective Management program; investments by various cities, public natural areas, the importance of protecting cally, most urban and industrial land uses have opment impacts. More All natural areas require management, but par- agencies and nonprofit organizations; support and preserving existing core habitats cannot been along major rivers, on top of filled-in wet- ticularly when they are in or near urban areas. from the state and federal government; and suc- locally, the Clackamas be overstated. Many funding sources prioritize lands, and in easily accessed flatlands. This has Not long ago most management of natural areas cessful bond measures by Metro (in 1995 and watershed provides “restoration” work over preventive maintenance led to some of our current challenges in protect- consisted of acquiring land rights, ceasing extrac- 2006), Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District because of the lure of “new habitat” that restora- ing water quality and wildlife habitat in and along water for 300,000 tive uses, and perhaps erecting a fence to limit (1994 and 2008), the City of Lake Oswego Parks tion projects bring. However, core habitats that major rivers and in bottomland forests, riparian people, with 25 percent access. We now understand that most natural Department (1993), City of Tigard (2010), City areas, and wetlands. are in good condition and support communities systems are dynamic, highly influenced by their of Portland (2002), City of Gresham, and Clark of the land area in public of regionally rare plants and wildlife should be n Conversion for Agricultural Uses. Agriculture is a surroundings, and affected by ecological process- County. The job is not done. It is clear that mean- ownership. prioritized for preventive care because the cost- primary economic driver in the region. With our es that extend over thousands of acres. Given the ingful success and the fulfillment of the promise to-benefit ratio of such work is so favorable. As world-class soil and climate, a high percentage highly altered matrix in our region—with small and opportunity created by our region’s previous a recent example, in 2008 Metro and The Nature of potentially farmable land is under production. habitat patches, developed surroundings, and efforts will only come from continued strategic Conservancy undertook a project to eradicate This has come at the expense of what were once disturbed ecological processes—nature is almost investment of funds for priority habitat protec- extensive wetlands, prairie, and oak savanna. English and Irish ivy, traveler’s joy clematis, and never really free to “take its course.” For society to tion over decades. English holly from a 4,031-acre portion of the n Conversion for Recreational Uses. Although reap the many benefits of natural areas and rela- Sandy River Gorge. Preventive care in this project conversion of natural areas for recreational uses tively intact habitats, these areas must be actively cost just $43 per acre for the initial treatment and varies along a continuum from lightly used nature managed. Otherwise they will degrade in the face two years of follow-up maintenance, compared to parks to fully landscaped city parks, all recre- of a variety of threats related to how humans have ational uses influence the species in changed the larger landscape.

56 57 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

a natural area—through noise and light pollution, cuts.” Whether they consist of dumping yard Active control and management of invasive Strategic Actions

the physical presence of people and pets, and debris containing weed seeds over the back fence, species is a major goal in the management of Strategy: Conserve high-priority lands and protect direct land conversion. Even when public use is clearing trees that obstruct a view, or install- natural areas—one that is particularly challenging existing natural areas restricted to protect the biological value of a site, ing bright lights that shine into a natural area, within the urban and suburban environment. The It is clear that we need to expand our network of there can be ongoing issues with adherence to encroachment activities reduce the “naturalness” small size of typical parcels, high percentage of natural areas by continuing to formally conserve rules. and habitat quality of the natural area—and its edge habitat, and proximity to landscaped areas or protect existing intact natural lands and lands Historical conversion of the landscape has use by native flora and fauna. with many different horticultural species create that have high restoration potential. A general Whipple Creek limited our current options in moving forward Invasive Species 3 enormous stress on urban natural areas and their rule of conservation biology suggests that a land- to conserve the natural systems we depend on. Once land has been protected, its ecological value native plant communities. scape with about 30 percent of its original habitat Channel Restoration In turn, the decisions we make now about where still faces the universal threat of invasive species, Conflicting Uses strategically distributed can support about 90 Clark County pur- we develop our landscape and where we invest in both plant and animal. Replacement of native The essence of the natural area is a place where percent of its native species. Ninety percent may chased a 40-acre parcel conservation will affect future generations’ abil- plants by non-natives greatly reduces the value the major goal is conservation or enhancement of sound like an admirable goal, but it still implies adjacent to two other ity to protect the region’s water, air quality, and of the natural area as wildlife habitat and often natural features. Conflicting uses, including travel significant loss of diversity. To maintain regional county-owned parcels, biodiversity. reduces that area’s ability to provide other impor- by foot, bicycle, and boat and use by domestic biodiversity, it is critical that we conserve, protect, Fortunately, studies on land use planning tant ecological services such as erosion protection animals can make achieving conservation goals and add land to our current inventory of natural totaling an additional demonstrate that strategic investments in the or pollinator support. European or non-native more difficult. Roads, structures, power lines, areas, ideally before urban expansion occurs. 12 acres, in one of the conservation and restoration of natural areas can Starlings compete with native cavity-nesting fences, dredging of rivers, or dock construction Strategy: Remove invasive species and enhance faster growing sections deliver more benefits for people and ecosystems species such as bluebirds, and bull frogs consume also can alter or fragment a natural area and limit native vegetation of the county. The main than we currently receive, while at the same time the eggs and tadpoles of our native amphibians. the use of fire or flooding for restoration. As a Invasive species, including plants, are possibly accommodating substantial future growth in the channel of Whipple Non-native diseases such as sudden oak death result, conflicting uses should be planned for the single greatest threat to established natural human population. The unfortunate corollary to Creek had become syndrome, Dutch elm disease, or white pine carefully, minimized, or avoided altogether. areas. A well-coordinated regional approach this is that poorly planned growth and conserva- blister rust can fundamentally alter ecosystems by One conflicting use that has apparently that includes active invasive species control in incised and was experi- tion end up providing less of both. dramatically reducing or even eliminating par- increased over the last 10 years is semi-perma- our natural areas is critical to in maintaining the encing significant head- Encroachment ticular species from entire landscapes. Non-native nent camps that are established in natural areas. character of our natural areas and the wildlife cutting that threatened Encroachment refers to small impacts on the insects such as the emerald ash borer and Asian These long-term camps lead to a wide range of habitat and water quality they protect. to isolate the creek edges of natural habitats by adjacent landowners gypsy moth also threaten entire landscapes. impacts, such as water pollution from human Strategy: Restore ecological processes and and is a classic example of “death by a thousand waste, erosion and habitat degradation as a result from its floodplain. functions in natural areas of vegetation clearing and firewood cutting, the Channel-spanning log Restoration generally seeks to reestablish ecologi- Invasive species such threat of wildfire ignition, and the effect of fre- cal conditions or functions of an area that has jams were installed to as this thick stand of quent human presence on wildlife. been highly altered by human activity. For many slow stormwater flows, purple loosestrife at Climate Change areas—especially those in the most urbanized increase flood storage Oaks Bottom Wildlife As discussed in Chapter 5 of this document, areas—restoration may be the only tool. Too climate change is likely to greatly strain the ability capacity, reconnect the Refuge crowd out native much habitat has been lost or altered and too floodplain, and preserve of our natural areas to continue to support the many ecological processes have been changed for species and dominate region’s biodiversity and provide ecosystem ser- habitats to recover on their own or for species existing wetlands and habitats, reducing vices. Most scientists believe that the best strategy to be adequately conserved in the remaining riparian vegetation. diversity of vegetation to adapt to a changing climate includes develop- well-functioning habitat. It will be important to and diminishing the ing and maintaining an interconnected system of strategically restore or enhance habitats in and natural areas in which the effects of the changing number of native fish around natural areas to increase their viability climate and related changes in processes such as and connectivity. and wildlife species that species migration, weather, fire, and flooding can Strategy: Monitor changing conditions and rest, feed and breed in play out without direct manipulation by humans. conduct appropriate research that habitat. The likelihood of unpredictable changes in our Research is the collection of new knowledge via system resulting from climate change increases the scientific method. Biological monitoring is the urgency to build such a system and effectively the collection of status information over time, 3 For more on invasive species, see the accompanying Biodiversity Guide, which discusses invasive species in depth. manage the plants and animals that inhabit it. 58 59 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

especially in response to management actions. to conserve biodiversity in natural areas. Success Conservation in Working Lands Why Do Working Lands Matter? Together, research and monitoring provide the will require collective efforts such as the Urban Working lands are an integral part of the information and feedback mechanism that those Ecosystem Research Consortium,4 the Greater The region’s farms and forests—commonly called economy, identity, and culture of the greater “ ... even without working in the conservation community need to Portland Pulse Project,5 and a strong commit- working lands—provide multiple functions in the Portland-Vancouver region. The region’s fertile taking climate change improve their policies and practices. ment by practitioners to adequately monitor their regional landscape. While providing food, fiber, soils produce more than 250 varieties of crops for and ecosystem services, these lands also offer a into consideration, Two issues reinforce the need for effective work, share results, and adjust their policies and local residents, restaurants, schools, and institu- research and monitoring. First, the likelihood practices accordingly. variety of ecological and community landscape tions. Farms, timber operations, and production we are in the midst of values, including wildlife habitat, connectivity to that our ecosystem will be changing unpredict- Strategy: Involve citizens in protecting and facilities provide local employment and support an unplanned experi- waterways and other natural areas, and pastoral ably in response to climate change suggests that managing natural areas secondary businesses such as equipment dealer- ment on the effects of views. Small family or locally owned and man- we need to be aware of the impacts of climate Involving citizens in protecting and managing ships, shipping companies, and marketing firms. aged farm and forestlands also promote a strong urbanization on wildlife change as early as possible so that we can make natural areas offers unique opportunities for U-pick operations, farmers markets, and commu- connection to the land. These values are threat- habitat and water timely decisions that minimize harmful effects on learning and connection and helps share the nity-supported agriculture connect people to the ened by a rapidly growing region and a changing the region’s flora and fauna. Second, even without responsibility for managing a public resource. land, improving their quality of life and helping quality.” economy, which has altered ownership patterns taking climate change into consideration, we are Engaged, educated citizens are more likely to urban families remain in touch with rural com- and methods for land management and harvest- in the midst of an unplanned experiment on the make good decisions in managing their own land, munities. At the same time, the fact that the ports ing. Additionally, current land use and financial effects of urbanization on wildlife habitat and and they are more likely to support funding for of Portland and Vancouver ship millions of tons policy and funding support do not consistently water quality. Our understanding of conserva- regional conservation efforts. In addition, citizens of lumber, wood products, and other agricultural recognize and support the ecological and eco- tion in a highly developed landscape is imperfect, are some of the main caretakers of natural areas commodities abroad each year illustrates how nomic significance and mutually compatible uses and sites vary greatly. Only through continued and do a considerable amount of work on the strongly the region’s economy remains tied to its of these locally managed working lands. acquisition and effective sharing of new informa- ground to help manage these lands. rural roots. tion can we make good decisions about how best Working lands also are vital to regional What Are Working Lands? conservation. Lands predominantly used for Working lands are farms and forests that support agriculture and timber production serve as criti- the production of natural resource-based com- cal connectors between the region’s urban areas modities, sustain rural lifestyles, and contribute (which are located at river confluences) and state to the regional economy. The physical and chemi- and federally managed land at the headwaters of cal characteristics of working lands allow them the region’s 14 watersheds. Working lands serve to support the production of plants and animals Involving citizens in as buffers for natural areas and can help support for sale in the marketplace, contribute some connectivity between natural areas within the protecting and manag- habitat and ecological functions, and provide region. Some agricultural areas provide good hab- ing natural areas offers some ecosystem services, such as air and water itat for a number of rare plants and wildlife, and unique opportunities purification, sequestration of carbon, and flood the biodiversity in the rural mosaic of working attenuation. Unlike developed and natural lands, for learning and connec- and natural landscapes is generally higher than working lands are intended to yield an economic tion and helps share the that in urban areas. Field margins and hedgerows return through harvest and management activi- offer key nesting and cover opportunities for responsibility for man- ties. Although we have no direct way to quantify many birds, reptiles, and small mammals, along aging a public resource. the amount of working lands in the region, we with vital habitat for pollinators and connectivity do know that agriculture covers more than 22 for these groups. percent of the region. Forest patches larger than Some agricultural wetlands have been con- 30 acres cover another 45 percent of the region, served, enhanced, or restored because of their and the majority of that is probably managed for role in providing ecosystem services such as flood timber. Based on these numbers, a rough guess is control, water retention, water quality improve- that more than half the region consists of working ment, or fish and wildlife habitat. When properly lands. cared for, working lands are part of the matrix of lands that capture, retain, and filter water. In

4 See http://www.uercportland.org/. some areas, streams and rivers overflow onto 5 See http://www.pdx.ude/ims/indicators. 61 60 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

working lands rity and function as critical components of both n Conversion to “hobby” farms. Conversion of (i.e., to pay taxes on or purchase the property) during the winter, regional conservation and a sustainable local farms and forestland to non-economic use is sec- is a significant challenge, and the sale of working serving to protect food and fiber economy. We envision a future in ond only to development as a threat to working lands puts them at risk of conversion to downstream areas which a new generation of farmers have fund- lands. So-called “hobby farms” are distinct from other uses. Forest Certification small farms or non-industrial commercial forests from floods and to ing opportunities to purchase or lease land and n Short-term farm leases. Farm and forestland Program (i.e., family forests) and generally lack the fund- recharge groundwa- manage it for its conservation and wildlife values, owners who do not own their property outright ing or equipment needed to implement conserva- Much of the land owned ter. Standing timber along with traditional economic returns; where depend on property leases to continue their tion practices at a level that contributes meaning- by Clark County is and agricultural landowners who lease out property do so in a work. If leases are short term (i.e., from year to fully to conservation. Additionally, hobby farms year), farmers are less likely to make long-term forested. The county is plants sequester manner that encourages long-term conservation do not generally produce economic output or investments in conservation practices or farming carbon, while investments; where streams and riparian areas on support the local economy. pursuing sustainable practices that actively sustain the land for future soil holds carbon working lands function at levels that mirror pre- forestry certification n Declining Revenues for Food and Fiber Produc- generations. underground. (As settlement conditions to the extent possible, along tion. Although the greater Portland-Vancouver for 2,000 acres through much as 75 percent with farms and forestland that help maintain n Simplification of working lands. Although region is a strong supporter of local food systems, of all the carbon habitat connectivity and the resilience of natural restoration of riparian areas is increasing on farm both the Sustain- it will take a robust export market and continued in a forest is held systems in the face of climate change. We envision and forestland, there are many opportunities to able Forestry Initia- purchasing of local foods through all avenues increase restoration in these critical areas. Inten- underground). individuals of all economic backgrounds obtain- (farmers markets, community-supported agricul- tive administered by sive cultivation of farm and forestland greatly An important ing a majority of their food and lumber locally, ture, restaurants, food service, etc.) to ensure that reduces conservation values. Intensive cultivation the American Forest premise of the agriculture incorporated into new developments local producers can remain economically viable. includes managing with a focus on a single spe- Foundation and through Regional Conserva- through community gardens, and viable farms The low market demand for local timber products cies; short rotations for forests, with low structur- tion Strategy is that and forest protected from new development. affects local mills, which struggle to stay in busi- the Forest Stewardship al diversity; and large farms that make intensive working lands can ness and retain employees. Although the number Council certification use of water and chemicals and lack hedgerows, of backyard gardens and community-supported be successfully managed both for production Threats and Challenges field borders, or stream buffers. program. A commitment and for their conservation values, with mutu- The following factors pose threats to the viability agriculture enterprises is growing, there is still a to sustainable forest ally beneficial results. Management of working and conservation value of working lands: regional need for more locally grown and produced food and forest products. Strategic Actions management means lands should encompass at least some aspects n Limited funding for conservation. Currently, Strategic actions to preserve or enhance the value of natural resource protection, such as reducing n Uneven protection to keep working lands protecting water qual- there is limited federal, state, and local funding of working lands as components of a healthy erosion and protecting water quality; in turn, “working.” Oregon’s land use laws, such as Senate ity, soil, wildlife, and to support conservation actions and practices on regional ecosystem fall into three broad, often well-planned conservation practices can improve Bill 100, explicitly address the importance of working lands. In the future, more funding from overlapping categories: intentional management, unique resources; pro- productivity and income potential. A strong eco- these traditional sources as well as from envi- protecting of high-quality farm and forestlands. protection from development, and cooperation. moting human health nomic return enables land managers to continue ronmental markets, consumer markets, and tax The Oregon and Washington Forest Practices Act Working lands already play a vital role in main- natural resource conservation on their land while policies and incentives may be needed to allow addresses some management issues. However, and safety; providing political support and mechanisms for protecting taining the region’s ecosystem health. Yet there increasing their ability to produce food and fiber. for additional conservation and improvements employee training and farms and forestlands in the region, such as state are abundant opportunities to further enhance This results in a sustainable farm and forestland in ecological function. and local zoning and enforcement, is uneven. the contribution of farms and forestry operations education; and commu- base to be managed by future generations. Eco- n Development. Subdivision and urban develop- Without policy-level support to enforce zoning if they are intentionally and routinely man- nicating the benefits of nomically viable working lands are more likely ment represent the greatest threat to the viability and right-to-farm ordinances, it is difficult to pro- aged for both economic return and biodiversity the practice of sustain- to stay in production and retain those qualities of working lands. Paved lands do not produce tect working lands from development or conver- conservation. This cannot be accomplished if that serve conservation purposes. In the long run, food or provide ecosystem services. Even low- able forestry to the sion to other uses. working lands are permanently lost to develop- working lands will be as important to the region’s density development reduces the viability of general public. n Challenges of transferring land to the next ment, so working lands must be protected from sustainable future as housing and industry, and farms and forests through the gradual loss of generation. Whether land transfers are inter- conversion to municipal, industrial, and com- they will be critical in addressing our future farm support services and increases in land use generational within a family or via sale to others, mercial uses whenever possible. The conservation needs for local food, clean air and water, and conflicts. Development, habitat fragmentation, and reduced connectivity also limit the contribu- it often is difficult or impossible to finance the value of working lands can be improved through other ecosystem services. tion of working lands to the region’s biodiversity. purchase of properties to keep them in farming increased cooperation between the owners of Additional fencing and roads pose barriers to or forestry. Family trends are changing, and the working lands and the managers of conserva- A Vision for Working Lands wildlife movement, and expanded amounts of younger generation is not always interested in tion lands. Better integration of forestry and The desired future condition for working lands staying on the land and continuing to farm. The impervious surfaces increase stormwater runoff agriculture with adjacent natural landscapes and is preservation and enhancement of their integ- lack of funding when property changes hands and introduce pollutants to aquatic ecosystems. more conservation effort put into working lands 62 63 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

undoubtedly would yield both conservation and n Develop water policies that allow continua- economic benefits. tion of irrigated agriculture while incentivizing conservation. Strategy: Increase financial support for n conservation activities on working lands Support and increase the visibility of third-par- ty sustainable certification programs (e.g., Food n Support establishment of environmental mar- Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, Salmon kets for ecosystem services to encourage conser- Safe, and Oregon Tilth) that will encourage the vation practices. Practices include lengthening purchase of sustainably produced local foods and harvest rotations, increasing the diversity within fiber and environmentally friendly land manage- commercial forests, protecting and restoring ment practices. wetlands, increasing the number of streams with buffers, and widening existing riparian areas. Strategy: Explore better integration of farming and forestry into natural area management, including on n Advocate for state conservation strategy funds publicly owned lands to be invested in the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity corridors in the region. n Explore the use of haying, grazing, and crop Focus on working lands that provide connections or timber production as part of natural area between headwaters and stream confluences. management.

n Support producers who participate in certi- n Identify protected lands that can be used for public relations campaigns and incentives that develop a program that increases minority access Protecting agricultural agriculture either permanently or temporarily fication markets (organic, sustainable, etc.) that encourage and reward the purchase of local foods to farm lease/ownership opportunities. lands from development increase the environmental health of the land and before they are restored. by food providers such as grocery stores, restau- n Support organizations that provide farm and and enhancing their maintain or increase economic returns. n rants, and institutions, and support more equi- Identify areas where continued agricultural use forest transition planning workshops and encour- table access to sustainably produced local foods. ecological value through n Provide local property tax incentives for the would provide greater conservation value than age coordinated program delivery. installation and long-term management of conversion to other uses. n riparian restoration, Support agricultural and conservation edu- Strategy: Encourage strong land use zoning and conservation practices on working lands. n cation. For example, increase soil and water hedgerows and innova- Identify agricultural lands such as wet flood- right-to-farm ordinances conservation districts’ conservation workshops n Encourage local organizations and state plain areas or shallow soil forestlands that may tive farm management for farm and forestry operators and locally based n Encourage zoning that preserves both natural and federal agencies to use the Oregon and be best suited for restoration because of their fish “absentee” landowners and increase the number resource lands and working lands while focusing will be a key aspect of Washington statewide wildlife action plans 6 and wildlife habitat values. of school farm programs (to encourage agricul- growth on non-natural resource lands inside the a successful regional and this Regional Conservation Strategy to focus Strategy: Increase farm and forestland easements ture as a career option). urban growth boundary. Increase density in new conservation investments in high-priority conservation effort. to prevent conversion to other uses and support the developments and redevelopment projects and geographic areas. n Seek federal grant funding and other oppor- long-term economic viability of local farm and encourage brownfield development. tunities to encourage development of local wood Strategy: Improve management of working lands forestland n Support land use planning policies that for habitat value and water quality product markets, such as furniture, lumber, n Support the Farmland Protection Coalition in firewood, and art. discourage subdivision of farmland, and pro- n Promote actions that improve the habitat value vide incentives for economically viable working coordinating with land trusts, local governments, Strategy: Provide funding and support for new of working lands. For example, in forests promote Metro, the Natural Resources Conservation lands; close loopholes in the Exclusive Farm Use farmers to purchase or lease farms, so that farms are longer harvest rotations; early thinning (to pro- Service, and local soil and water conservation dis- permitting process that allow conversion of viable not developed mote shrub and large tree development); reten- tricts to increase investment in preserving viable farmland to hobby farms. tion of snags, dead wood, and legacy trees; and agricultural lands. n Establish or increase farmer and forester n Strengthen Washington’s existing zoning laws multi-species planting. In farm areas, promote “incubator networks” to help establish and main- n and Washington’s Growth Management Act, no-till planting, buffering additional streams, Support policies and funding that increase tain successful farm and forestry businesses. which requires designation and protection of widening existing riparian areas, restoring wet- capacity and expand the number of entities that n critical areas and natural resource lands. lands, and planting pollinator hedgerows. can hold farm and forestland easements, with a Provide loans through local lenders and the focus on working land conservation easements. Farm Service Agency (which administers federal n Encourage undesignated lands in urban and n Support enforcement of agricultural water farm loan programs) to help those who would n Improve access to local markets for producers rural reserves to be maintained as farmland or quality management plans. like to purchase farmland. of sustainably grown foods and wood products protected natural resource lands, as appropriate. produced with a conservation ethic. Develop n Work with migrant farmworker organizations, farm groups, and conservation organizations to 6 Oregon Conservation Strategy (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2006) and Washington’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2006). 64 65 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

n Strengthen and enforce right-to-farm ordi- and forestland. Typically, contact is best made Conservation in Developed Areas to and used even our most developed landscapes, nances and continue to support efforts to educate through local soil and water conservation dis- to their benefit. rural residents about living near farms and tricts. http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov or In the greater Portland-Vancouver region, The local success of species such as peregrine 7 forestland. www.oacd.org. developed areas are all lands except natural areas, falcons, bald eagles, Vaux’s swifts, and streaked waterways, wetlands, working agricultural lands, n Promote policies that preserve viable working Local soil and water conservation districts horned larks demonstrates the potential for and working forests. The developed landscape lands, such as policies to “buffer” neighborhoods n East Multnomah Conservation District developed lands to contribute to the protec- includes industrial, commercial, and residential from intensively managed working lands. 503.222.7645, www.emswcd.org tion and preservation of regional biodiversity. The belief that the properties, developed parks, schoolyards, golf The most productive peregrine falcon nest site The following organizations are working on issues n West Multnomah Conservation District city is an entity apart courses, cemeteries, airports, and the streetscape. in Oregon is located on the Fremont Bridge in related to working lands and conservation: 503.238.4775, www.wmswcd.org The intensity of development ranges from sky- the middle of urban Portland. In fact six per- from nature and even n Clackamas County Conservation District scrapers in downtown Portland to suburban and cent of the known peregrine falcon nest sites in antithetical to it has n Oregon Small Woodlands Association. This orga- 503.210.6000, www.conservationdistrict.org rural neighborhoods in surrounding communi- Oregon are on Portland-area bridges. There are n dominated how the nization educates Oregonians and public agencies Clark County Conservation District ties. about the value and contributions of family- at least 73 bald eagle breeding areas in the greater 360.883.1987, www.clarkcd.org These developed areas should not be dismissed city is perceived and owned forests throughout the state. Portland-Vancouver region, including near the n Tualatin Conservation District as devoid of habitat value and biodiversity. It http://www.oswa.org Water Resource Education Center in Vancouver. continues to affect how 503.648.3174, www.swcd.net is true that, with more ecological foresight, we The chimney at Northwest Portland’s Chapman it is built. This attitude n The Xerces Society provides information n Marion County Conservation District might have carefully nested our developed areas School hosts the world’s largest known Vaux’s and resources to help incorporate pollinator 503.391.9927, www.marionswcd.net among an interconnected system of natural has aggravated and protection into working lands. swift roost. Streaked horned larks—a candidate n Yamhill County Conservation District features in a way that prioritizes the function of for listing under the Endangered Species Act— even created many of http://www.xerces.org 503.472.1474, www.yamhillswcd.org natural systems. As it is, today’s developed lands find one of their last nesting strongholds in the the city’s environmental n The USDA Natural Resources Conservation n Columbia County Conservation District are situated such that remnant natural areas are northern Willamette Valley in the highly dis- problems. The city must Service. The NRCS has several funding opportu- 503.397.4555, www.columbiaswcd.com highly fragmented, the tree canopy is only a frac- turbed, undeveloped lots surrounding Portland nities to support habitat improvement on farm be recognized as a part n Cowlitz Conservation District tion of historical levels, and many of the region’s International Airport. In addition, some of the 360.425.1880, http://www.scc.wa.gov/ historical streams, wetlands, and floodplains highest diversity for bat species in the region has of nature and designed n have been degraded, filled in, or covered over. Underwood Conservation District been documented not in Forest Park or other nat- accordingly. 509. 493.1936, www.gorge.net/ucd However, despite these losses, a huge diversity of ural areas but on golf courses in North Portland. — anne whiston wild animals—including some highly imperiled n Farmland LP. Farmland LP is a private equity These are successes that are happening already spirn fund that acquires conventional farmland and species—share even the most developed portions within the urban matrix; the potential is greater if The Granite Garden converts it into certified organic, sustainable of our landscape. We have built our metropolitan we consciously manage the built environment to farmland for lease to farmers. This allows young region at the confluence of two great rivers, in a foster biodiversity. farmers to start business without the huge cost of place that once was a biodiversity hotspot. Some When we choose to integrate nature into all land acquisition. Farmland LP is headquartered native species still are widespread in the region, aspects of the built environment, developed lands in San Francisco and Corvallis and currently some pass quickly through following centuries- have the potential to do the following: owns two farms (250 acres) in the Willamette old migratory routes, while others have become n Valley. 415.465.2400, http://www.farmlandlp isolated and at risk. Increase the permeability of the overall urban .com/ landscape for wildlife. A permeable landscape is one in which wildlife can move freely from one Why Do Developed Areas Matter? area to another. The habitat fragmentation that is Developed areas have a vital role to play in common in urban areas reduces permeability and preserving regional biodiversity and protecting can result in situations where animals either are environmental health. When effectively managed, unable to travel between habitat patches or face developed areas increase the urban landscape’s increased risks during their traverse.8 For highly overall permeability for wildlife, enhance the mobile species such as birds, a few isolated habi- function of natural areas and biodiversity cor- tat areas or “stepping stones” may be sufficient to ridors, and engage the public in wildlife steward- successfully pass through our region. However, ship. And some wildlife populations have adapted for less mobile species such as red-legged frogs

7 See the Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Rural Lifestyles book as a sample educational tool. 8 Wildlife Corridors and Permeability: A Literature Review (Hennings and Soll 2010). 66 67 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Teeming with Wildlife? When Lewis and Clark and western painted turtles, a roadway may be n Reduce hazards to wildlife. Human-caused n Foster stewardship. Protecting nature in our tion of regional biodiversity. We need to do more camped on Hayden an insurmountable or even fatal barrier. The hazards to wildlife increase stresses on wildlife neighborhoods creates a culture of conservation than simply weave ribbons of green through Island in November vast majority of our landscape is and will remain populations that already are under significant and environmental literacy in our communities. our urban landscape. To be successful, we must developed. Even with the most aggressive pro- pressure. Through proactive measures, we can of 1805, they actually The Regional Conservation Strategy lays out a consistently integrate nature into all aspects of grams to protect and restore wildlife habitat and reduce hazards such as collisions with buildings our built environment. This challenge has both complained about the biodiversity corridors, wildlife still have to cross vision for protecting, reclaiming, and restoring an and power lines, predation by domestic animals, public policy and outreach components, as many vast tracts of developed lands. Integrating nature lethal and sublethal impacts of pesticides and interconnected system of natural areas, wetlands, abundance of migrating people do not recognize how their individual into the built landscape can augment wildlife other environmental toxins, and collisions with waterways, and biodiversity corridors as a way to birds that kept them actions fit within a larger regional context. Part Human-created areas and biodiversity corridors by increasing vehicles. protect and restore regional biodiversity. How- awake at night. In the permeability and creating stepping stones for ever, developed landscapes serve as the matrix of our challenge is to help the community realize habitats can also be [a] n Protect critical wildlife populations. Our built that each individual and each property has a role 21st century our urban wildlife movement. within which natural areas will nest and affect significant contribu- landscape is host to a number of ecologically the quality and function of habitat throughout to play—that myriad small actions can add up to landscape will continue n Reduce direct and indirect impacts on natural tion to wildlife habitat significant wildlife populations, including Vaux’s something meaningful in creating an increasingly areas. The built landscape has myriad impacts swifts, streaked horned larks, and peregrine fal- the region. Ultimately we will fail in our efforts to play an important comprehensive network of green, from rooftop to in urban areas. For on nearby natural areas. Urban noise, light, and cons. The built landscape could further enhance to protect and preserve the region’s biodiversity role for the numerous roadway. The decisions we make about our devel- vibration reduce habitat quality in surrounding wildlife populations through thoughtful devel- if we do not improve the ecological health of our example, native plant oped areas will determine whether the greater species that migrate natural areas, human activities introduce inva- opment, such as the use of gravel rooftops to developed lands along with more natural ones. gardens and native sive plants and animals that spread, and some provide nesting areas for common nighthawks, Portland-Vancouver region contributes to the through the region, landscaping, backyard predatory species thrive along edge habitats. which once were widespread in the region. A Vision for Developed Areas restoration of regional biodiversity and ecosystem seeking opportunities Stormwater impacts such as high-volume runoff health or serves as a sinkhole for already declin- ponds, and bat and bird n Support equity and community health. Pro- The desired future condition for developed areas to rest and breed. The and pollution from nonpoint sources can be far- ing wildlife populations. tecting nature in our neighborhoods has been is one in which nature is incorporated into the roost and nest sites on question is not whether reaching. In addition, natural areas are affected demonstrated to have numerous community built environment at all spatial scales—from the by urban wildfires, urban heat island effects, buildings, bridges and these species will come, benefits. These benefits include increases in small urban home lot to towering skyscrapers Strategic Actions and other microclimate impacts from developed utility poles can provide mental and physical well-being, physical activity, and expansive industrial parks. We envision a but what they will find lands. “Re-greening” our urban areas can reduce Strategy: Increase the permeability of and property values and reductions in crime rates developed landscape where each development and places for some wildlife when they get here. these impacts and help maintain the habitat value the developed landscape and natural hazards such as landslides, floods, redevelopment project incorporates elements that of both neighboring and distant natural areas. In addition to providing regulatory protections species to feed and rest. and fires. provide habitat and reduce wildlife hazards, where for natural resource areas, we need to encourage —oregon green infrastructure meets habitat and biodiver- conservation and incentivize re-greening of our built land- sity objectives (among others), and where the strategy scape. Fortunately, opportunities to increase the public is actively engaged and supported in stew- permeability of developed landscapes for wildlife ardship of native plants and wildlife in their yards, populations abound—especially when we look neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Over 34 billion migra- at our built landscape as an opportunity to be This vision of the future condition of devel- tory birds are killed by explored, rather than a challenge to be overcome. oped areas acknowledges that there is no clear There is a growing body of scientific literature window strikes in the dividing line between the built environment and documenting the benefits to wildlife of ecoroofs, U.S. every year. Over the natural environment. Native plants and wild street trees, bioswales, and other green infra- animals do not recognize our arbitrary boundar- 258 species of birds structure. This is in addition to other benefits of ies, and the impacts of our developed landscapes have been documented green infrastructure, such as stormwater reduc- extend far beyond their actual footprint. In as victims of window tion, treatment of pollutants, reduction of urban short, we all have a role to play in the protection, heat island effects, increased access to nature, collisions in the U.S. and restoration, and management of our native plant reduced CO emissions, increased property more than 78 species communities and local wildlife populations. 2 values, and better human physical and mental in Portland have been health. As Metro’s Wildlife Crossings and Perme- Threats and Challenges documented as window ability literature review points out, habitat quality One of the greatest challenges in achieving our casualties over the past in developed areas can be improved through the biodiversity goals is the temptation to ignore the use of “semi-natural features such as vegetated four years. potential of developed areas and discount their buffers, stormwater treatment facilities and edible role in the protection, preservation, and restora- gardens. Green roofs and street trees are an 68 69 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

emerging but potentially important connectiv- to protect aquatic species and provide passage n Create habitat patches (“stepping stones”) in ity element, and residential yards can comprise for migrating terrestrial species. However, other locations where little or no habitat currently The wide variety of a significant percentage of the green in an urban opportunities exist as well in the form of large, exists. 9 native birds that thrive are a .” underutilized spaces, such as the interior of loop n Engage new and diverse audiences in We also should not overlook the value to tracks that could be converted to native meadows conservation. in urban areas under- wildlife of open spaces such as active parks, golf and expansive rooftops that could be converted The following are some basic approaches to scores the importance of courses, schoolyards, and cemeteries. Although to ecoroofs with a wide variety of native plant increasing the permeability of the developed these artificial habi- these areas have not specifically been set aside species. landscape for wildlife. for wildlife, their large size, cumulative acreage, Not all opportunities to increase permeabil- tats to the survival of and distribution present significant opportuni- ity are big and dramatic. We need to remember Watershed-Based Approaches many bird populations. ties to create larger pockets of habitat, contribute that healthy populations of pollinators and other One of the primary drivers for urban conser- Creating greenspace in nesting and resting habitat, and increase perme- microfauna form the foundation of a healthy eco- vation in the Pacific Northwest is sustainable ability, thus facilitating wildlife movement across system. The Xerces Society points out that parks urban environments, stormwater strategies. Communities are increas- the developed landscape. Many schoolyards and golf courses are well-suited to pollinator con- landscaping with native ingly realizing that they can reduce costs, meet throughout the region have programs to create servation11 and offers practical advice on urban multiple regulatory mandates, and achieve mul- plants in backyards rain gardens, vegetable gardens, and habitat areas. invertebrate conservation in its recently published tiple benefits by integrating green infrastructure- and parks, adopt- The City of Portland’s “Greenbucks” program Pollinator Conservation Handbook.12 based approaches with traditional pipe-based allows ratepayers to make a voluntary contribu- The most successful approaches to increasing architecture and approaches to treatment of urban stormwater. tion on their sewer and water bills each month to ing the permeability of developed areas will Over the past decade the City of Portland spent incorporate green infrastructure and has resulted A healthy urban forest lighting systems that create green stormwater facilities such as swales, look at opportunities at multiple scales—at the $1.4 billion to address Clean Water Act violations in the City of Portland committing to fund $50 reduce collisions, and rain gardens, and ecoroofs at schools throughout individual, neighborhood, local geographic, and canopy provides many that resulted from combined sewer overflow dis- million over five years to promote landscape-scale the city; these amenities help reduce stormwater watershed levels—and will consider the needs of functions including keeping pets indoors charges into local waterways caused by the com- implementation of green infrastructure strategies impacts, create habitat, and engage students in multiple species. What works for a bird will not reduction in the urban will provide the greatest ingling of stormwater and sewage in our sewer such as ecoroofs, tree planting, and green streets. conservation.10 Local golf courses such as Heron necessarily help a red-legged frog. Re-greening system. There is growing recognition that signifi- Watershed planning offers a holistic approach to heat island effect, benefit to breeding birds Lakes have recognized the value of wildlife in anywhere on the built landscape has the potential cant economic, ecological, aesthetic, and social targeting investments to achieve multiple benefits, attenuation of and migrants seeking enhancing their visitors’ experience. Surpris- to increase permeability, but re-greening in accor- benefits can be derived by treating stormwater as including wildlife habitat across the landscape. ingly, some of our most urban and active recre- dance with the following key concepts is likely to stormwater runoff, safe places to rest and an amenity rather than a problem and developing ational parks offer wildlife enhancements and the maximize opportunities: increasing adjacent find food during their place-based solutions that treat rainwater where Restoring the Urban Tree Canopy opportunity to connect people to nature. Tanner property values, and n Create buffers around natural areas and biodi- it falls. This has led to strategic investments in The urban forest canopy provides one of the most spectacular journeys. Springs, one of our region’s most urban parks, is a versity corridors to soften edge effects. green infrastructure—green streets, ecoroofs, bio- significant opportunities to increase permeability providing migratory — U.S. fish and case in point; the incorporation of native grasses n Connect isolated natural areas with targeted swales, and the urban tree canopy—across entire for avian species traversing the urban landscape, and resident bird wildlife service and water features to artistically represent long- investment in green infrastructure. landscapes. Although the driver may be the Clean providing resting, foraging, and nesting opportu- State of the Birds buried Tanner Creek has actually drawn in osprey habitat. Water Act, green infrastructure offers multiple nities and cover from predators. There is no doubt 2009 Report and great blue herons. n Protect and increase specific at-risk wildlife ecological benefits, including creation of wildlife that the amount of urban forest canopy in the Our industrial landscapes, many of which populations. habitat. The Portland Watershed Management region has declined substantially since European abut important natural resource areas, offer n Incorporate strategies to increase pollinators Plan takes an integrated approach to watershed settlement began. In addition, the composition of unique and important opportunities to provide and other invertebrates at the base of the food planning, recognizing that “a healthy urban the urban canopy has changed, with a shift from for wildlife. Much of the focus in recent years web. watershed has hydrologic, habitat and water qual- larger to smaller trees and the loss of conifers and has appropriately been on providing setbacks n Integrate wildlife strategies with other regula- ity conditions suitable to protect human health, white oak woodlands.13 A regional assessment of and buffers from rivers, creeks, and wetlands. We tory and non-regulatory priorities to achieve maintain viable ecological functions and pro- municipal tree codes commissioned by Metro in should continue to strive to achieve wide, con- multiple benefits for wildlife and the community. cesses, and support self-sustaining populations of 2009 found that programs to protect, restore, and tinuous corridors along the region’s waterways, native fish and wildlife species.” The plan requires maintain the urban tree canopy are inconsistent 14 9 Wildlife Corridors and Permeability: A Literature Review (Hennings and Soll, 2010). that every city project consider opportunities to from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.” Many munici- 10 City of Portland Green Bucks Program: http://www.org/books-pollinator-conservation-handbook/. 11 http://www.xerces.org/parks-and-golf-courses/ 13 “Historical Vegetation of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, circa 1850” (John A. Christy and Ed. R. Alverson in Northwest Science). 12 Pollinator Conservation Handbook (Xerces Society, in association with The Bee Works, 2011), available at http://www.xerces. 14 Regional Urban Forestry Assessment for the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area (James Labbe, 2009)http://library.oregonmetro. gov/files//060110_forestry_assessment_revised_web.pdf 70 71 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Table 6-3 Estimated Annual U.S. Bird palities are in the wildlife can be enhanced by incorporating wild- create isolated stepping stone habitats for wildlife mobiles, can only be Mortality from Selected Hazards process of updating life underpasses and overpasses. in places where no habitat currently exists, but reduced through careful Number of Birds their tree programs. to actually go further and create networks of site selection and Hazard Killed Exciting projects are Integrating Nature into Site Design backyard habitats. This can occur by (1) aggregat- design modifications. under way, such as It is possible to integrate habitat features into even ing entire blocks into larger islands of habitat, The good news is that Building collisions Hundreds of millions Friends of Trees’ I-205 the most developed sites. Incorporating natur- (2) strategically promoting backyard habitats human causes of wild- Communications towers 4 million to 5 million Forest Project, which escaping and bioswales not only helps address along linear corridors in ways that reinforce con- life mortality on urban Transmission lines 174 million is a collaboration with stormwater and improves aesthetics but also can nections between isolated natural areas, and (3) landscapes can be sig- Metro, the Oregon provide small patches of habitat for migrating strategically promoting backyard habitats around nificantly reduced using Electrocutions Tens of thousands Department of Trans- birds. Rooftops may be the most underused por- existing natural areas to soften edge effects. proactive approaches, Cars 60 million portation, and others. tion of our developed landscape when it comes to Existing programs in the Portland-Vancouver as described below. Wind Turbines 33,000 The project will plant habitat potential. To date, ecoroofs in the region metropolitan area that promote backyard habitats Poisoning 72 million trees along more than have been created primarily to treat stormwater, include the East Multnomah Soil and Water Dis- Window Strikes and 16 miles of Interstate but they can incorporate habitat elements as well. trict’s naturescaping and rain garden programs16 Other Collision Hazards Cats Hundreds of millions

205 multi-use path, The addition of elements such as logs, rock piles, and the Portland Audubon Society and Columbia Collisions with win- Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2002 in some of the region’s wildlife-friendly plantings, and water sources Land Trust’s joint Backyard Habitat Certification dows account for the (http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues most tree-deficient on rooftops has the potential to provide rest- Program.17 In addition, the Washington Depart- deaths of 100 million /Hazards/BirdHazards.html). neighborhoods. ing, foraging, and even nesting habitat on what ment of Wildlife’s Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary to 1 billion birds in the are currently some of our most wildlife-hostile program provides information and a certifica- United States each year. Green Streets landscapes. tion process for Washington residents wishing to This lethal toll is second only to habitat destruc- Roadways occupy a Attention should also be paid to species- improve habitat on their land.18 tion in terms of human causes of avian mortality major portion of the specific enhancements to development projects. and affects healthy and fit birds just as readily as region’s developed Many wildlife species have adapted to use specific non-thriving individuals. Strikes can occur on Strategy: Reduce hazards to wildlife lands, which cover niches on built structures. For example, bridges window panes of various sizes, at various heights, At the same time that we are re-greening our roughly 44 percent have proven to be significant sites for breed- and in urban, suburban and rural environments. developed landscape, we must also proactively of the areas within ing populations of peregrine falcons and bats. Strikes occur at all hours of the day and night. reduce hazards to wildlife. Although habitat loss urban boundaries. Vaux’s swifts substitute urban chimneys for the Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. During and fragmentation remain the largest threats to Green streets are heav- old-growth trees they traditionally used as spring the day, birds see sky and vegetation reflected in wildlife populations, a variety of urban haz- ily landscaped streets breeding sites and fall migration roost sites. glass as a continuation of habitat. For the many ards, from collisions to poisoning, place further designed to transform impervious street surfaces Amphibians substitute our drainage ditches and species that migrate at night, sky glow from cit- pressures on already declining populations. into greenspaces that capture stormwater runoff, rain gardens for historical wetlands. Streaked ies can interfere with celestial navigation clues. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service let water soak into the ground, and allow plants horned larks are drawn to features on disturbed Bright city lights confuse birds by obscuring their estimates that many millions of the approximately and soil to filter pollutants.15 Although the prima- but undeveloped industrial tracts. Nest boxes can navigational aids and lure them into cities, where 10 billion birds that breed annually in the United ry driver of green streets to date has been storm- assist a variety of cavity nesters—from purple they can hit buildings directly or circle build- States die from human-caused threats.19 Table 6-3 water treatment, the approach has the potential to martins to American kestrels—that are in decline ings until they collapse from exhaustion. The gives some sense of the scale of these impacts. create green corridors for wildlife—streets where because of the loss of natural cavities. Even devel- prevalence of window strikes in the region may Some hazards, such as pesticide impacts and a proliferation of bioswales, shrubs, and native opment projects without any natural features can be being exacerbated by energy-efficient build- harassment and predation of wildlife by domestic trees increase the cover, food, and nesting and offer opportunities for wildlife enhancements. ing designs that promote reflective glass build- animals, can be addressed through education and resting opportunities available to migratory birds ing facades without consideration of potential modification of human behavior. Other hazards, and other wildlife. In addition, consideration Backyard Habitat Creation wildlife impacts. such as collisions with built structures, electro- should be given to the needs of local terrestrial Residential urban and suburban yards provide cutions, and mortalities associated with auto- wildlife populations—including reptiles, amphib- one of the most significant opportunities to trans- ians, and mammals—that may find streets to be form our urban landscape in ways that benefit 16 http://www.emswcd.org/ a fatal barrier. Safe wildlife passage for terrestrial wildlife. Yards offer the potential not only to 17 http://www.columbialandtrust.org/get-involved/act/backyard-habitats/backyard-habitats-certification-program 18 http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/backyard 19 Migratory Bird Mortality: Many Human-Caused Threats Afflict our Bird Populations (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2002). 15 Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Greenstreets: http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?c=45379&a=209685 72 73 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

Effective Wildlife Suggested Approaches Collisions with Vehicles Pesticides Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflicts within the Urban Landscape n Adopt bird-friendly building design guidelines. As described in Chapter 7 (“Biodiversity Cor- According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crossings in Real Life Portland International Airport has developed a widely lauded and innova- Many cities across North America, including ridors”), roads and railways cause direct mortal- “pesticides have been shown to cause rapid death tive Wildlife Hazard Management Plan to reduce the risk of bird strikes on The region has two good Portland, are developing and adopting guidelines ity of wildlife, and, with their associated traffic and debilitating effects to birds in urban areas. examples of wildlife that integrate energy-efficient building design volumes and speeds, impair “the ability of aquatic A 1992 study conservatively estimated that 65 airplanes. Rather than emphasizing lethal control strategies that have become crossings employed to with proven strategies to reduce bird strikes. and terrestrial wildlife to move to carry on their million birds die per year from pesticide poison- the norm at other major airports, PDX has developed innovative habitat 23 protect vulnerable wild- n Reduce nighttime lighting. Twenty-one cities life functions.” Particularly affected popula- ing or effects. Annual mortality probably is in the modification and hazing strategies that reduce the need for lethal control across North America, including Toronto, New tions include slow-moving reptiles and amphib- hundreds of millions, but deaths are very difficult life populations. The Port and that are now being emulated at other airports across the country. York, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Baltimore, Min- ians that may need to cross roads to disperse, to document.”25 of Portland installed a The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed an neapolis, Houston, and San Francisco, have devel- reproduce, or perform other life cycle processes. Suggested Approach educational guide to help prevent conflicts with wild animals, from bats to turtle crossing to protect oped “lights out” campaigns to reduce nighttime In our region, for example, state-listed sensitive n Encourage planting with native plants. The use western painted turtles lighting during critical migratory periods. (In Western painted turtles spend much of their life of native plants reduces the need for pesticides. woodpeckers. The Living with Wildlife series is a comprehensive resource addition to benefiting wildlife, reducing night- in wetlands but sometimes need to cross roads in the Rivergate area of Metro’s Natural Gardening Program and Grow on coexisting with the animals commonly found in gardens, ponds, attics, time lighting cuts down on energy use.) to lay eggs in upland areas; this puts them at risk Smart, Grow Safe manual promote pesticide North Portland.24 Moni- and other places where humans and wildlife cross paths throughout Oregon, n Address other significant collision hazards for of collisions with cars. Busy roadways can also reduction,26 including a “pesticide free” certifica- Washington, and British Columbia. toring shows that the birds and bats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be dangerous or even impenetrable barriers for tion program.27 20 project has been at least has developed guidance for siting cell towers. mammals. ODOT has developed a management plan for peregrine falcons that nest The U.S. Avian Power Line Interaction Commit- partially successful, and Suggested Approach Predation By Cats on bridges throughout the region. The City of Portland Parks “Dogs for the tee has developed guidelines to reduce mortalities n Use wildlife crossings to help terrestrial wildlife The Audubon Society of Portland Wildlife Environment” program promotes appropriate dog behavior near sensitive lessons learned can help associated with power lines,21 and the U.S. Fish traverse hazardous roadways. A growing body of Rehabilitation Center has documented more than to inform other similar and Wildlife Service has been developing avian wildlife habitat. The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services has scientific literature is describing the benefits of protection plans with utility companies to address 20,000 cat-related injuries and mortalities affect- projects in the future. wildlife underpasses and overpasses. Wildlife bar- created a guide to avoiding disturbing birds during nesting season. electrocution and collision risks presented by ing more than 100 local wildlife species over the riers prevent wildlife from accessing the road and Audubon Society of Portland staffs an urban wildlife resource office that In addition, the City of power lines. In 2007, PGE instituted a new avian past 20 years. These numbers reflect only a small direct them to underpasses or overpasses. Wilsonville installed protection plan in the Portland metropolitan portion of the overall loss of wildlife by cats in the assists nearly 15,000 callers annually with strategies to promote urban 22 28 multiple culverts and a region for some of its highest risk power lines. Portland-Vancouver area. Cat overpopulation wildlife and solutions to resolve backyard wildlife conflicts. creates a challenge for wildlife advocates and cat bridge to allow mam- Neighborhoods in North Portland have worked together to implement lovers alike. mals and amphibians public education programs to reduce problems caused by coyotes that have Suggested Approach to safely cross beneath lost their fear of humans because of intentional and unintentional feeding n Promote strategies and solutions that are good the Boeckman Road for both cats and wildlife. In many parts of the by humans. Extension, which crosses country, cat predation issues have led to signifi- More than 200 people signed up to learn about backyard stewardship cant tensions between cat advocates and wildlife a local wetland. More through the Columbia Land Trust/Audubon Backyard Habitat Certification advocates. However, in the Portland-Vancouver Program even before the program officially began. strategies need to be metropolitan region, cat advocates and wildlife tested and studied so we advocates have been able to successfully work together to promote strategies and solutions that can continue to improve are good for both cats and wildlife.29 The Audu- at facilitating wildlife bon Society of Portland, Feral Cat Coalition, and movement across the American Bird Conservancy offer information and resources on this issue.30 landscape.

25 http://www.fws.gov/birds/uctmbga/bird-hazards.html 26 http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24309 20 http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/communicationtowers.html 27 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pXrYbWKn7aIoWIIpzL6aLA_3d_3d 21 http://www.aplic.org 28 Audubon Society of Portland 2009 UERC Symposium 22 http://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/shared/environment/pge/stewardship/avianprotectionplan.pdf 29 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLEQP7tQWzA 23 http://www.wildlifeandroads.org/ 30 http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/index.html and http://audubonportland.org/backyardwildlife/brochures/ 24 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/news/2010/2010_february.asp cats/catsindoors 74 75 regional conservation strategy Chapter 6 Conservation in Natural Areas, Working Lands, and Developed Areas

conflicts, the region’s n Consider new regulations and increase n Increased floor area ration (FAR) in exchange population has a strong enforcement resources to help address intentional for larger natural buffers between development appreciation for wild- behaviors that harm wildlife, such as feeding and natural resource areas or for the creation of life and demonstrates certain species and abandoning domestic animals community greenspaces on private property in parks. a willingness to change n Tax incentives for permanent protection of behavior patterns to n Conduct additional research on the challenges natural resource values on residential proper- benefit wildlife when faced by different wildlife populations on the built ties in high-priority wildlife corridors or where provided with reliable landscape. residences abut natural areas information (see sidebar on page 74). Strategy:Provide a mix of regulatory Strategy: Encourage low-impact development The message is that and incentive-based programs to promote As the human population of the region grows, it protecting and restor- implementation of conservation practices on will become increasingly important that cities and ing wildlife popula- developed lands and in development projects towns develop in ways that do not further impair tions on the built Regulatory protection will remain a critical com- regional biodiversity. In some cases, lessening the landscape requires ponent of ensuring adequate protection for urban impact of development on natural systems may active management wildlife populations. As new science emerges it require variances or outright changes in build- at both the backyard will be critical that municipalities update tradi- ing codes. Systems for assessing the sustainability and regional scales. tional regulatory programs such as environmental of individual structures, sites, or developments With wildlife resource zoning, including setbacks and buffers, stormwa- include Earth Advantage, LEED (Leadership in Strategy:Promote stewardship of wildlife on agencies focusing on larger wildlife management ter ordinances, and tree protection ordinances. It Energy and Environmental Design), and the urban landscapes and reduce human-wildlife units, resources for active wildlife management may also be useful to consider new areas of regu- Living Building Challenge. conflicts on urban landscapes are extremely limited. lation, such as regulations to reduce destructive As the human population of the greater Portland- However, the bulk of human-wildlife conflicts feeding of wildlife and encourage wildlife-friend- Vancouver region has grown, so too has the occur on urban landscapes, where people and ly building design. At the same time, the region level of conflict between people and wildlife. The wildlife live close together. As the human and should be looking to expand incentive-based pro- Low-impact Development in Clark County grams to promote wildlife-friendly development Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife cur- wildlife populations both grow on the built To promote the use of low-impact development techniques, Clark County rently provides permits for more than 30 wildlife landscape, it will be critical that we proactively and stewardship on the built landscape. Examples and the City of Vancouver partnered on a review of existing building codes control services in the Portland metropolitan area reach out to urban communities to promote include the following: to identify barriers to use of low-impact development techniques on new that specialize in the relocation or lethal removal wildlife stewardship, expand resources devoted to n The City of Portland’s ecoroof program, which of nuisance wildlife—up from just one 20 years promoting stewardship, and offer both regulatory provides up to $5 per square foot for installation land development and redevelopment projects. Completed in 2009, the ago. The Washington Department of Fish and and non-regulatory strategies to reduce human- of ecoroofs review resulted in a pilot program for sustainable development projects. The Wildlife has also reported an increase in nuisance wildlife conflicts. Possible approaches include the goal of the program is to encourage development of buildings and com- control wildlife operations in recent years. Each following: munities that incorporate benchmarks of the Living Building Challenge by year, Audubon Society of Portland handles more n Develop regional and local incentives and cer- allowing departures from code requirements that might otherwise discour- than 15,000 wildlife-related phone calls, many of tification programs to engage the public in stew- them related to human-wildlife conflicts. People ardship of wildlife populations; such programs age or prevent such buildings from being constructed. The Living Building and property are put at risk by wildlife that, have the added benefit of serving as metrics to Challenge is a performance-based rating system that recognizes develop- because of well-intentioned but misguided feed- measure progress in achieving conservation ments that achieve a high level of sustainability. The challenge includes 20 ing, has lost its instinctual fear of humans. Urban goals, especially on private property. imperatives relating to site development, water and energy consumption, parks are overrun with escaped and intentionally n Coordinate existing educational opportunities health, materials, equity, and beauty. A building is certified as a “Living released domestic ducks, geese, peacocks, rabbits, and resources to ensure that all populations have and cats that compete directly with native wildlife access to resources and are reached effectively. Building” if it meets all program imperatives after 12 months of continued for limited habitat and in some cases prey directly n Develop and implement species-specific man- operation and full occupancy. on native species. In the face of dwindling habitat, agement plans for at-risk species on the urban animals such as raccoons find shelter in urban landscape. chimneys and crawl spaces. In spite of these

76 77 regional conservation strategy

Suggested Reading Willamette River Basin Planning Atlas: Trajectories of Environmental and Ecological Change Pacific Northwest Ecosystem Research Consortium, 2002

“Are We Conserving What We Say We Are? Measuring Ecological Integrity Within Protected Areas” J.D. Parrish et al. in BioScience, 2003

“Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation” M. McKinney in BioScience, 2002

“Natural Imperative for Conservation” P.L. Angermeier in Conservation Biology, 2000

“Biodiversity Conservation at Multiple Scales: Functional Sites, Landscapes, and Networks.” K.A. Poiani et al. in BioScience, 2000

Agriculture Preservation Strategies Report, Clark County

chapter 6 Summary Lands within the greater Portland-Vancouver region fall into three general categories: natural areas, working lands, and developed areas. Each has a role to play in protecting and restoring the region’s biodiversity. Natural areas provide habitat for those species that are most sensitive to human disturbance and whose habitat requirements are the most restrictive.

Working lands support many native species, provide important ecosystem services, and create a mutually beneficial connection between conservation and the agricultural and forestry sectors. When developed areas are properly designed and managed, they increase the urban landscape’s permeability for wildlife, enhance the ecological function of neighboring natural areas and biodiversity corridors, provide important nesting and resting opportunities for wildlife, and engage the public in wildlife stewardship.

All categories of land face a host of threats, many of them related to the way we design and build our communities and the limited public understanding of the wildlife that surrounds us. Recommended strategies are tailored to each general land type and range from acquisition of existing well-functioning habitats to support of the local farm economy. Common strategies across land categories include protecting existing resources, gathering appropriate scientific information, and engaging the public in conservation efforts. Conservation benefits will not be achieved without active, deliberate implementation of multiple strategies.

78 Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors

Biodiversity Corridors Chapter7

iodiversity corridors1 are key landscape Why Do Biodiversity Connectivity for Belements that serve to provide and increase Corridors Matter? biodiversity occurs at connectivity between habitat patches, with con- many scales. At the nectivity being the degree to which a landscape Biodiversity corridors allow species to traverse largest scale our region facilitates the movement of organisms within habitat that is not necessarily suitable for perma- and among habitat patches and the surrounding nent residency. Species often rely on biodiversity is an important stop- landscape matrix. Corridors can exist at a variety corridors to disperse from the area where they over on the Pacific were born, escape predation, locate better habitat, of scales, extending across a single parcel of land, Flyway hosting hun- allowing movement between areas within the find a mate, or access habitat they need at a spe- dreds of thousands of region, or connecting the region with habitats in cific life history stage. Without the connectivity surrounding landscapes, such as the Coast and provided by corridors, many species cannot per- birds twice year as they Cascade ranges. form their essential life functions and thus even- move between winter- Biodiversity corridors often follow streams but tually become extirpated (i.e., locally extinct). ing and breeding areas. In fact, the longer a habitat patch is isolated, the may also consist of upland connections such as More locally riparian greenways, wooded streets, well-vegetated neigh- fewer wildlife species it contains. corridors along the borhoods, field margins, hedgerows, and similar Over time, losing habitat, forest structural features across the landscape. Corridors are not diversity, and large wood in streams reduces region’s rivers provide necessarily continuous and are best defined by connectivity, thus altering wildlife populations important movement functionality. For example, a traversable matrix or and contributing to extirpations of native species; corridors for wildlife. a well-placed linear sequence of “stepping stones” these types of losses are common in urban areas. may provide effective connectivity for some Preserving, enhancing, or restoring biodiversity highly mobile species, such as birds or deer. corridors helps maintain genetic diversity, allows extirpated species to recolonize, and increases the

1 Biodiversity corridors are also known as wildlife corridors. The term “biodiversity corridors” is used in this document to acknowledge the importance of plant species—as well as wildlife—in healthy ecosystems.

79 regional conservation strategy Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors

likelihood that native likely to find and access the corridor; addition- More specific corridor needs for different corridor needs, and reptiles and amphibians have species will persist. ally, if something disrupts one corridor, another classes of animals are described below. the most difficulty finding connectivity between Without explicit yet is available. Surrounding matrix features (e.g., habitats. broad-scale planning, urban or rural) also influence corridor value. Corridor Needs of Fish Because few corridor studies are long-term, connectivity tends to The scientific literature shows a remarkable The greater Portland-Vancouver region provides multi-season, conducted in urban or agricultural be haphazard, acciden- range of recommended corridor widths, rang- habitat for dozens of species of native fish, includ- areas, or conducted in the greater Portland- tal, or absent. ing from a few meters to thousands of meters, ing at least four anadromous salmon species (i.e., Vancouver region, recommended corridor widths Our understand- depending on species or guild. Several studies Chinook, coho, chum, and sockeye salmon) and must be taken in context. For many species, ing of the importance and syntheses suggest that corridors should be at steelhead (all members of the scientific genus corridors link different habitat types (such as of biodiversity corri- least 100 meters wide to provide for most wildlife Oncorhynchus). Salmon and steelhead depend aquatic and terrestrial) that are important to the dors and connectivity movement and habitat functions. Wider corridors on stream corridors with cool temperatures, specie’s life history requirements. This highlights comes from the field of can increase animals’ movement between patches adequate dissolved oxygen, invertebrate prey, the importance of understanding the seasonal life study known as “meta- and accommodate larger animals and more and complex physical habitat that includes pools, history requirements of species of conservation population theory.” A species. The key goal is to provide connectivity riffles, gravel beds, and off-channel habitats. Large interest. For example, species that prefer large metapopulation is a between populations and prevent reproductive wood is the preferred cover, and its loss in urban areas are unlikely to breed within most corri- group of populations isolation. streams has been a factor in the degradation of dors, but they often use corridors for dispersal or within a landscape Design of biodiversity corridors should take fish habitat. migration. For some that are connected by into consideration the needs of those species that In 2006, the Oregon Department of Environ- edge-dwelling species, migrating or dispersing are the target of conservation efforts. Selecting mental Quality issued a total maximum daily short corridors may not individuals. Interac- focal species for each habitat area and planning load (TMDL) for the Willamette River, citing provide sufficient home tions between popu- for the species that have the most rigorous cor- water temperature as a key, overarching pollution range sizes but will lations can increase ridor requirements can accommodate the needs problem. Remedies include planting vegetation to facilitate movement genetic interchange of a variety of species. For example, elk may reduce erosion and keep water cool, reducing pol- between patches; for and animal health, reduce the risk of local extir- require wider corridors than salamanders, but lutants that enter waterways, improving fish pas- these species, increas- pations or extinction, and mitigate some of the salamanders may be more easily isolated because sage, and reducing erosion and sediment inputs ing shrub cover (a adverse effects of small habitat patch size. of discrete barriers and the need to be near water. to streams. Fish passage improvement projects characteristic com- Addressing elk needs would accommodate most can offer excellent and sometimes inexpensive ponent of forest edge Characteristics of Effective species’ required widths, whereas removing bar- ways to improve connectivity for other wildlife. habitats) may be of Corridors riers or installing crossings for amphibians would For example, installing a shelf or boulders in a particular benefit. For allow passage for water-dependent species, small culvert can allow small animals to pass during species that are highly The quality of habitat in a patch, its connectivity mammals, reptiles, and other species. . high water. In addition, replacing culverts with susceptible to human to nearby patches, the type and amount of vegeta- In general, research on the ecology of connec- properly designed bridges can not only remedy disturbance, corridors tive cover in the region, and connectivity to areas tivity suggests that corridors should be as short fish passage problems but fix barriers to wildlife should be wider, limit farther away all influence the effectiveness of a and straight as possible. Animals need to be able movement. or exclude trails, and be biodiversity corridor. An effective corridor is one to find the corridor, and it is best to have more placed away from busy that “costs” the animal the least in terms of effort than one corridor option. Wider corridors are Corridor Needs of Terrestrial Wildlife Species roadways as much as and risk. The most functional corridors are not better, but narrow corridors still provide function. Connectivity research varies widely by geograph- possible. Some species overly long relative to species’ movement abilities; Different species have different requirements, and ic area and species, but it is clear that narrow of conservation inter- in addition, they have few gaps and blockages, are habitat quality can be the determining factor in corridors, hedgerows, field margins, fencerows, est, such as butterflies of good habitat quality, and are sufficiently wide corridor functionality. The nature of the area and street trees can improve connectivity for and bluebirds, depend to meet species’ needs. Animals need to be able surrounding a habitat patch matters: matrix some songbirds, small mammals, and other spe- on open habitat and to find the corridor, and this can be difficult for conditions are generally more important for cies during various life cycle stages. However, may require corridors small and slow-moving animals, such as amphib- amphibians and less so for birds. many of the region’s species are likely to require of such habitat embed- ians. Having several corridors is more effective wider movement corridors. In general, birds are ded within a forested than a single option because more animals are the most mobile and can travel along many types matrix. of corridors, mammals have a diverse range of

80 81 regional conservation strategy Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors

In general, research sources or sinks. These studies document the which connects two wetlands used by painted cover are very important to this sensitive group, suggests that large importance of small wetlands to the region’s con- turtles. Conserving, restoring, and creating wet- providing roost sites and insect prey. Bats often habitat patches, nectivity and biodiversity; small wetlands often lands and important nearby upland habitat will roost in artificial structures. Bat-friendly habitats connectivity, and are overlooked both in conservation planning benefit turtles and many other species. Careful can be provided in both new and existing bridges woody debris signifi- and regulation. Designing stormwater facilities placement of woody debris, rocky substrate, and and other structures at little or no extra cost. cantly improve habitat with a focus on ensuring that amphibians have native plants can significantly enhance connectiv- Within identified corridors or where road conditions for many access to healthy water quality and the habitat ity for many reptile species. kill is an identified issue, removing barriers and

terrestrial wildlife spe- features they need can benefit native amphibian birds installing appropriate wildlife crossings can help cies. For homeowners, populations even further. Birds travel extensively along riparian corridors maintain mammal diversity in the region. leaving the property Amphibians require moisture and have limited but can also use stepping stone patches such somewhat “messy,” mobility; thus, they depend on stream corridors as buttes, backyards, hedgerows, field margins, Corridor Needs of Plants with leaves, woody and wetlands (natural or created) being close to and street trees to move and migrate. Species Biodiversity corridors can increase plant species debris, and snags, can one another. Passage between habitats can be that prefer large areas sometimes require wider richness at large scales. A six-year, multifac- improve onsite wildlife enhanced with appropriate wildlife under-cross- movement corridors, while habitat specialists eted study in South Carolina tested the effects habitat. ings and by augmenting cover. Examples include sometimes require specific vegetation structure of habitat patch isolation and corridors. In one Amphibians planting native cover, such as sword ferns and low or composition to move well between patches. experiment, habitat Of all the classes of herbaceous shrubs, and placing arrays of large For example, white-breasted nuthatches move patches connected animals, amphibians wood between key areas. between patches most effectively where corridors by corridors retained may be the most vulnerable to extinction because reptiles include an oak component. Some species, includ- more native plant spe- of habitat isolation and climate change. Amphib- Reptiles may require upland habitat, riparian ing many migratory songbirds, breed in larger cies than did isolated ians have relatively small home ranges and cannot habitat, or both. Woody debris and rocks provide habitat areas but may move through interspersed patches. This difference travel as freely as other animals. Habitat structure important habitat and connectivity for many backyard habitat, street trees, and narrow riparian increased over time, within corridors is particularly important for this species. Some reptiles fulfill complex life his- corridors. However, many birds seem reluctant and the corridors did group. To complete their life cycle, most of the tory needs through the structural and functional to cross gaps wider than 50 meters. Increasing not promote invasion region’s amphibians require aquatic habitat, ter- diversity provided by riparian forests. Other spe- the amount of habitat distributed throughout by exotic species. Other restrial habitat close to water, and ample woody cies, such as some lizards and snakes, spend most the landscape and strategically addressing gaps findings demonstrated debris. It may be difficult or impossible for these of their lives in uplands, relying on upland cliffs within the matrix can help these species’ move- that corridors facilitate species to navigate an urban matrix without func- and rocky outcrops to gather heat during cool ment. pollination in fragmented landscapes by tional corridors. periods and using crevices and woody debris for mammals increasing the move- Many amphibians rely on riparian connectivity cover during high temperatures. Many mammal species require complex habitat ment of key pollinators, and small, stepping stone wetlands between larger Western pond turtles and painted turtles are structure, good connectivity, access to water, including butterflies, habitat areas to move and disperse. Stormwater particularly susceptible to habitat isolation. These and—particularly for small mammals—woody bees, and wasps. This detention facilities are emerging as a key factor species have relatively low reproductive rates, debris. Large mammals such as elk and cougar can promote reproduc- in the region’s wetland connectivity; they may require slow-moving water, and need upland have large home ranges and tend to require wide tive success and genetic provide regular feeding and breeding habitat for habitat for breeding and overwintering. Because corridors, whereas some small mammals can exchange between plant a variety of native amphibians. A Portland study females travel upland for nesting and move travel along hedgerows. Mobile species with large populations in differ- of 59 wetlands found no difference in amphibian slowly, roads present a major barrier and mortal- home ranges may not use available habitat if ent habitat patches. presence between natural and created wetlands. ity issue; the possible higher mortality rate for they are behaviorally sensitive to human activ- On the other hand, a In Gresham, more than half of sites that had females because they cross roadways to nest may ity or built features. For example, elk and mule study in the same area native amphibians were stormwater ponds and lead to skewed sex ratios within the population. deer may exhibit a road avoidance zone of up to indicated that corridors swales. In Clark County, a citizen science-based The occurrence of reptile species tends to be several hundred feet, depending on the level of may alter the predation survey of 53 sites in 2008 and 2009 found similar patchy, and they are susceptible to local extirpa- road use by cars. rates of different spe- results, although it is not clear whether detention. Providing safe connectivity between impor- Bats need snags, crevices, and open water and cies’ seeds, apparently tion ponds with seasonal hydrology function as tant habitat areas, such as by including appropri- tend to move and forage along riparian corridors, by facilitating move- ate crossings, can be beneficial. One example is including intermittent streams. Tree and shrub the Port of Portland’s Rivergate undercrossing, ment of and predation 82 83 regional conservation strategy Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors

The effectiveness of biodiversity corridors can Strategic Actions be reduced by human trails, roads and bridges, Tools to improve connectivity include conserva- and invasive vegetation. Human trails some- tion/protection, restoration, and invasive species times run along the same narrow riparian areas control. These are described in more detail in the as biodiversity corridors, roads and bridges can “Conservation in Natural Areas” section of Chap- increase mortality and prevent wildlife passage, ter 6. Strategies that may be particularly useful in and invasive vegetation reduces habitat quality developing and maintaining biodiversity corri- and requires expensive intervention and manage- dors in the region are summarized below. ment. Ironically, corridors themselves have the

potential to be problematic for wildlife. For exam- Strategy:Protect and acquire biodiversity corridors ple, narrow corridors can present threats in the and core habitats by seed predators such as rodents. Species with tant habitat areas, the existing corridors between form of predation, degraded habitat conditions, Natural area acquisition programs such as those wind-dispersed seeds appeared to be unaffected them, and corridors linking them to habitat areas invasive plant and animal species, competition currently funded through regional and local by corridors. All of these effects may be reduced outside the Portland-Vancouver area. The group from native generalist species, road noise, and bond measures and land conservation efforts by in longer corridors. also mapped some rare habitat types, such as oak human-associated disturbance. In some cases, nongovernmental organizations provide the most Because of edge effects, narrow corridors savanna, bottomland forest, wetlands, and native re-creating connectivity introduces unintended reliable means of conserving core habitats and the typically include a higher proportion of invasive prairie remnants and provided information about species (such as elk or bears in urban areas) and corridors between habitats. Open space acquisi- plants than do wide corridors. However, research known barriers and the locations of sensitive can increase the rate of disease transmission. In tion needs to be followed by long-term restora- showing that corridors increase the spread of species.4 The mapping revealed that some existing addition, corridors can create population sinks tion and maintenance. invasive species is lacking, possibly because inva- corridors are narrow or interrupted by roads, veg- by directing individuals to lower quality habitat sive species are excellent colonizers with or with- etation gaps, or other significant barriers. A few where a species’ reproductive output is decreased Strategy:Incorporate semi-natural features out corridors. The available research suggests that habitat patches are completely isolated. In many and may become insufficient to maintain the throughout the landscape the effects of corridors are much more beneficial cases, information about habitat conditions and population. Recent studies reveal opportunities to improve to native plants than they are harmful. As with species use is unavailable. Despite some concerns about potentially nega- habitat quality outside of core habitats by incor- wildlife, biodiversity corridors will be important tive aspects of corridors as a means to increasing porating semi-natural features such as vegetated for plants’ adaptation to climate change, particu- Threats and Challenges connectivity, the literature to date suggests that riparian areas, stormwater treatment facilities, larly for species whose seeds are dispersed by Continued population growth and associated the benefits of a connected landscape typically green roofs, street trees, and edible gardens wildlife and who may need to shift their range. urbanization and transportation infrastruc- outweigh the potential negative aspects of cor- ture are the greatest obstacles in creating and ridors. This is especially true in urban envi- A Vision for Biodiversity Corridors maintaining a functioning regional network ronments where the matrix may be too harsh The desired future condition is a highly perme- of biodiversity corridors. By 2030, the greater for many species to navigate. Finally, many of 3 able landscape matrix that contains viable habitat Portland-Vancouver region is expected to be the potential disadvantages of corridors can be patches connected by a regional network of effec- home to about 1 million more people than in avoided or mitigated by creating wider corridors. tive biodiversity corridors. Success means retain- 2009.5 Connectivity can be difficult to maintain or ing or improving the region’s biological diversity. impossible to regain after urbanization. Trans- The current condition is not in the desired portation planning in particular poses significant state, as demonstrated through a mapping effort challenges to maintaining biodiversity corridors by a group of conservation practitioners in sup- in that both regional and local transportation port of the Regional Conservation Strategy. About plans call for high levels of street connectivity, 100 people with local environmental expertise which in turn fragments stream corridors and from 30 different organizations in Oregon and natural landscapes. Washington convened to map potentially impor-

3 A permeable landscape allows wildlife to move freely throughout their home ranges throughout the year. 4 Although not all of the collected data appear on the final Regional Conservation Strategy maps, the information may be useful at finer spatial scales, where more detailed connectivity strategies are needed. 5 Executive Summary: 20 and 50 Year Regional Population and Employment Forecasts (Metro Regional Government, 2009). 6 “Do Habitat Corridors Provide Connectivity?” (Beier and Noss in Conservation Biology, 1998). 6 “Do Habitat Corridors Provide Connectivity?” (Beier and Noss in Conservation Biology, 1998). 84 85 regional conservation strategy Chapter 7 Biodiversity Corridors

throughout the urban landscape. Such features and other insects need open habitat such as farm review,7 which provides background information landscape. Transportation and trail improvement function as narrow or resource-limited corridors. fields and meadows to live and move. Power line and a step-by-step process for creating a detailed projects can provide opportunities to improve Residential yards also can constitute a significant corridors offer potential solutions to these biodiversity corridor plan. connectivity through wildlife crossings. percentage of the “green” in urban areas. The species’ connectivity needs. Coordinating transportation planning with

Backyard Habitat Certification Program, which is biodiversity corridor planning offers opportu- Strategy:Raise awareness and build relationships a partnership between Portland Audubon Society Strategy:Consider connectivity in urban and nities to minimize or avoid potential negative Other key conservation tools that can improve and the Columbia Land Trust, provides excellent transportation planning impacts of transportation infrastructure on bio- connectivity include conservation easements, opportunities to increase habitat and connectiv- New urban area planning that explicitly identifies diversity corridors. Natural resource specialists transfers of development rights, stewardship ity and soften the edge effects around habitat and either protects or enhances core habitats and should be involved in all transportation planning and recognition programs such as the Back- patches. Many other organizations, such as soil movement corridors can help conserve biodi- at the local and regional level. yard Habitat Certification program, grants and and water conservation districts, nonprofit orga- versity. Providing a variety of types and arrange- incentives for specific activities in targeted areas, nizations, and various cities and counties in the ments of open space in new developments will Strategy:Physically remove barriers and outreach. Outreach can consist of technical region continue to work hard to restore habitat meet the needs of many species. Connectivity Removing barriers or creating a wildlife cross- assistance, targeted messaging, signage (“You are and connectivity. should be considered early in planning processes, ing often is appropriate when planning for new passing through an important biodiversity cor- and important areas should be set aside from development or modifying a transportation ridor”), working with local schools and universi- Strategy:Conserve open habitat development at the outset. It is much cheaper structure, such as a bridge or road. In such cases ties, habitat improvement workshops, and other Most biodiversity corridor studies focus on forest and more effective and efficient to keep natu- it is useful to consider whether there is a history educational activities. and woody vegetation or aquatic connectivity. ral areas and corridors intact and protect them of wildlife-vehicle collisions or other wildlife

Indeed, many species require these types of corri- before they are lost than to try to bring them back mortality near the site, and whether the crossing Strategy:Collect, share, and use additional dors, and they are relatively easy to identify when and create a functional network of habitats after would be located within a biodiversity corridor or information connecting discrete habitat patches. However, development has occurred. One resource to guide important habitat area. Retroactive crossings are The mapping effort described in detail in Appen- in the greater Portland-Vancouver region, it is corridor planning and implementation is Metro’s sometimes needed, such as where deer or migrat- dix A of the Biodiversity Guide is a first major important to consider that some birds, butterflies, Wildlife Corridors and Permeability literature ing amphibians are being killed. Metro’s Wildlife step in achieving a truly functional regional 8 Crossings literature review provides informa- biodiversity corridor system, but more information on wildlife passage, funding, and crossing tion is needed. In the near term, key activities structure options. Wildlife movement should be include gathering more information about spe- considered wherever projects are occurring to Especially in highly cies’ habitat use, identifying focal species, and restore fish passage. identifying existing or possible future corridors developed urban or that are viable for these species. Field studies can agricultural areas, Strategy:Combine objectives identify barriers, gaps, and appropriate methods vegetation along Significant opportunities exist to combine mul- to deal eliminate them. In the long term, research streams (riparian habi- tiple objectives to achieve wildlife connectivity. to determine actual corridor efficacy will be tat) often provides the For example, culvert or bridge replacements or important in guiding an adaptive management retrofits can be planned to allow both fish and approach. Engaging local universities can help only significant wildlife passage; in fact, some federally funded accomplish these steps. Engaging the public, remaining natural projects now are required to consider wildlife in sharing lessons learned, and applying the best habitat and may new or retrofitted projects. Trail construction or available information will be critical to success. provide an important improvements, which often are tied to transportation funding sources, can offer similar opportu- connectivity function. nities. Where and how roads and trails are built can have a profound impact—positive or negative—on the ability of wildlife to move across a

7 Wildlife Corridors and Permeability: A Literature Review (Hennings and Soll, 2010). 8 Wildlife Crossings: Providing Safe Passage for Urban Wildlife (Metro Regional Government, 2009).

86 87 regional conservation strategy

Suggested Reading Wildlife Corridors and Permeability: chapter 7 Summary A Literature Review Biodiversity corridors provide connectivity within and between land- L. Hennings and J. Soll, 2010 scapes, so that species can cross less suitable habitats to carry out Wildlife Crossings: Providing Safe Passage for Urban Wildlife essential life functions such as dispersing, finding a mate, or overwin- Metro Regional Government, 2009 tering. The physical movement and genetic mixing that biodiversity “Corridor Concerns” corridors allow are crucial in maintaining regional biodiversity. With- Conservation Corridor website: http://www.con- out such connectivity, many species would be reproductively isolated servationcorridor.org/corridor-concerns/ within small habitat patches and would eventually become extirpated “Corridors Increase Plant Species Richness at Large Scales” (i.e., locally extinct). In the greater Portland-Vancouver region, urban E.I. Damschen, N.M. Haddad, J.L. Orrock, J.J. development and roadways are major causes of habitat fragmenta- Tewksbury, and D.J. Levey in Science, 2006 tion, and amphibians and native turtles are examples of wildlife that “An Experimental Test of Whether Habitat is particularly vulnerable to the risks of habitat isolation. Corridors Affect Pollen Transfer” P.A. Townsend and D.J. Levey in Ecology, 2005 Biodiversity corridors are not necessarily continuous. For highly mobile wildlife such as birds and deer, a well-placed linear sequence of “stepping stone” habitats may provide effective connectivity. For other species, bridges, roads, or waterways may need to be modified to remove barriers or create opportunities for wildlife to cross.

Different species have different requirements, but in general corridors should be as short and straight as possible. Animals need to be able to find the corridor, so it is best to have more than one corridor option. And although wider corridors are better, narrow corridors still provide function.

Especially as the human population in the region grows, biodiversity corridors need to be deliberately planned if we are to maintain connectivity for a range of native plant and animal species. Other strategies for enhancing connectivity include collecting more information about particular species’ habitat use and the locations of existing and future corridors, acquiring and conserving biodiversity corridors and anchor habitats, and raising the ecological value of developed and working lands by incorporating semi-natural features (vegetated riparian areas, backyard habitat areas, stormwater treatment facilities, ecoroofs, etc.) throughout the landscape.

88 Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure

Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure Chapter8

he integrated network of parks, trails, and What Are Ecosystem Services? Green infrastructure Tnatural areas that constitutes The Intertwine such as this bioswale is the product of and dependent on healthy Ecosystem services are the benefits that nature at Headwaters at Fanno ecosystems. Interdependent natural systems and provides to people. Healthy ecosystems provide Creek both remove processes provide the energy, food, and struc- “provisioning” services in the form of food, tures that make life possible and provide essential timber, and water, and regulating services such as pollutants from storm- carbon and water storage in forests, wetlands, and services and products for the region’s economic water and in many floodplains. Open spaces provide cultural services and social prosperity and well-being. The quality cases allow water that of our air and water, the fertility of our land, the such as places to play and relax. And complete would otherwise flow production of our gardens and farms, the value of ecosystems support pollination, biodiversity, our homes and businesses, the very quality of life nutrient cycling, water purification or filtering, into pipes recharge in our neighborhoods—all are made possible by and the other fundamental building blocks of life; groundwater. Infiltrat- these are considered supporting services. healthy ecosystems and the services they provide. ing stormwater with The term “ecosystem services” came into The future prosperity and resilience of the green infrastructure Portland-Vancouver region as a place to live, public use with the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem saves money, provides work and play will be determined by our abil- Assessment (www.maweb.org), a set of United ity to integrate our built environments with the Nations reports on the status of the world’s public greenspaces, and natural fabric of The Intertwine. This critical ecosystems. The Millennium Ecosystem Assess- creates aesthetically ment documented the intrinsic links between work begins by recognizing the fundamental roles pleasing streetscapes. that ecosystems play in our lives and developing the health of communities and economies and ways to employ the services of healthy ecosystems the benefits of healthy ecosystems, including to advance our economic and social well-being. clean air, clean water, and natural places to play. Already, some local municipalities and utilities The assessment brought together the ecological are discovering that investing in ecosystem ser- and the economic, merging the two disciplines vices and greening their infrastructure can pay off in ways that have profound implications for our financially while also helping to achieve ecologi- future—for business owners and farmers, urban cal and community goals. and rural residents alike. 89 regional conservation strategy Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure

Table 8-1 Green Infrastructure Benefits What Is Green Infrastructure? site scale, green infrastructure mimics natu- remind us that a healthy airshed helps businesses ral systems by absorbing stormwater back attract and keep new employees. Summer water Type Benefit Green infrastructure also is a relatively new term into the ground (infiltration), using trees shortages remind us of the value of the snow pack Environmental n Increase carbon sequestration in the lexicon of sustainability and resilience. The and other natural vegetation to convert it in the Cascades and Coast ranges, in terms of n Improve air quality Conservation Fund defines green infrastructure to water vapor (evapotranspiration) and water flowing from our kitchen faucets and gar- n Efficient land use as “strategically planned and managed networks using rain barrels or cisterns to capture den hoses. The costs associated with long week- n Flood protection of natural lands, working landscapes, and other stormwater for reuse. These natural pro- end drives to distant wilderness remind us of the n Drinking water source protection open spaces that conserve ecosystem values and cesses manage stormwater runoff in a way value of preserving unique open spaces, parks, n Replenish groundwater functions and provide associated benefits to that maintains or restores the site’s natural and sensitive natural areas in our own neighbor- n Protect or restore wildlife habitat human populations.”1 The U.S. Environmental hydrology. Site-level green infrastructure hoods. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “When n Reduce sewer overflow events Protection Agency describes green infrastructure is also referred to as low-impact develop- the well is dry, we shall know the value of water.” n Restore impaired waters at three different scales: ment or LID, and can include rain gardens, Valuing ecosystem services begins with an n Meet regulatory requirements for receiving waters

porous pavements, green roofs, infiltration unavoidable recognition that our economic and n Mitigate urban heat island effects At the larger regional or watershed scale, planters, trees and tree boxes and rainwater social well-being depends on the health and Wetlands are vital green infrastructure is the interconnected Economic n Reduce hard infrastructure construction costs harvesting for non-potable uses such as stability of the ecosystems that support life on to the health of our network of preserved or restored natural n Maintain aging infrastructure toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.2 this planet. Once we recognize that ecosystems lands and waters that provide essential n Increase land values environment in so many produce life-giving services and products, we can environmental functions. Large-scale green n Encourage economic development ways. Like kidneys, In our metropolitan region, green infrastructure begin to see the ecosystem-based transactions infrastructure may include habitat cor- n Reduce energy consumption and costs encompasses The Intertwine itself and the emerg- that we participate in every day, through ordinary they absorb, filter and ridors and water resource protection. At n Increase life cycle cost savings ing inventory of trees, open spaces, reclaimed activities. We begin to recognize the costs and recirculate our water. In the community and neighborhood scale, n Improve public health urban land, rain gardens, ecoroofs, and other values reflected in each transaction and to expand green infrastructure incorporates planning n Create more competitive location for businesses to attract addition, they provide vegetated facilities that mimic natural functions our finance and accounting systems to incorpo- and design approaches such as compact, and keep employees critical fish and wildlife and provide multiple ecosystem services. rate the natural assets on which our society and mixed-use development, parking reduc- Social n Establish urban greenways habitat to so many of The concept of green infrastructure reflects economy depend. Our economy already does this tion strategies and urban forestry programs n Improve human health a paradigm shift in the relationship between by measuring direct ecosystem values and trans- the iconic species we that reduce impervious surfaces and create n Additional recreational space the built and natural landscapes—one in which action costs for ecosystem products such as water identify with Oregon. walkable, attractive communities. At the n Provide pedestrian and bicycle access “high-performance landscapes” integrate urban and timber. However, only now are we beginning n Create attractive streetscapes and rooftops that enhance infrastructure needs and ecological realities. As to contemplate new ways of accounting for and livability and urban green space described at www.greeninfrastructurewiki.com, valuing the most fundamental ecosystem services: n Educate the public about their role in stormwater management “a green infrastructure approach repositions those provided by standing trees, functioning n Mitigate urban heat island effects the role of nature in and around the city from wetlands, pollinating insects, and the healthy optional amenity and scenic backdrop to valued salmon spawning habitat of an urban stream. A purveyor of ecosystem services and platform for growing number of public and private actors are Municipal utilities are greening their infra- more compact, vibrant communities.” Table 8-1 expanding their view of local and regional eco- structure for practical financial reasons: green lists the many benefits of green infrastructure. nomics to include such natural assets. facilities help moderate future utility rate Faced with regulatory requirements, various increases while providing cost-effective ways of Why Invest in Ecosystem Services utilities are “greening” their stormwater infra- achieving multiple regulatory and community and Green Infrastructure? structure with facilities that are designed to make objectives. The financial challenges and moti- the most of infiltrating soils, trees, and plants that vations are very real, particularly during dif- The fundamental economics of scarcity are soak up, cleanse, and safely discharge stormwater ficult economic times. Municipal utilities face undeniable, driving prices for such basic ecosys- in ways that mimic the natural hydrologic cycle. real limits on their ability to raise rates without tem service products as water, energy, and fertile Green stormwater infrastructure provides cost- imposing costs on residents and employers. For land. In the metropolitan area, views of Mt. Hood effective solutions to stormwater runoff, while example, monthly residential stormwater utility providing other significant ecosystem services, user fees for nine municipal stormwater utilities 1 See http://www.greeninfrastructure.net/content/definition-green-infrastructure and www.greeninfrastructurewiki.com. such as shade that cools the air and carbon in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area 2 See http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/gi_case_studies_2010.pdf. sequestration that helps forestall climate change. increased from $6.32 to $8.72 between 2005 and

90 91 regional conservation strategy Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure

2010—an average of 6.6 percent per year.3 From Instead, it directed $6 million to $9 million to ($63 million) while effectively managing storm- Strategy: Incentivize the use of green Vancouver to Wilsonville, from Gresham to For- restore 35 miles of riparian forest and augment water, reducing the heat-island effect in urban infrastructure in the development of public and est Grove, municipal utilities are looking for ways summertime flows in the Tualatin. As a result, neighborhoods, and providing beautiful land- private infrastructure to do more with less, and they are discovering salmon benefit from the cool water and stream- scaping amenities. Green infrastructure also will Incentives could include fast-tracked permit the benefits of employing ecosystem approaches side forest, ratepayers are saving money, and the help protect Portland’s $1.4 billion investment in review for green infrastructure alternatives at city to achieve multiple ecological, economic, and tree planting efforts will sequester 227,000 metric system improvements that are intended to all but or state permit counters or commercial incen- community objectives. They have discovered the tons of carbon dioxide from the air over the next eliminate combined sewer overflows into the Wil- tives such as development bonuses that allow for direct connection between healthy ecosystems 100 years.4 lamette River and Columbia Slough. increases in density or height for buildings with and healthy local economies. They are build- an ecoroof. Household incentives, such as user- ing more resilient communities by linking The City of Albany Strategies for Scaling up fee discounts (e.g. Portland’s Clean River Rewards Intertwine’s ecosystem services to the needs of the Albany had the same temperature problem as Investment in Ecosystem Services program), also are important. built environment. Clean Water Services. The City opted to restore and Green Infrastructure Strategy: Incorporate ecosystem service Ecosystem services have become a central a large wetland and let it cool the water while at productivity into long-range planning and develop- focus for conservation investments made by the the same time providing important habitat for Municipalities within the greater Portland- ment decisions (urban and rural reserves, UGB Green infrastructure Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Metro, native fish and wildlife. This option has generated Vancouver region are breaking ground and mak- expansions, comprehensive plans, transportation from the streetscape, the City of Portland, and a growing list of non- significant savings for ratepayers. ing exciting advances in employing ecosystem system and corridor plans) to ecoroofs, and large profit organizations, businesses, and government services for the benefit of our community. The Ecosystem services often are not a central orga- agencies in the region. These investors are using City of Damascus examples above demonstrate real alternatives nizing feature of long-range planning decisions. natural areas are ecosystem services as a metric for the effective- As the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area’s with real benefits for ratepayers and residents. By working with nature, instead of against it, essential to the region’s ness of their investments—i.e., their return on newest city, Damascus has a chance to think Yet additional steps must be taken to build on this planners can reduce the cost of providing resi- ecological health and investment. For example, the U.S. Department differently about how it builds roads, wastewater progress of using ecosystem services in the built dents with essential services, such as stormwater maintaining biodiver- of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation treatment facilities, and other city infrastructure. environment to further improve the economic, filtration, floodwater storage, clean and abundant sity. From left to right: Service is considering a change in its performance The Damascus comprehensive plan identifies social, and environmental resilience of the region. drinking water, and carbon sequestration—all reporting from acres of farmland enrolled in areas that provide high levels of ecosystem ser- These types of projects need to become the norm, while improving the quality of life in our region. Stormwater curb conservation programs to miles of stream habitat vices, and the City is actively trying to integrate not the exception. The following policies and This approach currently is playing out in the City extension on NE restored, tons of carbon sequestered, and total decisions about stormwater and development practices will aid in scaling up investments in of Damascus. It is time to move beyond limiting Siskiyou, Portland; avoided cost in stormwater upgrades. to protect the ecosystem services provided by ecosystem services and making consideration our considerations of nature to farmland pres- ecoroofs at South natural areas. of green infrastructure a common practice. ervation, future development sites, and parks. Ecosystem Services Are Beginning Consideration of vital ecosystem services needs Waterfront, Portland; to Guide Investment Now Portland’s Grey to Green Initiative to be at the forefront of all land use decision- 2,000-acre Smith and With some of the highest utility rates in the making processes. Bybee Wetlands Municipalities and utilities already are using nation, the City of Portland was looking for Natural Area. ecosystem services to guide investment. cost-effective ways to deal with current and future sewer capacity issues in densely developed Clean Water Services combined sewer basins. The Tabor to the River In 2001, Clean Water Services was treating the Program is employing green infrastructure— wastewater from hundreds of thousands of hot trees, open space, rain gardens, and vegetated showers by Washington County residents, but stormwater facilities—to remove stormwater the treated water flowing from the utility’s sewer runoff from undersized sewer pipes in the outfall into the Tualatin River was too warm for Brooklyn Creek basin in southeast Portland. This salmon. The utility could have spent $150 million green infrastructure will help reduce the costs of on mechanical cooling at a wastewater treatment. traditional sewer improvements by 40 percent

3 Figures are unpublished data from the 2010 annual survey of the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services. 4 Analysis of Carbon Resources of Clean Water Service’s Riparian Re-Vegetation Program: Current and Future Carbon Sequestration Potential and Market Opportunities (Ecotrust, 2009, Hillsboro, OR: Clean Water Services).

92 93 regional conservation strategy

Strategy: Steer mitigation investments toward the services. To use these tools effectively, cities best opportunities to enhance and protect ecosystem may need templates, assistance in implementing services pilot efforts, and other support to transition to Millions of dollars are spent every year mitigat- practices focused more explicitly on ecosystem ing impacts to wetlands, streams, and other services.

significant natural areas. Mitigation needs to be Strategy: Support development of a statewide guided by the type of regional conservation pri- package of ecosystem service metrics and standard orities articulated in this Regional Conservation operating procedures that link federal, state, and local Strategy—i.e., investing in the places and actions environmental compliance with regional and state that are likely to generate the greatest natural wildlife strategies benefits. One option is to create an in-lieu mitiga- Because ecosystem services are provided at tion fund for The Intertwine to fund protection a landscape level, we need tools that can link and enhancement of ecosystem services. actions within the region to statewide strate- Strategy: Support cities in moving toward policies gies. Shared metrics for quantifying ecosystem of no net loss of ecosystem services services are important in tracking the effective- Cities have enormous capacity to protect ecosys- ness of investment. Streamlining implementation tem services—more so perhaps than do federal of federal, state, and local rules can provide more rules governing wetland loss, water quality, or certainty for businesses about how their opera- endangered species. Tools such as critical areas tions can best enhance ecosystem services. ordinances and design and construction standards can help protect and enhance ecosystem

chapter 8 Summary For decades society has placed direct economic value on ecosystem products such as timber and water, but only recent-

ly have we begun to develop methods to account for the services provided by intact natural systems and processes.

Maintaining functioning forests, wetlands, streams, and prairie helps to ensure continued pollination of food crops,

natural cleansing of the air and water, carbon sequestration, drinking water storage, flood attenuation, and other

services that are expensive or impossible to provide solely via engineered methods.

It is becoming increasingly clear that relying on natural assets can be a cost-effective way of doing business—one

that offers the added benefit of providing valuable habitat for fish and wildlife. Many municipalities and utilities in the

region already are protecting and restoring habitat, or building or maintaining so-called “green infrastructure,” mean-

ing trees, open spaces, reclaimed urban land, rain gardens, ecoroofs, and other vegetated facilities in the city that

mimic natural functions. The concept of ecosystem services also offers the possibility of new, more meaningful metrics

for use in measuring the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Together, direct inclusion of ecosystem services in the economy and continued investment in green infrastructure

have the potential to expand the amount of functioning wildlife habitat in the region’s densely populated areas while

at the same time providing essential services to its human residents.

94 Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

Equity, Education, and Research Chapter9

number of relatively new initiatives in the regional equity in metropolitan planning, both Water quality and region contribute to conservation indi- A within the region and across the country. The wildlife habitat rectly as they strive to meet other goals, such as atlas defined regional equity as follows: protection regularly increased social and political equity, improved n All residents have access to opportunities such physical and mental well-being of area residents, rank as a top as good jobs, real transportation choices, safe and and development of exportable technologies that stable housing, a good education, a range of parks priority in polls and can help drive the local green economy. Over the and natural areas, vibrant public spaces, and public surveys about long term, though, these regionwide initiatives healthful, regionally produced foods. what people value have the potential to play a vital role in support- n The benefits and burdens of growth and change about the Portland- ing conservation—by engaging our changing are equitably shared across our communities. populace in local conservation efforts and devel- Vancouver metropolitan n oping information and approaches that will make All residents and communities are involved as area. those efforts truly effective. The range of indirect full and equal partners in public decision making. conservation initiatives underscores what we The Regional Equity Atlas includes an analysis of often do not see: the pervasiveness of the natural access to parks and nature—a core value of the world in our lives, and the many avenues we have region’s residents1 and a factor that influences to take action to protect and restore our region’s the health of individuals, communities, and the natural resources. region’s biodiversity. In our hyper-mobile, tech- nologically rich society, where roughly 80 percent Equity and Regional Conservation of the population is urban, access to nature has become particularly important to our sense of In 2006 the Coalition for a Livable Future and place and history and overall quality of life. A the Center for Population Research at Portland growing body of research in disciplines as varied State University published an analysis of the as biology, environmental psychology, and land- social and geographic distribution of people and scape architecture documents what early urban assets across the Portland-Vancouver region. parks advocates knew intuitively: that nature This Regional Equity Atlas reflects a new focus on 95 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

has positive effects on our physical and mental urban growth boundary lives within ¼-mile economic, and health disparity in the region.6 The ers’ hopes, but so did the desire to escape the health, and that urban greenspaces can make us walking distance of public parkland; this is simi- historical roots of inequity directly affect current slavery of the Antebellum South and attempts at healthier, happier, and possibly also safer, saner lar to the median level of park access in six other societal efforts to protect, enhance, and sustain racial integration during Reconstruction. Euro- and smarter. If modern theories of biophilia cities studied by the Trust for Public Land. Prox- the region’s biodiversity and need to be under- American diseases and the forced removal or and environmental psychology prove correct, it imity to nature is somewhat better, with roughly stood if we are to address future conservation extermination of aboriginal populations, com- may be that adequate access to nature is a basic 64 percent of residents living within ¼-mile of a challenges and opportunities. bined with early legislation outlawing, restricting, necessity for people to effectively learn, grow, and natural area (public or private); however, dispari- and discouraging African-American and eventu- thrive in an equal opportunity society.1 ties in access to natural areas are even greater Historical Roots of Inequitable Access to Nature ally Chinese and Hawaiian settlers, all shaped Equitable access to nature is inextricably than disparities in access to parks. Neighbor- Portland’s reputation and reality as both an the vision and reality of Oregon as an Eden-like linked to the goal of fostering an ecologically sus- hoods with high poverty rates and a high percent- environmentally desirable place to live and a city promised land where Jeffersonian democracy and tainable region in at least two respects. First, the age of people of color tend to have worse neigh- of prejudice and exclusion are historically con- opportunity would be renewed largely for white role of access to nature in individual and com- borhood access to public parks and especially nected to the political, social, and cultural forces Americans. Oregon’s reputation as an environ- munity health makes equitable access implicit in poor neighborhood access to natural areas.4 To be that shaped settlement in Oregon. In the mid- mentally desirable place to live was reinforced the Portland-Vancouver region’s growth man- sure, poorer and more ethnically diverse neigh- nineteenth century, land boosters and railroads in art, literature, and advertising, which helped agement strategy: if the region must be green borhoods with older housing stock and histori- marketed Oregon as the “last” agrarian frontier, a shape the environmental hopes and ultimately the and livable in order to be compact, efficient, and cal investments in parks are not always deficient land that could serve as a social escape valve for conservation values of future Oregonians. But the ecologically sustainable, it must be green and in parks and natural areas, and some relatively whites fleeing the industrial, sectional, and racial legacy of inequity in economic and environmen- livable for everyone.2 Second, people’s connection affluent neighborhoods have fewer public parks conflicts of the pre- and post-Civil War peri- tal opportunity also had a direct and enduring to nature in their daily lives plays a critical role because they have more private open space. ods. Between 1848 and 1855, when more than impact by reducing ethnic and cultural diversity in sustaining conservation as a movement. As Nevertheless, access to public parks and espe- 300,000 people were rushing to the California in the Portland area and the state as a whole.7 author Robert Michael Pyle has admonished, “If cially natural areas corresponds to the current gold fields, some 30,000 settlers came to Oregon. Portland continued to attract a greater we are to remain a people who love the land, we geography of race and poverty. The promise of an agrarian economy and benign proportion of white immigrants than did other Water quality and must champion the bits of wild land within the Present-day access to parks relates to past natural landscape—with mountains, rivers, and West Coast cities—a fact that may have allowed wildlife habitat protec- reach of the children as well as the wilderness, the population growth, the ebb and flow of invest- fertile valleys—figured centrally in the newcom- overt expressions of prejudice and intolerance 3 tion regularly rank as a remnants along with the whole bolts.” Equitably ments in urban parks since the late nineteenth integrating the built and natural environments century, and historical agricultural and urban top priority in polls and in order to make the experience of nature part of development, which has displaced the natural public surveys about everyone’s daily life is critical in inspiring the next landscape and left a legacy of diminished access what people value generation to care for and protect our region’s to nature. Members of the current generation about the Portland- natural heritage. are not equally affected by these legacies of park Vancouver metropolitan Despite our region’s wealth of urban greens- investment and habitat loss. Because proximity to paces and natural areas, inequities abound in parks and nature influences property values and area. people’s ability to access this wealth in their daily thus housing costs, over time low-income house- lives. The Regional Equity Atlas found consider- holds tend to have sorted to locations with less able disparity in people’s ability to experience access.5 This illustrates how inequities in access nature near where they live. Only half (49 per- to nature can reflect the larger pattern of social, cent) of the population within the Portland-area

1 “Geography of Health” (F. Lyman in Land & People Magazine, 2002) and “Beyond Toxicity: Human Heath and the Natural Environment” (H. Frumkin in American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2001) 2 Future Vision Report (Metro, 1995). 3 “No Vacancy” (Robert Michael Pyle in Wild in the City: A Guide to Portland’s Natural Areas, edited by Michael C. Houck and M.J. Cody, 2000). 6 4 No Place to Play: Comparative Analysis of Park Access in Seven Major Cities (The Trust for Public Land, 2004), and Regional Regional Equity Atlas (Coalition for Livable Future and Portland State University, 2006) and Communities of Color in Mult- Equity Atlas (Coalition for Livable Future and Portland State University, 2006). The atlas analysis focused on proximity to parks nomah County: An Unsettling Profile (A. Curry-Stevens, A. Cross-Hemmer, and Coalition of Communities of Color, 2010). 7 and nature as measures of access at a regional scale. The quality of facilities and barriers to information (e.g. language barriers) The Fatal Environment: The Myth of the Frontier in the Age of Industrialization, 1800-1890 (Richard Slotkin, 1985), Land- also affect the access and overall level of service and represent important aspects of equity not addressed in the Regional Equity scapes of Promise: the Oregon Story 1800–1940 (William G. Robbins,1986), “A Working Hypothesis for the Study of Migra- Atlas. tions,” (Dorthy O. Johansen in Experiences in a Promised Land: Essays in Pacific Northwest History, edited by G. Thomas 5 Regional Equity Atlas (Coalition for Livable Future and Portland State University, 2006). Edwards and Carlos A. Schwantes, 1986). 96 97 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

to endure longer here than elsewhere.9 Portland policies; actively building conservation leadership 45 percent of students in public schools.16 This became widely reputed as the most racist city among people and communities of color also is latter statistic is one indication that the propor- outside the South, with one of the highest Ku critical to fostering a strong and robust conservation of communities of color will continue to Klux Klan memberships in the country, peaking tion movement in the next generation, which is grow in the 21st century. Thus there should at at least 9,000 in the city and between15,000 poised to become the most ethnically and racially be no meaningful conflict between the goal of and 35,000 statewide. It was not until 1926 that diverse in the region’s history.11 equitable access for racial and ethnic minori- the state repealed its unique racial exclusion law Portland remains exceptional among other ties and the intergenerational equity implicit in and 1959 before Oregon voters finally ratified the West Coast cities in attracting young whites, sustainability and conservation. 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, thus whose numbers have grown in many inner-city The growing diversity of the Portland- granting African Americans and other ethnic neighborhoods. However, the region as a whole Vancouver metropolitan area over the last two minorities the right to vote. Many people of color has been growing more ethnically and racially decades has paralleled the emergence of the immigrated to the region despite the odds. Even diverse for decades.12 During World War II metropolitan greenspaces movement, which today, Portland’s popular historical image as a Portland experienced a brief increase in African- renewed the visions and plans of Portland’s quiet, harmonious, and orderly West Coast city American immigrants who came to work in progressive-era urban parks movement.17 The set amidst a beautiful natural landscape often the wartime shipyards. The number of Native 1990s saw the emergence of watershed and overshadows the city’s history of diversity, Americans in the region began growing in the “friends” groups that became forceful advocates exclusion, conflict, and struggle.10 1950s after federal policies resulted in termina- for the protection and improvement of remnant tion of Pacific Northwest tribes and people being greenspaces and natural areas as a connected Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Conservation resettled in six urban areas, including Portland.13 network. The movement expanded in the 21st Given this history it is not surprising that people The Latino population grew steadily after World century to include an array of groups and initia- n Verde. Established in 2005 in the Cully Neigh- of color make up a smaller share of the region’s War II, drawn at first by agricultural jobs but tives aiming to “re-green” and “re-nature” the borhood, Verde promotes green job workforce population than they do in other regions, and much more rapidly since 1980 as Latinos began most ecologically degraded and deficient portions development to connect low-income people with that people of color have fallen behind whites in filling nursery, construction, and manufacturing of the urban landscape. Many of these groups and the economic benefits of enhancing the local several indicators of health and economic well- jobs concentrated in the metropolitan area. Add- initiatives have begun identifying equitable access environment. Verde’s programs include a native being. These factors in turn may explain why, with ing to these trends is the increase in the number to nature as an environmental justice issue—con- plant nursery and landscaping business, job- some notable exceptions, fewer people of color of foreign-born immigrants to Portland, especial- necting low-income people with the economic training programs, and green jobs advocacy. are engaged in conservation as a vocation—a fact ly since 1990.14 Estimates vary, but U.S. Census benefits of conservation, promoting conserva- n Regional Equity Atlas and Equity Action Agenda. that has gained greater attention in recent years data indicate that people of color grew from 10.3 tion leadership among communities of color to The “Parks and Nature” chapter of the Regional as conservation organizations face the challenges percent of the population in the Portland-Van- address the leadership gaps, or both. The follow- Equity Atlas (by Coalition for a Livable Future and opportunities of an increasingly diverse couver-Hillsboro metropolitan statistical area in ing are examples of these activities: and Portland State University) documented eco- society. The number of people of color engaged in 1990 to 23.7 percent of the population in 2010.15 nomic, racial, and geographic inequities in access n Explorando El Columbia Slough. In 2001 the conservation matters not only in advancing equal In Multnomah County, people of color repre- to parks and nature in the region. Coalition for Audubon Society of Portland, City of Portland a Livable Future followed this with an Equity opportunity and establishing the political consen- sented 26.3 percent of the population in 2008 and Bureau of Environmental Services, and Colum- Action Agenda, which engaged people from sus necessary to advance effective conservation bia Slough Watershed Council collaborated with across the region in a discussion about priorities members of Northeast Portland’s Latino com- for addressing disparities and included specific munity to develop a Spanish-language guide to 9 recommendations to more equitably integrate the “Social Morality and Personal Revitalization: Oregon’s Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s” (David A. Horowitz, Oregon Historical the Columbia Slough. The brochure ultimately Quarterly, 1989). built and natural environment in the region. The 10 inspired an annual event—now in its tenth year— The Radical Middle Class: Populist Democracy and the Question of Capitalism in Progressive Era Portland, Oregon (Robert D. Equity Action Agenda included recommendations Johnson, 2003). celebrating the slough and local Latino culture. that informed the 2006 Regional Natural Areas 11 “Diversifying the American Environmental Movement” (Marcelo Bonta and Charles Jordan in Diversity and the Future of the U.S. Environmental Movement, edited by Emily Enderle, 2007) and “In Oregon and U.S., Green Groups are Mainly White” (Scott Bond Measure. Learn in The Oregonian, 2008). 12 “For Richer, for Whiter,” (Brent Huntsberger in The Oregonian, 1998), “In a Changing World, Portland Remains Overwhelm- ingly White,” (Betsy Hammond in The Oregonian, 2008), and “In Portland Heart, 2010 Census Shows Diversity Dwindling” (Nikole Hanna-Jones, The Oregonian, 2011). 15 2010 Census Profiles: Oregon and Its Metropolitan Areas (Portland State University Population Research Center). 13 “Oral History Interview on the African–American Experience in Wartime Portland” (Kathryn Hall Bogle in Oregon Historical 16 Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile (A. Curry-Stevens, A. Cross-Hemmer, and Coalition of Quarterly, 1992) and Making the Invisible Visible: Portland’s Native American Community (Portland Indian Leaders Round Table, Communities of Color, 2010). 2009). 17 “Protecting our Urban Wild Lands: Renewing a Vision” (Mike Houck, address to the City Club of Portland, 1989), Report of 14 City Fact Sheet: Portland, Oregon (Federation of Americans for Immigration Reform). the Park Board (Olmsted Brothers, 1903), and The City Beautiful Movement (William H. Wilson, 1989). 98 99 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

n 2006 Regional Natural Areas Bond Measure. The metropolitan area’s high-growth communities, both positively and negatively.18 Content and and policy decisions, and long-term steward- 2006 Natural Areas Bond Measure included a $15 help improve access in park- and nature-deficient modes of instruction vary, but most conserva- ship within the region. The Intertwine’s current Conservation million Nature in Neighborhoods capital grant neighborhoods, and diversify the organization’s tion education programs focus on individuals’ network of parks, trails, and natural areas is the Education Leadership that prioritizes funds for neighborhood re-green- staff, membership, and volunteer base. decisions as part of the learning process and result in part of earlier investments in conserva- Council ing and re-naturing projects in low-income com- Efforts to make access to nature more equi- strive to connect students of all ages to the local tion education. In the same way, the effectiveness munities. The grant program established the first The region’s conserva- environment; thus, students are encouraged to of future community engagement and decision What is the extinction precedence for equity in voter-approved regional table while broadening and diversifying the “act locally” even as they learn to “think globally” making on conservation issues will depend on tion, sustainability, and policy. Approximately $15 million of the City of conservation constituency have been sporadic, of the condor to a child disparate, and incremental. Nevertheless, they about the connections between human behavior continued—and possibly improved—environ- environmental educa- Portland’s local share included funds to improve who has never known provide an important start on what should be a and natural processes and conditions. The Inter- mental literacy. Conservation education is key tion programs represent neighborhood access to parks and nature. more coordinated regional approach to engage twine Alliance partners engaged in conservation to non-regulatory controls, such as prevention a wren? core investments in n East Portland Parks Coalition and E-205 Initiative. growing immigrant and minority populations in education blend service learning, direct conser- of illegal dumping and invasive species control. robert michael The East Portland Parks Coalition started meet- — supporting everyone’s conservation-related education, leadership, and vation efforts, personal and group development Nationally, formal education increasingly incor- pyle ing in 2005 to improve access to parks and nature activities, and more formal conservation and porates volunteerism, service learning, and other lifelong connected- in East Portland’s park- and nature-deficient investment to eliminate disparities in access to environmental education. Populations currently strategies to address science, engineering, tech- ness with nature. The neighborhoods. The coalition’s organization and nature and foster future generations of conserva- served include (but are not limited to) property nology, and mathematics learning and student advocacy informed key priorities in the City of tion leadership. Intertwine Conserva- Portland’s East Portland Action Plan and helped owners, classroom teachers and their students, achievement. Many current conservation efforts tion Education Leader- inspire City Commissioner Nick Fish’s E-205 Conservation Education land managers, and recreationalists. However, in the region, such as development and protection ship Council exists to Initiative to raise $1 million in public and private conservation education does not reach every- of backyard habitat, watershed restoration, tree Conservation education is education that one. Currently, communities in the region that canopy protection, and wildlife monitoring, rely strengthen, represent, funds annually for park development projects in East Portland neighborhoods. explores people’s place in and connection with are underserved generally, such as low-income on adequate levels of volunteer knowledge and and enhance these pro- the natural world. Whether structured or non- residents, communities of color, the disabled, and engagement. Moreover, key regional conservation n Audubon Society of Portland East Portland grams into the future. formal, conservation education increases people’s Office. In 2010 the Audubon Society of Portland immigrants, also are underserved with respect to documents, such as Building Climate Resiliency in environmental literacy by showing how their 19 This connectedness established an East Portland satellite office to conservation education. the Lower Willamette Region of Western Oregon, actions affect the natural world around them, with nature is crucial for extend its presence and programming in the east recommend environmental literacy as part of Goals of Regional Conservation Education Efforts implementation. By promoting stewardship and quality of life (includ- Conservation education providers see The Inter- community and political engagement, conser- ing health), for regional twine as a place where everyone shares a lifelong vation education also contributes indirectly to development and for connectedness to nature—a connectedness that is solving core community concerns related to policy decisions. Current manifested by knowing, valuing, and stewarding ecosystem services. These concerns include the conditions have been this place. Conservation education programs in following: the region strive to improve the public’s under- influenced and sup- n Loss of biodiversity and habitat in local and standing and appreciation of the natural world. regional natural areas and parks ported by past achieve- An intended long-term outcome of these efforts n Increased levels of atmospheric carbon and ments in educational is creation of an environmentally literate and other greenhouse gases efforts. engaged populace, meaning a citizenry that can make informed conservation-related decisions, n Collapsing food systems is motivated to take appropriate actions, and n Decline in drinking water quality promotes those behaviors to others. n The goal of an environmentally literate popula- Costs and impacts of solid and liquid waste management tion acknowledges the connections among conservation education, future regional development

18 The Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan, prepared by the Oregon Environmental Literacy Task Force in 2010, defines environmental literacy as an individual’s understanding, skills, and motivation to make responsible decisions that take into consideration his or her relationships to natural systems, communities, and future generations. 19 Building Climate Resiliency in the Lower Willamette Region of Western Oregon: A Report on Stakeholder Findings and Recom- mendations (Climate Leadership Initiative, 2011). 100 101 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

tion, the Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan is tal literacy achieved by current educational efforts es to conducting urban ecosystem research in this designed to prepare Oregon students in grades and addressing future regional stewardship needs region, and outlining some of the more pressing K through 12 to address environmental chal- by promoting conservation education. urban ecosystem research and monitoring needs lenges related to climate change, energy, national for the Portland-Vancouver region. security, and health. Formal conservation Research on Urban Ecosystems education extends to the region’s colleges and The Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium Traditionally, ecological research focused on universities, which offer various training, degrees, of Portland-Vancouver (UERC) ecosystems far away from cities. Over the past and professional development opportunities in The UERC is a consortium of mostly local century or more, research findings that support the sciences, environmental studies, conservation, researchers, managers, students, and others who wildlife conservation efforts have come from and restoration. are interested in supporting urban ecosystem studies of natural ecosystems such as forests or Much conservation education in the region research and creating an information-sharing lakes—the further away from the “contamination” occurs outside formal educational institutions. network among people who collect and use of cities, the better. Only in the past two decades Non-formal conservation education provid- ecological data about our region. The mission of have scientists finally turned their sights on how ers include businesses and utilities; resource- or the UERC is to advance the state of the science of ecology functions in urban areas and how urban geographically focused organizations, such as urban ecosystems and improve our understand- ecosystems can be sustainably managed and conservancies, “friends” groups, and watershed ing of them, with a focus on the Portland-Van- conserved.21 This nascent research in urban eco- councils; public agencies, including city govern- couver metropolitan area, by fostering commu- systems is making it clear that urban ecosystems ments, soil and water conservation districts, and nication and collaboration. Rather than serve as have unique properties and that it is not sufficient service districts; and various broader or more a political or advocacy platform, the UERC offers to simply extrapolate conservation principles community-based nonprofit organizations. environmental professionals a forum for exchang- from remote natural areas to cities. Research on Examples include the Friends of Tryon Creek, the ing information on urban ecology and exploring n the ecology both within cities and of cities is criti- Limited opportunities for alternative transpor- Forest Park Conservancy, the Center for how that information can be applied. cally required to better understand the complexi- tation (walking, bicycling, and public transporta- Science Education at Portland State University, The UERC hosts an annual one-day sympo- ties of urban ecology and to conserve natural tion) the Northwest Earth Institute, David Douglas sium at Portland State University (PSU) at which The serious study of processes and wildlife populations in cities.22 n Unsustainable rates of resource consumption School District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several dozen abstracts are presented on pure and natural history ... is an In the Portland-Vancouver area, conservation n Partners for a Sustainable Washington County applied urban ecosystem research, environmen- Human health, diet, and fitness concerns efforts have greatly outpaced urban ecosystem activity which has far- Community, and the World Forestry Center. tal management, and environmental education. n Decrease in American global competitive- research efforts. From the implementation of reaching effects in every There is wide variation in the geographic areas Since the symposium began in 2003, habitat environmental zones in the late 1980s to today’s ness because of education levels of the citizenry served by both mature and emerging programs. restoration and land and water management aspect of a person’s life. (includes understanding of science, ecology, and blitzkrieg of green infrastructure facilities in Many groups collaborate with each other or with consistently have been the most frequent topics It ultimately makes our environment) neighborhoods (to manage stormwater), the City public agencies—local, state, or federal—to meet for presentation. (See Table 9-1 for the prevalence of Portland has led the nation in environmental people protective of the their objectives, which often are accomplished of other topics.) How Conservation Education Happens management.23 Yet it was 2003 before there was a environment in a very through organized educational activities such as A hallmark of the UERC symposium is its Conservation education in the greater Portland- sustained effort to annually publish the findings committed way. It is field trips, group restoration work and other work inclusivity. Abstracts are openly solicited from Vancouver region occurs through the efforts of of urban ecosystem researchers in the region. crews, camp programs, scouting, afterschool pro- any area of urban ecosystem research and man- my opinion that the hundreds of providers and supporting organiza- The sections below describe the state of scientific grams, or community classes. Some conservation agement in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan tions, many of them Intertwine Alliance partners research on urban ecosystem structure and func- study of natural history education is self-directed, taking place during area, and participants and presenters come from (see Appendix D for a list of providers). The tion in the region by summarizing the history of should be the primary visits to parks, natural areas, refuges, and a wide range of academic institutions, public school system serves as an important partner in the Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium of avenue for creating demonstration gardens. agencies, local governments, businesses, and non- providing formal service learning and conserva- Portland-Vancouver (UERC), reviewing challeng- In addition, The Intertwine Conservation profit organizations. Reflecting the affiliations of environmentalists. tion education. Notably, schools are an institu- Education Leadership Council is a standing body, — roger tory tional support for environmental literacy as called 21 established in 2012 to represent the sector broadly “Ecosystem Structure and Function Along Urban–Rural Gradients: An Unexploited Opportunity for Ecology” (M.J. McDon- peterson for in the Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan.20 nell et al., in Ecology, 1990), The Ecological City: Preserving and Restoring Urban Biodiversity (R.H. Platt et al. [eds.], 1994), and while communicating a baseline of environmen- Developed in 2010 in response to state legisla- “Beyond Urban Legends: An Emerging Framework of Urban Ecology, as Illustrated by the Baltimore Ecosystem Study” (S.T.A., Pickett in BioScience, 2008). 22 Ibid. 20 Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan: Toward a Sustainable Future (Oregon Environmental Literacy Task Force, 2010). 23 “Keeping the Green Edge: Stream Corridor Protection in the Portland Metropolitan Region” (C.P. Ozawa and J.A. Yeakley, in The Portland Edge: Challenges and Successes in Growing Communities, 2004). 102 103 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

Table 9-1 Topical Area Distribution of UERC Abstracts, 2003-2011 shed management absorb the bulk of the funding Ecosystem Services in Urbanizing Areas Integra- # of # of available for environmental management. tive Graduate Education and Research Trainee- Keyword Abstracts* Keyword Abstracts ship (IGERT), both from the National Science Lack of Urban Field Laboratories Habitat restoration 191 Wildlife biology 65 Foundation. The ULTRA-Ex project will examine Traditional ecosystem science and management how differences in land use planning and gov- land/watershed management 179 Sustainable development 55 research has relied heavily on field-based research ernance between Washington and Oregon cities Research Informing Water quality 108 Environmental social sciences 52 facilities that have extensive field instruments for affect ecosystem function and resilience, while Conservation monitoring, onsite laboratory facilities, and hous- environmental education 104 Hydrology 47 the IGERT project will train 25 new doctoral stu- The H.J. Andrews Experi- ing for researchers. An example of such a facility Land use planning 100 Fisheries 34 dents at PSU to use an interdisciplinary approach is the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA). mental Forest (HJA) in in understanding and managing ecosystem ser- conservation biology 96 Transportation 27 Located in the Oregon Cascades, the HJA is part the Oregon Cascades vices in urban areas. of the national Long-Term Ecological Research Plant ecology 90 Economics 25 Despite this progress, PSU has yet to join illustrates how scientific network funded by the National Science Founda- Animal ecology 82 Air quality 21 the University of Washington and Oregon State research can help inform tion; the HJA also is a U.S. Forest Service research University as a preeminent environmental sci- management. Thanks environmental policy 66 Soil science 20 laboratory. The Portland-Vancouver metropolitan ence research institution in the Pacific North- in part to forest science * Equals the number of times a given keyword was linked to the 526 abstracts presented at UERC symposia from 2003 to 2011. area lacks such a field facility and the density and west. Urban conservation efforts in the Puget distribution of environmental monitoring instru- research conducted at Sound area benefit substantially from having a ments that are typical at a research site such as top research institution such as the University of HJA, U.S. Forest Service the individuals on the UERC steering committee, Research presented at UERC symposia has HJA. These deficiencies limit scientific studies of Washington within city limits. Many of the urban policies in the Pacific participants through the years have been roughly been published in the peer-reviewed scientific both the state of the ecosystem and the effective- ecosystem management practices by the City of Northwest have moved balanced among three sectors: academic (univer- literature in all keyword areas listed in Table 9-1. ness of current environmental management in the Seattle and the urbanizing Puget Sound region sities, colleges, and K–12), public agency (city, The growing scientific research presence in the metropolitan region. away from historical are based on and critically evaluated by research regional, state, and federal), and private (non- Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area as repre- forestry practices that profit institutions, consulting firms, and private sented by UERC, coupled with the cutting-edge Lack of a Major Research University by local academic scientists such as John Marzluff emphasized the produc- citizens). Abstracts from presenters have reflected level of environmental management for which Researchers at Portland State University have and Derek Booth, among others. In the same that broad distribution (see Figure 9-1). Portland this region is known, has raised Portland’s profile been working to establish the institution as a way, academic scientists from PSU and other tion of lumber and State University, the City of Portland, and Metro in the academic literature on urban ecology. major research university for environmental sci- nearby academic institutions can play an increas- moved toward practices ingly important role in informing and evaluating have submitted the Yet significant challenges remain in conducting ence and management, with some success. For that support forest figure 9-1 example, PSU researchers have published almost urban ecosystem management and conservation most abstracts (22 urban ecosystem research in the region. ecology—i.e., valuing the Distribution of UERC Abstracts by Sector percent, 12 percent, twice as many abstracts (115) at UERC symposia in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. whole system, not just and 11 of all abstracts, Challenges to Conducting Urban Ecosystem as either of the two next most prolific presenters, The future of urban ecosystem research in the respectively). Sig- Research in the Region the City of Portland (62 abstracts) and Metro (56 region and the contribution of this research to the trees. nificantly, however, the abstracts). Moreover, PSU’s abstract output at the conservation of biodiversity depend, at least Funding Limitations remaining 55 percent UERC symposia has been more than that of all in part, on PSU continuing to grow in stature as a The funding challenge is not unique to Port- 22% of abstracts have come other academic institutions combined, and many research institution. land and in fact is a limitation shared by urban from more than 100 of the PSU papers have been placed in top-level 38% ecosystem researchers in most cities around the different entities. peer-reviewed journals. Some urban ecosystem Urban Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Needs world. The limitation is that city and regional Frequent presenters research from Oregon academic institutions has Although the presentations at the UERC sym- agencies—those who are most responsible for include Oregon State helped inform urban ecosystem management posia and the growth of PSU’s research presence 40% the management of urban ecosystems—gener- 24 University, Reed Col- strategies in the Portland-Vancouver area. are two positive signs, much remains to be done ally do not place a high priority on research and lege, Washington State Recently, too, PSU researchers have received in the area of urban ecosystem research within monitoring. Because of regulatory pressure and University, Linfield major urban ecosystem research grants, such as the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. In citizen concerns, city governance is driven largely College, Audubon the Portland-Vancouver ULTRA-Ex grant and the 2010, the Independent Multidisciplinary Science by the need to implement solutions to pressing Government Society of Portland, Agency problems. Thus, in most municipalities, applied Clean Water Services, 24 Examples include “Riparian Bird Community Structure in Portland, Oregon: Habitat, Urbanization, and Spatial Scale Pat- Academic projects such as habitat restoration and water- Clark County, and The terns” (L.A. Hennings and W.D. Edge in The Condor, 2003) and “First-year Responses to Managed Flooding of Lower Columbia River Bottomland Vegetation Dominated by Phalaris arundinacea” (N.J. Jenkins, J.A. Yeakley, and E.M. Stewart in Wetlands, Private Nature Conservancy. 2008). 104 105 regional conservation strategy Chapter 9 Equity, Education, and Research

Team (IMST) for the State of Oregon completed Further, the IMST stated that: Suggested Reading a comprehensive report25 that identified research Regional Equity Atlas and monitoring needs in urban areas with respect “All identified research gaps need more Coalition for a Livable Future and the Center for to salmon, steelhead, and watershed and aquatic effective intra- and inter-disciplinary com- Population Research at Portland State University, ecosystems; many of these same concerns apply munication. It is critical that government 2006 to upland ecosystems in urban areas as well. bodies at all levels, including university Communities of Color in Multnomah County: According to the IMST, more research, monitor- and agency researchers, work together to An Unsettling Profile ing, and scientific understanding are needed in ask, evaluate, and answer … questions in a A. Curry-Stevens, A. Cross-Hemmer, and the following areas (among others): coherent, consistent manner through use Coalition of Communities of Color, 2010 of consistent and spatially extensive study n General effects of urban development, includ- “Diversifying the American Environmental designs, sampling methods, indicators, and ing the major factors that impair ecosystems Movement” a shared database.” and limit native plant and animal populations in Marcelo Bonta and Charles Jordan in Diversity urban areas and the Future of the U.S. Environmental Certainly, the UERC has initiated effective intra- Movement, 2007 n Variation in the effects of development in and inter-disciplinary communication and been Report of the Park Board different cities successful in promoting better coordination and Olmsted Brothers, 1903 n Adequacy of methods currently being imple- information sharing among ecosystem research- mented (e.g., increasing onsite retention) to ers and managers in the Portland-Vancouver The Ecological City: Preserving and Restoring alleviate or mitigate the adverse effects of storm- metropolitan area. Still, much more needs to be Urban Biodiversity water runoff R.H. Platt, R.A. Rowntree and P.C. Muick (eds.), done to create a truly shared database, with more chapter 9 Summary 1994 n intense monitoring and constantly updated indi- Future groundwater hydrologic responses to Local cities and counties, utilities, educational institutions, non- population pressures cators of environmental conditions. Also needed The Portland Edge: Challenges and Successes in is research on currently unknown aspects of Growing Communities profit organizations, and other entities already are engaged in n Extent of groundwater contamination in urban urban ecosystem function, such as the effects of C. P. Ozawa (ed.), 2004 areas nascent regionwide initiatives that support more direct conserva- toxic compounds and personal care and pharma- Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their tion efforts. Local conservation education influences everything n Extent and number of physical fish passage ceutical products on the region’s aquatic species. Roles in Watershed Health and the Recovery of barriers in urban and rural residential areas, espe- from people’s daily lifestyle choices to their level of community With ongoing efforts by agencies, private enti- Oregon’s Wild Salmonids cially with respect to prioritization for removal ties, and academic institutions, and coordinated Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, and political engagement. Regionally, scientific understanding n Effects of and possible methods of treating, efforts such as The Intertwine and the Portland- 2010 of urban ecosystems has lagged implementation of conservation remediating, or eliminating urban toxic substanc- Vancouver ULTRA-Ex, there is much to be measures, but recent research is starting to unravel some of the es, including mixtures of substances optimistic about, even as so much more remains unique complexities of local urban ecology. In addition, a variety n Effectiveness of policies and regulations to to be done. avoid, remedy, or mitigate the impact of urban of organizations are publicly connecting the dots between the and rural residential development in headwaters, region’s discriminatory past, current inequities in access to natural wetlands, riparian zones, floodplains, and key watersheds; includes identifying the strengths and resources, and future public support for conservation as our popu- drawbacks of measures currently being imple- lation grows more racially and ethnically diverse. mented All of these initiatives—conservation education, urban ecosys- n Effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts for tem research, and ensuring equity—are in their early stages. They streams in urban and rural-residential areas will need further development, coordination, support, and imple- n Methods for communicating scientific information more widely and more fully engaging mentation if they are to contribute fully to the region’s conserva- citizens in ecosystem research, monitoring, and tion efforts. Over the long term, these supporting initiatives may rehabilitation be essential to success.

25 Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their Role in Watershed Health and the Rehabilitation of Oregon’s Wild Salmonids (Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, 2010). 106 107

Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

Species-Specific Initiatives Chapter10

his chapter summarizes some of the larger, n Monitor prairie quality and diversity at sites An often misunderstood Tmore established initiatives to protect, recover that support populations of the covered species mammal, bats help or monitor vulnerable species of conservation n Collect and bank seeds regulate insect interest within the region. n Identify and conduct further research needed populations and delight to improve species conservation strategies Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of Western observers with their Oregon and Southwestern Washington n Monitor the effectiveness of management spectacular evening actions and apply adaptive management The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its aerial displays. Several Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of Western measures, as needed species are suffering Oregon and Southwestern Washington in May The greater Portland-Vancouver region overlaps regional declines due 2010. The plan is a call to action that synthe- with parts of five recovery zones with unmet sizes information about the status, threats, and needs for the federally listed Fender’s blue but- to loss of habitat and conservation needs of thirteen covered species. terfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), Bradshaw’s disease. It also outlines recovery goals for delisting or lomatium (Lomatium bradshawii), Kincaid’s downlisting five federally listed threatened and lupine (Lupinus sulphureus spp. kincaidii), Nel- endangered species and includes conservation son’s checkermallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana), and measures for eight other at-risk species associated golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta), as well as with prairie habitats. The recovery plan calls the areas that support species of concern such as pale following specific actions: larkspur (Delphinium leucophaem), Willamette n Preserve, restore, and manage existing Valley larkspur (Delphinium oreganum), pea- populations and habitat cock larkspur (Delphinium pavonaceum), shaggy horkelia (Horkelia congesta spp. congesta), and n Reintroduce and augment populations in white-topped aster (Sericocarpus rigidus). suitable habitats There are opportunities for those working n Develop and use standardized population in prairie habitats within the greater Portland- monitoring protocols Vancouver region to take on recovery actions and

109 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

cultivate partnerships with others to conserve The Streaked Horned Lark Working Group Native Turtle Conservation prairie ecosystems and the vulnerable species that consists of federal and state agencies, Metro, local The greater Portland-Vancouver region has depend upon them. governments, conservation groups, and research- two native freshwater aquatic turtles: the west- ers. Since 2007 the group has met twice yearly to ern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) and For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ore- share information on research, establish priority the northern Pacific pond turtle (formerly the gonfwo/Species/PrairieSpecies/default.asp actions, and identify funding sources to conserve western pond turtle) (Actinemys marmorata). the species. In the greater Portland-Vancouver Populations of both species are declining in Streaked Horned Lark Working Group region, the working group has focused on con- parts of their range because of habitat loss and The streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris ducting surveys to identify occupied and suitable fragmentation, introduced non-native turtles, strigata) has been a federal candidate for listing habitats and seeking agreements to protect and and other reasons. Both turtle species are listed since 2001; listing has been found to be “war- manage known sites. Key goals are to identify by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ranted but precluded,” meaning that there is potential new breeding and wintering sites in the (ODFW) as sensitive-critical because of their sufficient information on threats to propose the northern Willamette Valley, expand the available declining numbers. Washington State has listed species for listing, but action has been precluded habitat for larks, buffer the population from habi- the northern Pacific pond turtle as an endangered by higher priority listing actions and the need to describes factors affecting the population and its Turtles not only need tat losses, and increase the number of breeding species, and it is recognized by the U.S. Fish and allocate resources for other work. The U.S. Fish habitat. The plan prescribes strategies to recover ponds or streams, but pairs. Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a species of concern. and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule to list the species, such as protecting the population, The current status of the streaked horned lark A number of initiatives have occurred or are also lightly vegetated the species as threatened and to designate critical evaluating and managing habitat, and initiating in the greater Portland-Vancouver region is tenu- ongoing to ensure the long-term protection and sunny areas within habitat in October 2012. A final listing determi- research and education programs. Target popu- ous, as there are only two known breeding sites conservation of our native turtles. The Lower nation is expected within a year. lation objectives and other criteria for reclas- which they can nest regionally: Rivergate and Portland International Willamette Native Turtle Working Group was The streaked horned lark is one of 21 sub- sification are identified and an implementation and lay eggs. Barriers Airport, both Port of Portland industrial sites formed in 2006; participants include Metro, species of the widely distributed horned lark. schedule is presented in the plan. to movement between in North Portland. Development at Rivergate ODFW, USFWS, Oregon Zoo, Northwest Eco- The streaked horned lark has been extirpated Many local cities also are working to improve is imminent. The working group is focusing on logical Research Institute, the Port of Portland, the two types of habitat as a breeding species throughout much of its aquatic and terrestrial habitats for turtles. For identifying and developing potential habitat for and other local agencies, citizens, and entities. can prevent successful range, including British Columbia, the San Juan example, the City of Gresham has completed nearby new breeding sites to try to maintain a This group has developed a draft conservation Islands and the northern Puget Sound region of inventories of all wetlands and has initiated habi- breeding. breeding population of larks in the area. plan, completed statewide assessments for both Washington, and the Rogue Valley in Oregon. It tat restoration efforts to improve turtle basking Populations of larks occur at most of the civil- turtle species, developed a website, produced currently is found on the south Puget prairies, and nesting habitat. The City of Portland com- ian and military airports within the range of the educational materials for outreach and educa- on the Washington coast, on islands in the lower pleted surveys of a number of sites in Portland species —probably because airports inadvertently tion, developed draft best management practices Columbia River, and in the Willamette Val- that offer habitat for turtles and is conducting create desirable habitat for the species: large, (BMPs) for private and public entities, and sup- ley. Breeding and wintering sites in the greater restoration projects to improve both aquatic and flat, treeless spaces. In March 2011, a workshop ported field research on various aspects of turtle Portland-Vancouver region are very limited, and terrestrial turtle habitat. The Northwest Eco- funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ecology. The draft BMPs include guidance on the most are at risk of development. logical Research Institute, too, plans to conduct Department of Defense Legacy Program and timing of habitat restoration activities to avoid Streaked horned larks require open, sparsely reptile and amphibian surveys in the Scappoose organized by The Nature Conservancy focused disturbing turtles and their nests and guidelines vegetated habitats with long open views, and no watershed, in conjunction with the local water- on finding ways to protect lark populations at for placement of trails to avoid disturbing turtles. trees. Historically, streaked horned larks prob- shed council; results will be instrumental in guid- airports without compromising the safety of These efforts in turn help to address conserva- ably used very open habitats, such as early-seral ing future habitat restoration projects in the area. airplanes and their passengers. Recent publication needs for turtles as outlined in the Oregon stage native prairie, and the sandy floodplains of tions on the streaked horned lark are posted on Conservation Strategy, which considers turtles For more information: www.willametteturtles. the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Many of The Nature Conservancy’s South Sound Prairies focal species because of declines in population com or http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/ the habitats currently used by larks are manmade webpage: http://www.southsoundprairies.org numbers and loss or fragmentation of associated pub.php?id=00398 habitats that are regularly disturbed to maintain For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ habitats that also are addressed in the strategy the open quality sought by the birds. Some of oregonfwo/Species/Data/StreakedHornedLark/ (i.e., wetlands, riparian habitat, and oak habitats). Pacific Northwest Native Freshwater the largest populations known are found near Washington State’s recovery plan for the western Mussel Work Group airports, where trees are not welcome, and the pond turtle, published in 1999, summarizes the Freshwater mussels native to the Pacific North- gravelly margins of the runways provide the per- historical and current distribution and abun- west have historically received little attention, fect substrate for nesting. dance of western pond turtles in Washington and despite the fact that freshwater mussels are

110 111 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

considered to be the (O. tshawytscha), Lower Columbia River steel- living documents. As new information becomes Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative most endangered head (O. mykiss), Columbia River chum (O. keta), available, revised and additional actions can be The Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative is the group of animals Upper Willamette Chinook (O. tshawytscha), and added to the plans. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s strategy, in col- in North America. Upper Willamette steelhead (O. mykiss). laboration with Native American tribes and other For more information: Since 2003, the The National Marine Fisheries Service federal, state, and local agencies, to improve the Lower Columbia River Conservation and status of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridenta- Pacific Northwest (NMFS) will base salmon and steelhead recovery Recovery Plan for Oregon Populations of Salmon Native Freshwater plans on locally developed plans that address and Steelhead tus) throughout their range by furthering con- Mussel Work Group Endangered Species Act (ESA) delisting as well Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife servation actions and research. Although Pacific has been work- as local interests, such as nonfederal legisla- Jim Brick: 971.673.6021 lamprey historically were widespread along the ing to ensure that tive mandates and local social, economic, and [email protected] West Coast of the United States, there has been a freshwater mussel ecological values. NMFS reviews the local plans, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/CRP/lower_ decline in abundance and distribution through- research, manage- makes them available for public review and com- columbia_plan.asp out California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. ment, and edu- ment, and adopts them as ESA recovery plans. In Upper Willamette Conservation and Recovery Threats to Pacific lamprey, including upstream cational activities addition, for the Lower Columbia River species Plan for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead and downstream passage problems, stream and are coordinated, prioritized, and consistent with and Columbia River chum, NMFS is developing Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife floodplain degradation, and poor water quality, identified information needs. In recent years the a summary document that is based on the local Dave Jepsen: 541.757.5148, occur in much of the range of the species. work group has produced three publications, plans and that covers the four listed species across [email protected] Phase one of the ini- including the second edition of a field guide to their ranges in Oregon and Washington. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/CRP/upper_ tiative, the Pacific Lam- willamette_river_plan.asp freshwater mussels of the Pacific Northwest that In the greater Portland-Vancouver region, prey Assessment and provides background on life history, taxonomy, several local plans have been completed. The Rob Walton: 503.231.2285 Template for Conserva- anatomy, and threats to the species; the guide is Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Recovery- tion Measures, contains Planning/Recovery-Domains/Willamette-Lower- available through the Xerces Society (http://www. (ODFW) has completed plans for the Oregon an overall description Columbia/ xerces.org). portion of the Lower Columbia and for the Upper of the status of Pacific The second publication describes and pri- Willamette; these plans address ESA recovery Washington Lower Columbia Salmon Recovery lamprey, threats affect- and Fish and Wildlife Subbasin Plan oritizes data gaps or uncertainties that may be as well as Oregon’s Native Fish Conservation ing them, and the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board limiting the conservation of freshwater mussels Policy. The Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board relative risk to popula- Bernadette Graham Hudson: 360.425.1552 in the Northwest. The third document presents (LCFRB) has completed a plan for the Washing- tion groupings within [email protected] specific geographical guidelines, issues, and techniques for relocating ton portion of the Lower Columbia that addresses http://www.lcfrb.gen.wa.us/Recovery%20Plans/ freshwater mussels from the footprint of con- both ESA and state needs; the LCFRB plan March%202010%20review%20draft%20RP/ regions. The assessment struction projects. Freshwater mussels’ sedentary serves both as a recovery plan and the Northwest RP%20Frontpage.htm also includes conservation actions and nature limits their ability to find timely refuge Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) fish Lower Columbia ESU Recovery Plan from habitat disturbances typical of construction and wildlife program’s subbasin plan for eleven (in progress) research, monitoring, projects. lower Columbia subbasins, similar to the way in NOAA Fisheries and evaluation efforts which ODFW’s plan also serves as a conservation Patty Dornbusch: 503.230.5430, that are occurring and For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ plan. In addition, under contract with NMFS, the [email protected] needed within each columbiariver/musselwg.htm Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership has Columbia River ESA Recovery Plan Module for region. Phase two of the developed a plan for improving salmon and steel- initiative will involve Salmon and Steelhead Conservation Salmon and Steelhead head survival in the Columbia River estuary. Catherine Corbett: 503.226.1565 x240, the development of a conservation agreement and and Recovery Plans NMFS is in the process of adopting these plans [email protected] regional implementation plans by the U.S. Fish Salmon and steelhead recovery planning and and developing the summary plan for Lower Patty Dornbusch: 503.230.5430, and Wildlife Service and partners. The U.S. Fish implementation are under way in the greater Columbia River coho, Chinook, and steelhead [email protected] and Wildlife Service worked with the U.S. Forest Portland-Vancouver region through collaborative and Columbia River chum. Although the plans http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Recovery Service to compile and release the document Best processes involving federal, state, local, and tribal are guidance rather than regulatory documents, -Planning/ESA-Recovery-Plans/Estuary Management Practices to Minimize Adverse Effects entities and other stakeholders. The plans address -Module.cfm the authors of the ESA clearly saw recovery plans to Pacific Lamprey in 2010. Lower Columbia River coho (Oncorhynchus as a central guiding vehicle for the recovery of kisutch), Lower Columbia River Chinook listed species. Final recovery plans are considered

112 113 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

For more information: cal Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Pacific as a migratory corridor. Both the Lewis River http://www.fws.gov/pacific/Fisheries/ States Marine Fisheries Commission, North- and the mainstem lower Columbia River contain sphabcon/Lamprey/index.html west Indian Fisheries Commission, the states of critical habitat, which was recently redesignated California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2010. Coastal Cutthroat Trout Conservation Initiative other partners. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki Under this initiative, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is in the process of updating its bull trout clarki) is s one of at least fourteen subspecies Service and partner organizations are initiating recovery plan. of cutthroat trout in western North America. development of a range-wide coastal cutthroat An experimental population of bull trout was Coastal cutthroat trout range along the coast trout conservation plan that will assess coastal reintroduced to the upper Clackamas River basin from Prince William Sound, Alaska, to the Eel cutthroat trout population sizes and trends, iden- for the first time in June 2011. The U.S. Fish and River in California. They can be found in several tify threats and conservation needs, and coordi- Wildlife Service, with the Oregon Department habitats throughout the greater Portland-Vancou- nate conservation efforts. This initiative, with the of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, and ver region because they exhibit a range of life his- development of the conservation plan and other other partners, are working together to restore tory strategies, including a non-migratory form tools, will result in the implementation and evalu- bull trout to part of its historical range now that (found in small streams and headwater tributar- ation of important conservation measures for the threats that caused the species’ extirpation in ies), a freshwater migratory form (uses rivers and coastal cutthroat trout and secure its place in our the 1960s have been mitigated. Through careful lakes in addition to small streams), and a saltwa- region as a valuable native species. monitoring and evaluation of the reintroduction River began in 1978 and was conducted annually ter migratory form (uses freshwater, estuarine, project, bull trout may once again be a part of the For more information: www.fws.gov/columbi- through 2007, when the bald eagle was removed and near-shore marine environments). native species assemblage in this area. ariver/cctinitiative.html form the federal list of threatened species. There Although coastal cutthroat trout have been For more information: http://www.fws.gov/ were no known bald eagle nests in the Portland- proposed for listing under the federal Endan- Bull Trout Conservation and Recovery pacific/bulltrout/Index.cfm Vancouver area until the mid 1980s. By 2007, gered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were once conservation efforts—including the ban on use Service found that listing this subspecies was not widely distributed throughout their range, which Bald Eagle Conservation and Recovery of DDT in 1972 and PCBs in 1978—had paid warranted, most recently in 2010 (see www.fws. included Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Mon- Bald eagles formerly were common year-round off, and there were at least 73 bald eagle breeding gov/endangered/ for more information on listing tana, and Nevada. They have specific habitat residents along the lower Columbia River, before areas in the Portland-Vancouver area. history). However, coastal cutthroat trout are requirements, including the “four Cs”: cold, the area’s settlement and development by Europe- The bald eagle nesting population is expected considered to be a sensitive species and have been clean, complex, and connected habitat. They an immigrants and migrant Americans. By 1940, to continue increasing in the near future. How- affected by changes to their habitats that have exhibit a variety of life history expressions, the species was considered uncommon because of ever, removal of the species from the federal and resulted from forest management practices, estu- including migratory and non-migratory forms. a long-term population decline caused by shoot- Washington state threatened species lists in 2007 ary degradation, agriculture, livestock manage- Non-migratory forms stay in the same stream ing, poisoning, trapping, and habitat destruction and 2008, respectively, and impending removal ment, dams and barriers, urban and industrial throughout their lives, while migratory forms use that had occurred since the 1800s. Bald eagles from the Oregon list of threatened species signal development, and mining. Because many of these rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in addition to smaller were protected by the Bald Eagle Protection Act the beginning of reduced habitat protection. In threats are ongoing, a Coastal Cutthroat Trout spawning streams. In addition, some populations in 1940; however, population size changed little addition, the effects of increasing human popula- Conservation Initiative was established with the migrate between freshwater and marine environ- through the 1960s. The lack of recovery during tion and development on habitat quality and new goal of developing and implementing a frame- ments. Because bull trout require pristine habitat, that period probably was due to continued direct environmental contaminants on eagle reproduc- work by which federal they are threatened by habitat degradation and persecution and reduced productivity caused by tion are unknown. Consequently, the outlook for and state agencies and fragmentation, fish barriers and dams, past fish- environmental contaminants, especially DDT and nesting bald eagles in the Portland-Vancouver their partners can ery management practices, non-native invasive PCBs, which were widely used after World War II. area is optimistic for the near future but ongoing address the conserva- species, and more recently, climate change. As a Long-term population decline and impaired efforts will be needed to safeguard the species tion needs of coastal result, bull trout now occur in less than half of reproduction resulted in the bald eagle being over the long-term. cutthroat trout. Coop- their historical range and in 1999 were listed as listed as a threatened species in Oregon and erating agencies may For more information: threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Washington by the federal government in 1978, ultimately include the http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/ Within the greater Portland-Vancouver region, by the state of Oregon in 1987, and in special bald U.S. Fish and Wildlife BaldEagle/ bull trout can be found spawning and rearing in eagle habitat protection rules for Washington Service, U.S. Forest http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/bald_eagle/ the Lewis River in Washington, and overwinter- in 1984. Statewide monitoring of nesting bald Service, U.S. Geologi- ing in the Columbia River, which they may use eagles in Oregon and along the lower Columbia 114 115 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

Western Purple Martin Columbia River, and at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Working Group Eugene. The species once nested in loose colonies The International in cavities in old trees and snags in open treed Western Purple Mar- areas with little undergrowth, such as recently tin Working Group, burned areas, or bordering freshwater. Their established in 1998, is numbers declined because of loss of nesting an informal associa- habitat from logging, fire suppression, agricul- tion working toward tural land clearing, and urban development, as the long-term recov- well as competition from European starlings and ery and conservation house sparrows for remaining nesting sites. of the western purple Although some martins still nest in natural martin in British cavities at a few known locations, nest boxes are Purple Martins, once Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. being installed and maintained by volunteers and Bat Initiatives evidence suggests that the fungus may also be The group is working to establish cooperative agency personnel at marine pilings, freshwater nearly extirpated from Bats play a critical role in insect control and are spread inadvertently by humans on contaminated purple martin conservation partnerships and snags, and upland sites. Many of these sites are the Willamette Valley essential in maintaining healthy terrestrial and clothing and equipment. facilitate the exchange of information, data, expe- located in the Puget Trough, in coastal estuaries, aquatic ecosystems. All of the 16 bat species in State and federal agencies currently are have benefited by the rience, expertise and ideas between government along the lower Columbia River and in the Willa- the Pacific Northwest are insectivorous and are working together on an interagency white-nose installation of nesting and non-government agencies and individuals mette Valley. Federal, state, and regional agencies the primary predators of night-flying insects. Bats syndrome response plan for the Pacific Northwest structures that replace working with western purple martins. and conservation organizations are protecting can eat more than 600 insects an hour. They feed in preparation for the potential spread of the The working group completed a DNA study and maintaining lands that also include existing natural nesting cavi- on damaging crop pests and consume vast num- disease into Oregon and Washington. The plan showing that eastern and western purple martins and/or potential purple martin nesting habitat. ties which have been bers of mosquitoes, which are potential vectors ties into the national plan, outlining goals and are separate subspecies and is conducting a simi- Other projects are under way to create or main- for human diseases. action items for seven response sections: com- reduced by loss of snag lar study to determine whether all western purple tain snags and marine pilings for purple martin Bats are considered to be one of the most munication and outreach, scientific and technical habitat and taken by martins are the same subspecies. Leg banding nesting habitat. To further understand how well threatened orders in the world. Eight of the information management, diagnostics, disease programs are also under way to document disper- these initiatives are working, a complete inven- non-native species such Pacific Northwest’s 16 bat species are on the management, etiology and epidemiological sal within and between province/states, longevity, tory of current and historical purple martin nest as European Starlings. Oregon Sensitive Species List and two are on the research, disease surveillance, and conservation site fidelity, etc. Formal colony site monitoring sites is needed in both Washington and Oregon. Washington State Candidate List. Threats to bats and recovery. and data recording protocols have been estab- Within the greater Portland-Vancouver region, include habitat destruction, disturbance during lished. Conservation efforts range from extensive purple martins currently nest in boxes on pilings The Bat Grid critical periods, and disease, including white- recovery programs to individual colony sites and along the lower Columbia River and on Sauvie The Bat Grid is a comprehensive inventory and nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging disease that include protecting, maintaining, and restoring Island. Martins also are nesting at Steigerwald monitoring program to collect data on bat species afflicts hibernating bats. purple martin nesting habitat. Lake National Wildlife Refuge, near Washougal, across Oregon and Washington. Baseline data on Western purple martins (Progne subis) breed Washington, in gourd racks on poles and in cavi- White-nose Syndrome Response Plan the identification, presence, and distribution of along the west coast of North America from ties in cottonwood trees. Additionally, there are Since its initial detection in New York in 2006, bat species at the landscape scale are essential for California to SE British Columbia. The U.S. Fish gourd racks at the Oregon Yacht Club adjacent WNS has spread across the eastern United States developing conservation plans. Bat Grid survey- and Wildlife Service recognizes western purple to Portland’s Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, and and into Canada, killing more than 1 million bats. ors (“Gridders”) are a collection of professional martins as a species of concern from Washington martins are nesting in cavities in pilings at the Currently, most large bat colonies exposed to and citizen scientists that have been working to California. Purple martins are recognized as a Portland Rowing Club, just upstream of the WNS experience mortality rates of more than 90 together to conduct surveys since 2002. candidate species by the Washington Department Sellwood Bridge in Portland. percent. Researchers believe that the white fungus Summer surveys are conducted across the of Fish and Wildlife and a sensitive species in the (Geomyces destructans) associated with WNS dis- Pacific Northwest. Surveyors follow a standard- For more information: “critical” category by the Oregon Department of rupts important functions provided by the wing ized protocol for accurately identifying bat spe- http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ Fish and Wildlife. membranes of bats. WNS may act as a chronic cies, using three methods: morphology, acoustics, news/2008/2008_may.asp#Purple Before European settlement, western purple irritant, causing hibernating bats to repeatedly and genetics. Gridders capture bats with mist http://www.oregonbirds.com/martins.php martins were uncommon in Washington and arise from hibernation, prematurely use up all nets, measure key physical characteristics, and Michelle Tirhi, Washington Department of Fish Oregon but were locally common in the Puget their winter fat reserves, and die of starvation. take genetic tissue samples. They also record, and Wildlife, 253.589.7012 Trough area, in some coastal estuaries, along the Scientists believe the fungus is spread primarily analyze, and catalogue bat calls using specialized through bat-to-bat transmission, although some acoustical equipment and software. With the

116 117 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

three species identification methods and stan- ecological health of the landscape. In recent years, meet two to three times each year to share volun- dardized sampling strategy, a reliable distribution land managers have begun to survey and track teers and materials, discuss patterns in popula- of species can be mapped and data provided for the occurrence of pond-breeding amphibians tion size and occurrence at sites, and ensure that bat species status assessments and conservation as a means of gauging the success of watershed protocols and data sheets are compatible. plans. restoration projects, the efficiency of water qual- For more information: Partners in the Bat Grid include state and ity improvement strategies in stormwater pond Laura Guderyahn (City of Gresham): federal agencies, universities, non-governmental design, and the impacts of non-point source 503.618.2246 organizations, and volunteers. pollution in local waterways. In addition, recent Sue Thomas (City of Portland): 503.823.3601 studies illustrating the decline of amphibian spe- For more information on state initiatives and Katy Weil (Metro) http://www.oregonmetro.gov/ cies worldwide has made amphibians a focus of the Bat Grid: index.cfm/go/by.web/id=16440 research and conservation efforts. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ Char Corkran (Northwest Ecological Research Over the last decade, several different jurisdic- http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bats.html Institute): tions, organizations, and counties from northwest http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/wildlife/ http://northwestecologicalresearchinstitute Oregon and southwest Washington have part- For more information on white-nose .blogspot.com/ nered to use citizen volunteers to collect data on syndrome: Peter Ritson (Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum four species of pond-breeding amphibians: the http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/index. counties): http://home.comcast.net/~cportfors/ red-legged frog (Rana aurora aurora), north- html) western salamander (Ambystoma gracile), Pacific http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/ Peregrine Conservation and Recovery chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla), and long-toed bats.asp The Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum). http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/ has played a significant role in the recovery of Each year, dozens of sites across the region are Peregrines first began nesting on Portland’s http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/wildlife/ the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth. surveyed by hundreds of volunteers in order to Fremont Bridge in 1994. At the time this was only http://www.batcon.org/ Today it is not uncommon to look up and see engage citizens, determine the success of restora- the 26th peregrine nest site known to have been http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/images/ the sickle-shaped silhouette of a peregrine falcon tion and stormwater mitigation projects, provide occupied in Oregon since peregrine recovery WhiteNoseSyndrome07.jpg, http://www.fws. slicing through the clouds above our urban land- information on habitat enhancement, and track began in the 1970s. A community-wide effort that gov/whitenosesyndrome/images/wnsGree- scape. However, a mere generation ago, the per- the population fluctuations of these species (espe- has included Audubon Society of Portland, state leyMine032609-74.jpg.] egrine (Falco peregrinus anatum) was absent from cially R. aurora aurora, which is listed by the state and federal natural resource agencies, Oregon our skies. Widespread use of the pesticide DDT of Oregon as Sensitive-Vulnerable). Participants Department of Transportation, and a huge Bi-state Partnership to from the 1940s to the 1960s caused peregrines in the partnership include Metro and the cities number of volunteers has provided monitoring, Assess Pond-breeding and other top avian predators, such as bald eagles of Portland and Gresham; in addition, in Clark, research, educational outreach, and captive rear- Amphibian Populations and osprey, to lay eggs with thin eggshells that Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties in Washing- ing and release programs to support our urban Using a Citizen Science broke during incubation, causing these preda- ton, citizen volunteers manage and coordinate nesting falcons. The nearly two-decade-long Approach tor populations to crash. By 1970 the American the amphibian surveys but are not overseen by effort has been a huge success. Pond-breeding peregrine falcon was almost extirpated from the county staff. Staff from the Northwest Ecological By 2010 there were more than 160 sites across amphibians require continental United States, and no peregrines were Research Institute have conducted trainings for Oregon where peregrines had nested at least healthy habitat in both known to be nesting in Oregon. The banning the volunteers of all these efforts. once since the start of recovery. Ten of those aquatic and terrestrial of DDT in1972 and the listing of the American The goals of the survey differ slightly for each sites—more than 6 percent—are located within environments—aquatic peregrine falcon under the federal Endangered of the participating partners, but the ultimate the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region. for breeding and Species Act in 1973 were the first steps toward goal is to create a regional amphibian database for The Fremont Bridge has become Oregon’s most terrestrial for year- recovery. the lower Columbia River and its tributaries. This prolific known nest site, having fledged 50 young round foraging and Peregrines typically nest on high, inaccessible information will be used to identify landscape- over 17 years. All Portland-area peregrine nest overwintering. This cliff ledges. However, there are records dating and region-scale patterns in population size and sites combined have fledged more than 140 lifestyle, combined back to the Middle Ages of peregrines substitut- occurrence, to advise key staff in habitat manage- young; these nests’ annual average productivity with amphibians’ ing tall man-made structures such as castles and ment decision making, and to seek the technical of 2.4 young per nest exceeds both statewide and sensitive skin, makes cathedrals for cliffs. Today it is not uncommon and financial support needed to continue the nationwide averages for peregrines. More than them reliable indica- for peregrines to use bridges and skyscrapers. effort. The coordinators for each survey effort 150 volunteers and a multitude of agencies and tors of the overall organizations have participated in the peregrine 118 119 regional conservation strategy Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives

watch to ensure that the Portland-Vancouver appreciation of birds and encourage involvement partners also develop and implement bird con- For more information metropolitan region does its part in helping to in conservation activities. Some locally active servation plans based on geographic focal areas; American Bird Conservancy, recover this amazing species. non-profit organizations, such as the Audubon a few of these plans are applicable to the greater http://www.abcbirds.org/ Society and American Bird Conservancy, are Portland-Vancouver region, namely those for the Audubon Society, local chapters: Migratory Birds engaged in a multitude of bird-related programs Puget lowlands, lower Columbia River, and Wil- Audubon Society of Portland, In addition to being among the most enchanting as they carry out organizational missions that are lamette Valley areas.2 http://audubonportland.org/ and celebrated living resources, migratory birds specifically focused on birds. Migratory birds are An additional partnership formed to help con- Vancouver Audubon Society, play significant ecological, economic, and cultural Federal and state agencies and the myriad of serve migratory birds at the local level when the http://www.vancouveraudubon.org/ threatened by habitat roles here and around the world. Because of their other interested groups often work in partnership City of Portland launched its Urban Migratory Oregon/Washington Partners in Flight, loss and degradation, migratory nature they have complex and often to develop and carry out bird conservation plans Bird Program by signing an Urban Conserva- http://cain.ice.ucdavis.edu/prbo/orwapif/ extensive habitat needs, requiring networks of and programs. Two of the largest partnerships a multitude of hazards, tion Treaty for Migratory Birds with the USFWS appropriate habitats in key locations across large specifically focused on birds in the greater Port- Pacific Coast Joint Venture, the effects of climate in May 2003. An additional 31 organizations geographical areas that support the full gamut of land- Vancouver region are the Oregon/Washing- http://www.pcjv.org/home/ formally committed their support to the effort by change, and more. Their land uses. Migratory birds are threatened by habi- ton chapter of Partners in Flight and the Pacific U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: signing on as treaty partners in 2003 and 2006. conservation depends tat loss and degradation, a multitude of hazards, Coast Joint Venture. Pacific Region Migratory Bird Program, http:// The USFWS launched its Urban Bird Treaty the effects of climate change, and more. Their Partners in Flight is an international coalition www.fws.gov/pacific/migratorybirds/ on attention and action Program in 1999 to help municipal governments conservation depends on attention and action at of government agencies, conservation groups, National Migratory Bird Program, http://www. at all scales, ranging conserve birds in their cities by taking on educa- all scales, ranging from highly localized to inter- academic institutions, private organizations, and fws.gov/migratorybirds/ from highly localized tion, habitat improvement, hazard reduction, and national. Fortunately, the challenges and oppor- citizens dedicated to the long-term maintenance other bird conservation projects. The program is Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds to international. tunities are recognized, and migratory birds have of healthy populations of native land birds. The Program, http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/ based on the premise that cities can serve as effec- garnered much special and targeted attention. Oregon/Washington chapter of Partners in Flight Partnerships/UrbanTreaty/UrbanTreaty.html tive sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife, with At the federal level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife has prepared five bird conservation plans that an environmentally aware citizenry dedicated to Service (USFWS) carries the legal mandate and present strategies for long-term maintenance of conserving and enhancing natural resources. This the trust responsibility to maintain healthy migra- healthy bird populations. Two of these plans are is not only good for the birds, but also for the tory bird populations. The agency is authorized applicable to the greater Portland-Vancouver Mission Statement for Portland’s Urban Migratory quality of life of people living in and visiting our by more than 25 primary conventions, treaties, region: the Conservation Strategy for Land Birds Bird Program cities. Other Urban Bird Treaty cities include New and laws to ensure the conservation of more than in Coniferous Forest of Western Oregon and Orleans, LA (1999), Chicago, IL (2000), Phila- The City of Portland is an important part of the Pacific Flyway and 800 species of migratory birds and their habitats. Washington and the Conservation Strategy for delphia (2002), Houston, TX (2003), St. Louis, provides critical resting, feeding and nesting habitat for migratory USFWS provides funding assistance for migrato- Land Birds in Lowlands and Valleys of Western MO (2004), Nashville, TN (2004), Anchorage, birds, both those that fly long distances and those that migrate ry bird-focused projects, provides a focal point to Oregon and Washington. AK (2008), New York City, NY (2008), Phoenix, bring together partners to develop and implement Joint Ventures are widely inclusive partner- shorter distances within the metropolitan region. Participation in AZ (2011), Kennedale, TX (2011), Twin Cities migratory bird management plans, and works to ships between public and private agencies and the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds demonstrates – Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN (2011); India- conserve migratory birds as opportunities arise organizations that are set up to implement napolis, IN (2011); Opelika, AL (2011); Hartford, the City’s long-term commitment to the protection and conserva- through many of its programs.1 At the state level, national and/or international bird conservation CT (2011); Ogden, UT (2011); Lewistown, MT tion of migratory birds. The Portland Urban Migratory Bird Program the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish plans within specific geographic areas. The Pacific (2011); San Francisco, CA (2011); and Washing- and Wildlife play similar roles and also oversee Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) is one of 18 habitat- raises awareness of migratory birds in Portland’s urban ecosystem; ton DC (2011). the conservation of migratory birds through their based Joint Ventures in the nation. PCJV part- shares and increases knowledge of the needs and ecological func- respective programs and authorities. ners pool financial and management resources tions of migratory birds; recognizes and promotes existing efforts Numerous other entities are also actively to fund and carry out on-the-ground projects to conserve and enhance the health of our migratory bird popula- engaged in migratory bird conservation. Local to protect lowland wetland and upland habitats. tion; and identifies and pursues new actions that will ensure their and regional governments, nonprofit organiza- Projects help carry out the goals of four major tions, private landowners, and others play major bird conservation initiatives: the North American diversity is maintained through time. The program instills a sense roles in protecting and restoring bird populations Waterfowl Management Plan, North American of stewardship and responsibility so that the City and its citizens and habitats. These entities provide environ- Waterbird Conservation Plan, U.S. Shorebird take specific measures to co-exist with migratory birds and other mental education and outreach to promote an Conservation Plan, and Partners in Flight. PCJV species to ensure that they remain an important element in the

1 Source: www.fws.gov 2 Source: http://www.pcjv.org/ urban landscape. 120 121

Chapter 11 Funding Options

Funding Options Chapter11

s a community, we have achieved much in tion of what is needed to implement the conser- “I have enjoyed my Aterms of protecting and restoring natural vation strategies recommended in this document. park reconnaissance areas in the greater Portland-Vancouver region, In an era of budget tightening, with few stable, very much as the land- and we have benefited tremendously from these long-term funding sources for conservation, it is investments. Yet significant additional funding is likely that the vision in the Regional Conservation scape is fine and the needed to carry out the strategies this document Strategy will only be achieved through a combi- possibilities for parks, as recommends, so that we can continue to protect nation of funding approaches, both familiar and far as land is concerned, special places in the region; restore and maintain new. Some possibilities are described below. existing parks, trails, and natural areas; and, ulti- are excellent. But I mately, conserve the region’s biodiversity for our Bond Measures fear the money will be own benefit and that of future generations. The region has a decades-long tradition of deficient.” As one example, Metro’s 2011 parks and successful passage of local and regional bond — john charles natural areas portfolio report estimated that measures for the acquisition of natural areas olmsted restoring Metro-acquired properties would cost and implementation of parks projects (see Table in a 1903 letter to his wife $12 million to $45 million over several decades 11-1), including Metro bond in 1995 and 2006 and that maintaining the land in its ideal condi- that passed with nearly 60 percent approval. Over tion would cost $830,000 a year.1 Another high- the last 20 years, bond measures have resulted in level estimate completed in 2009 by Metro put some of the region’s most visible recent conserva- the cost of restoring and stabilizing publicly-held tion accomplishments, such as Metro’s acquisi- natural areas in the Oregon portion of the region tion of 1,100 acres of forestland in the Chehalem at $75 million to $150 million, with subsequent Mountains of the Tualatin Valley or adding annual costs of $3 million for long-range manage- 900+ acres of protected lands in the Sandy River ment. These cost estimates represent only a por- Gorge. Recent bond measures have funded not just property acquisition, but trail and greenway

1 Metro’s Portfolio of Natural Areas, Parks and Trails: Opportunities and Challenges, Metro, November 2011, http://library.oregonmetro.gov/files//portfolio_report.pdf. 123 regional conservation strategy Chapter 11 Funding Options

Table 11-1 for jurisdictions experiencing rapid population foundations with public funding (i.e., grants) to A Sampling of Significant Bond Measures in the Region growth. Typically, SDCs are levied only on new acquire ecologically significant properties out- growth, with the resulting revenue spent only right and negotiate conservation easements with Entity Year Amount Purpose on new capital projects or planning for future private property owners so that open spaces and City of Portland 2002 $49.5 million Park repair and maintenance population growth. The City of Gresham uses an valuable habitat are protected rather than devel- City of Lake Oswego Parks Department 1993 $9.75 million Parks bond SDC methodology in which developments on the oped. Although different land trust organizations periphery of town pay higher SDCs to help cover have slightly different geographic target areas and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District 1994 $25.9 million the capital costs of the requisite parks, trails, foci in conservation, their nonprofit status pro- City of Portland 1994 $58 million Park repair and maintenance and open spaces near these new developments. vides a needed diversity of funding sources. In the Metro 1995 $135.6 million Protection of regional water quality, wildlife habitat SDCs are similarly used by Clean Water Services, greater Portland-Vancouver region, notable land and access to nature Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, North trusts include Columbia Land Trust, The Nature Metro 2006 $227.4 million Protection of regional water quality, wildlife habitat Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, and the Conservancy, The Wetlands Conservancy, Trust and access to nature cities of Troutdale, West Linn, Tualatin, Oregon for Public Land, and Western Rivers Conservan- City, Forest Grove, and Wilsonville. Portland cy. Smaller groups such as the 40-Mile Loop Land Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District 2008 $100 million Parks and Recreation, similarly, uses SDCs for Trust and watershed councils also match public City of Tigard 2010 $17 million acquisition, preservation, and protection of open spaces, residential units and per-square-foot charges and private funding for conservation purposes. water quality, habitat and parkland. Measure passed despitea poor economy. on new commercial properties, with lower rates Nonprofit organizations often make use of private for development outside the designated central funding sources that are more difficult to access Clark County Since 1985 approx. Protection of more than 4,600 acres of wildlife downtown area. Since SDCs relate to new or for public agencies. For example, the Audubon $2 million a year habitat and spaces for passive recreation expanded development they can be an important Society of Portland was able to help launch what funding mechanism for rapidly growing jurisdic- became the Metropolitan Greenspaces Initiative tions. after a $116,600 grant from Meyer Memorial projects, and capital improvements that increase Conservation Futures money can be used toward Trust in 1989. people’s access to nature. Given today’s economic maintaining, protecting, and enhancing these Land Trusts and Other Nonprofits pressures it is easy to view bond measures as a properties in perpetuity. Clark County adopted Private dollars directed toward conservation can Investment in Green Infrastructure and conservation funding mechanism of a more afflu- the program in 1985 and has bonded against play an important role by helping to build organi- Ecosystem Services ent past. However, the fact that in 2010 Tigard the levy to create larger sources of funds for the zational capacity in private conservation groups, Investing in green infrastructure and ecosys- voters passed a $17 million bond measure for the county’s natural areas acquisition program. The serving as a catalyst for conservation initiatives, tem services is a new approach to providing acquisition, preservation, and protection of open levy generates approximately $2.3 million per and matching public funds available for conserva- vital services, such as clean drinking water and spaces, water quality, habitat, and parkland— year in Clark County and is extremely important tion projects. Land trusts often leverage private stormwater management, while also enhanc- despite a poor economy—suggests that the value as the primary source of local match for grants funding from individual donors and private ing natural processes and habitats and saving the public places on natural areas has not neces- through the Washington Recreation and Con- sarily diminished. servation Office and other conservation funding entities. In addition to being used directly for Conservation Futures Property Tax Levy land acquisitions by Clark County, Conservation In the state of Washington, boards of county Futures tax revenue is periodically awarded to commissioners are authorized, by the Con- towns, cities, and nonprofit conservation orga- servation Futures Enabling Legislation (RCW nizations for important conservation acquisition 84.34.200 passed in 1971), to implement a prop- projects, through a proposal process. Since 1985 erty tax levy to support conservation acquisitions. Conservation Futures funding has contributed to Conservation Futures tax dollars are earmarked the protection of more than 4,500 acres. solely for the acquisition of property and development rights to benefit wildlife, conserve natural System Development Charges resources, increase passive recreation and edu- System development charges (SDCs) are an cational opportunities, and improve the quality important element of the funding matrix in the of life for area residents. Fifteen percent of the greater Portland-Vancouver region, especially

124 125 regional conservation strategy Chapter 11 Funding Options

ratepayers money over the long term. Because contributes up to $258,980 in value over 20 years Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and green infrastructure typically is less expensive by sequestrating carbon, providing water, and Wildlife program, administered from the William “Marked economy in than conventional infrastructure, conserva- supporting recreational and commercial fishing. O. Finley Wildlife Refuge, provides support for municipal development tion benefits can be achieved without additional These values are compiled by using techniques private landowners to improve wildlife habitat in cost; alternatively, money freed up from avoided established by the U.S. Environmental Protection the form of matching funds, planning, and heavy may also be effected by conventional infrastructure improvements can be Agency in 2009.2 equipment operation. Both the U.S. Fish and laying out parkways directed to conservation projects. For example, Examples of investment in green infrastruc- Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmo- and park, while land is under an innovative watershed-based National ture, ecosystem services, and protection and spheric Administration (NOAA) have a variety of cheap, so as to embrace Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) restoration of natural lands often are described competitive grant programs. permit, Clean Water Services was able to avoid in terms of costs savings. But their value in terms Although Oregon does not have extensive streams that carry at purchasing $150 million worth of mechanical of conservation benefits is equally important, formal incentive programs like those channeled times more water than refrigeration equipment to cool its discharges to in that they provide new and enhanced habitat through the Natural Resources Conservation Ser- funding to small forest landowners to repair or can be taken care of by the Tualatin River; instead, the agency invested within the urban matrix. As a society we are vice, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Pro- remove fish passage barriers. Small family forests drain pipes of ordinary in restoration of riparian areas to cool the river just beginning to understand how investment in gram has a competitive grant program that funds are home to thousands of miles of fish-bearing water, at a much lower cost. Cost savings have green infrastructure and ecosystem services can environmental restoration work with a portion size. Thus brooks or streams and play a key role in helping Washing- been channeled into tree planting near urban serve multiple objectives, including cost-effective of lottery funds. Projects are typically required little rivers which would ton restore its once thriving fish populations. streams, incentives for farmers to tend to ripar- conservation in urban areas. to be on lands protected with at least a conser- A single barrier on a stream can keep fish from otherwise become ian areas, and green infrastructure for the vation easement. The Oregon Department of reaching many miles of upstream spawning and nuisances that would stream-related conveyance system. In the City of Opportunities for Private Landowners Agriculture also has a competitive grant program rearing habitat. As part of Washington’s salmon some day have to be put Portland, the Bureau of Environmental Services There are a variety of incentive and grant pro- focused on control of invasive species. In most recovery efforts, all private forest owners are expects to save water ratepayers $58 million in grams in place for landowners in the region Oregon counties, landowners who develop a for- in large underground required to fix artificial, instream fish barriers by sewer management expenses by investing in who are interested in improving water quality mal wildlife management plan with the Oregon conduits at enormous 2016. In May 2003, the state Legislature com- green infrastructure, such as bioswales, as part of or wildlife habitat on their land. Although the Department of Fish and Wildlife are eligible for mitted to helping small forest landowners pay expense, may be its “Tabor to the River” project. In addition, the majority of programs are federally funded, state the same tax deferral as those provided for forest for these repairs by creating the Family Forest made the occasion for Bureau’s Grey to Green program provides grants and local programs also exist. Many but not all or farm lands. Fish Passage Program. Landowners enrolled in delightful local pleasure to ecoroof developers as a means of reducing programs require the landowner to agree to retain Washington also has a tax deferral program the program will not be required to fix their fish costs to the city’s stormwater utility. The goal is to the funded improvements for a certain period of for landowners who choose to maintain their grounds or attractive blockages until the state can provide financial cover 43 rooftop acres with ecoroofs, at an esti- time. Some programs require that lands be for- land as farm, forest, or open space. Current-use parkways.” assistance. Landowners not enrolled in the pro- mated cost of $6.5 million, by 2013. This would mally protected from future development either properties are those which qualify for a reduced gram must fix the blockage at their own expense — john charles keep nearly 18 million gallons of rainfall out of for a specified period or permanently. assessment based on the use of the property as olmsted by 2016, and any future Forest Practices Applica- the city’s drains and save roughly $9 million on Several incentive programs funded through farm, timberland, or open space. Property own- tion for timber harvest could be denied until the upgrades and maintenance of existing treatment the federal Farm Bill are channeled through ers must apply for and be granted the reduction barrier is corrected. For details, visit the Wash- facilities. the Natural Resources Conservation Service. and may continue in the program until the use is ington Department of Natural Resources’ Small Also worth noting are recent studies that Among 15 separate programs are the Wetlands changed or the owner elects to remove the prop- Forest Landowner Office. are beginning to demonstrate the secondary Reserve and Enhancement Program (WREP), erty from the program. The Legislature designed Private landowners are also eligible to pur- and tertiary benefits of protecting and restoring Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Pro- the current use program to preserve land for sue habitat restoration grants that support state natural land within urban areas. When taking gram (CREP), Environmental Quality Incentive agriculture, timber growth, and open space in salmon recovery efforts through Washington’s into the account the value of stormwater treat- Program (EQIP), and Conservation Innovation areas where market value taxation would other- Salmon Recovery Funding Board. As in Oregon, ment, air purification, flood prevention, bird Grants and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program wise economically prohibit their continued use habitat restoration actions on private property watching, property values, habitat provision, and (WHIP). Each program has specific eligibility for those purposes. Details of the Open Space Act are required to be maintained for a period of at storm mitigation, researchers believe that 1 acre requirements, funding limits, and regulations. are available at the Washington Department of least 10 years. For more information on Salmon of preserved wetland in an urban area is worth Information about them is best gathered through Revenue. Clark County’s Program is summarized Recovery Funding Board grants please see the between $25,831 and $294,773 over a 20-year conversation with a local Natural Resources on the Clark County Assessors web page. web page for Washington’s Recreation and time frame. Similarly, 1 acre of urban wetland Conservation Service representative. The U.S. The Family Forest Fish Passage Grant Pro- Conservation Office. gram, which is administered by Washington’s 2 Intertwine Ecosystem Service and Recreation Values (ECONorthwest, November 17, 2010, available at http://library.oregon- Recreation and Conservation Office, provides metro.gov/files//intertwine_ecosystem_goods_and_services_final.pdf). 126 127 regional conservation strategy

Several local programs serve parts of our programs at the state level include those of Wash- region through education, technical assistance, ington’s Recreation and Conservation Office and or financial assistance. Some soil and water con- the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. As servation districts (including the east and west with most funding sources, the amount of avail- Multnomah districts) have the means to provide able funds from these and other grant programs matching funds to landowners willing to contrib- can fluctuate year to year based on legislative ute to watershed health. In other cases, soil and decisions, competition from other regions, and water conservation districts provide advice and other budgetary and public policy factors. Work- can help landowners access federal funds. In the ing together as a region to advocate for sustained Portland area, Columbia Land Trust and Audu- grant funding could result in needed funds being bon Society of Portland have teamed up with directed to important conservation projects. others to support small landowners interested in improving wildlife habitat in their yards through Suggested Reading the Backyard Habitat Program, which provides Physical Activity and the Intertwine: A Public some matching funds, advice and certification. Health Method of Reducing Obesity and Washington County’s Clean Water Services funds Healthcare Costs riparian restoration for water quality protection K. Beil, 2011 on private lands. http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/ uploads/2011/02/IntertwinePAObesityAssess- Grant Programs ment.pdf Grants from a variety of federal and state agen- Intertwine Ecosystem Service and Recreation cies are available to local governments, tribes, Values nonprofit organizations, and state agencies for ECONorthwest, 2010 http://library.oregonmetro conservation work at the regional level. These .gov/files//intertwine_ecosystem_goods_and_ grant sources often provide funding for acqui- services_final.pdf sition and restoration projects. Notable grant

chapter 11 Summary Significant funding is needed to conserve our region’s biodiversity. In the absence of stable, long-term funding sources, it is likely that the conservation strategies recommended in this document will be implemented only through a patchwork of funding approaches. Possibilities include familiar mechanisms such as bond measures, system development charges, agency grants, and private contributions funneled through land trusts and other nonprofit organizations. Still not fully explored is the possibility of green infrastructure and market-based approaches to contribute significantly to conservation in the region.

Other new and/or innovative funding strategies may yet be identified.

With the economy changing and the future uncertain, it can be difficult to commit to the investments needed to protect and maintain our region’s wealth of plants, wildlife, and habitats. Yet we may have no alternative. Over the long term, our physical, social, and economic well-being depends on the clean air, clean water, good soil, flood protection, and other services a healthy natural environment provides to us—for free.

128 Chapter 12 References

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134 appendix a Contributors

A. Contributors

Without the contributions from over a hundred individuals Biodiversity Guide Steering Committee and organizations the creation of the Regional Conservation Susan Barnes, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Strategy for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Region would not Dan Bell, The Nature Conservancy have been possible. Contributors graciously donated their time Bill Dygert, Private Citizen and expertise. In addition to those listed below, many other George Fornes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife individuals contributed information, references, or comments on drafts that helped improve the documents. Thank you to all Lori Hennings, Metro of those involved! Deborah Lev, City of Portland Parks Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy Financial Contributions Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Bullitt Foundation Bob Sallinger, Audubon of Portland and East Multnomah Clean Water Services Soil and Water Conservation District East Multnomah Soil and Water Jonathan Soll, Metro Conservation District Metro Regional Government Technical Sub-Committee National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Tommy Albo, Metro Conservation Assistance Program Josh Darling, City of Portland Vancouver Audubon Society Lori Hennings, Metro Rich Hunter, Clean Water Services Steering Committee Members Eric Nielsen, Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State Regional Conservation Strategy Steering Committee University Jeff Azerrad, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Bob Pool, Clark County Susan Barnes, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Michael Schindel, The Nature Conservancy Kathleen Brennan-Hunter, Metro Jonathan Soll, Metro Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Rich Hunter, Clean Water Services Contributors by Chapter Pat Lee, Clark County Chapter 1 Introduction Deborah Lev, City of Portland Parks Scott McEwen, Columbia Land Trust Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Scott McEwen, Columbia Land Trust Mike Wetter, The Intertwine Alliance Dan Miller, National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conser- vation Assistance Program Chapter 2 Background: Fulfilling a Vision Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Bob Sallinger, Audubon of Portland and East Multnomah Soil Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland and Water Conservation District Michael Schindel, The Nature Conservancy - Oregon Jonathan Soll, Metro Jennifer Thompson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mike Wetter, The Intertwine Alliance 135 regional conservation strategy appendix a Contributors

Chapter 3 Integration with Other Efforts Developed Lands Dick Springer, West Multnomah Soil and Water Bernadette Graham Hudson, Lower Columbia Fish Deborah Lev, City of Portland (chapter coordinator) Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland (lead author) Conservation District Recovery Board (Salmon and Steelhead) Jeff Azerrad, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Mindy Brooks, City of Portland Bob VanderZanden, farmer Laura Guderyahn, City of Gresham, Department of Environmental Services - Natural Resources Program Dave Howe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Mary Coolidge, Audubon Society of Portland Nathan Varns, Natural Resource Conservation Service (Amphibians) Heather Kent, Metro Sara Culp, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Owen Wozniak, Trust for Public Land Andrea Hanson, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Holly Michael, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Karl Dinkelspiel, City of Portland (Bats) Claire Puchy, City of Portland Chapter 7 Scott Fogarty, Friends of Trees Biodiversity Corridors Frank B. Isaacs, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Chris Sato, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Laura Gudery, City of Gresham Lori Hennings, Metro (lead author) Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Shannah Anderson, City of Portland Oregon State University (Bald Eagles) Marie Johnson, City of Portland Elizabeth Hadaway, private citizen Marci Koski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Columbia River Fisheries Office (Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout) Chapter 4 Current Conditions and Challenges Roberta Jortner, City of Portland Lori Hennings, Metro Stan Kostka, Western Purple Martin Working Group Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute Jim Labbe, Audubon Society of Portland Nathan Poage, Clackamas Stewardship Partners (Purple Martins) Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy Ariana Longanecker, Audubon Society of Portland Wendy Wente, Mason Bruce & Girard Charlene Lee, Western Purple Martin Working Group Jonathan Soll, Metro David McAllister, City of Portland (Purple Martins) Claire Puchy, City of Portland Chapter 8 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure Shelly Miller, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife –

Chapter 5 Climate Change Charles Ray, City of Vancouver Bobby Cochran, Willamette Partnership Corvallis Research Lab (Mussels) Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces Institute (lead author) Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Brent Davies, Ecotrust Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland (Peregrines) Kaitlin Lovell, Fish and Wildlife Program, Portland Bureau Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dan Vizzini, City of Portland Roberta Swift, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Purple Martins) of Environmental Services (lead author) Working Lands Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Heejun Chang, Ph.D., Portland State University Fish and Wildlife Office (Prairie Species, Migratory Birds) Meta Loftsgaarden, Natural Resource Chapter 9 Equity, Education and Research Michelle Tirhi, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Steve Fedje, Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Service (lead author) Equity (Purple Martins) Ashley Henry, NW Regional Biocarbon Initiative Lissa Adams, East Multnomah Soil and Water Jim Labbe, Audubon Society of Portland—Equity Christina Wang Luzier, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Catherine E. de Rivera, Ph.D., Portland State University Conservation District Conservation Education Columbia River Fisheries Program Office (Pacific Lamprey) Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Michael Ahr, West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District Stacey Triplett, Metro—Conservation Education Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland Steve Fedje, Natural Resource Conservation Service Kristen Sheeran Ph.D., Economics for Equity and Research Chapter 11 Funding Options the Environment Network, an Ecotrust affiliate Jean Fike, East Multnomah Soil and Water J. Alan Yeakley, Portland State University Aaron Brown, The Intertwine Alliance and Conservation District Jennifer Thompson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Park Service Scott Gall, West Multnomah Soil and Water Stacy Vynne, Climate Leadership Initiative Jonathan Soll, Metro Conservation District Chapter 10 Species-Specific Initiatives J. Alan Yeakley, Ph.D., Portland State University Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Kris Homma, Natural Resource Conservation Service Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Chapter Coordinator) Kasandra Kelly, Defenders of Wildlife Editor Chapter 6 Conservation Areas Dan Airola, Western Purple Martin Working Group Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy (Purple Martins) Ann Sihler Natural Areas Laura Masterson, farmer and East Multnomah Soil Sue Beilke, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Turtles) Jonathan Soll, Metro (lead author) and Water Conservation District Graphic Design Cat Brown, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Fish Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy (lead author) Dean Moberg, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Wildlife Office (Streaked Horned Lark) Laurie Causgrove Shanna Anderson, City of Portland Fritz Paulus, Metro Patty Dornbusch, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Tonia Burns, North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District Nathan Poage, Clackamas Stewardship Partners (Salmon and Steelhead) Project Coordinator Lori Hennings, Metro Eann Rains, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Danette Faucera, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust Angie Kimpo, City of Portland Dan Roix, Columbia Land Trust (Salmon and Steelhead) Emily Roth, City of Portland Jonathan Soll, Metro

137 appendix B Intertwine Alliance Partners

B. Intertwine Alliance Partners

40 Mile Loop Land Trust Metro Alta Planning & Design Molalla River Alliance Audubon Society of Portland National College of Natural Medicine Barlow Trail Association National Park Service Bicycle Transportation Alliance North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District Bike Gallery Northwest Trail Alliance City of Forest Grove ODS City of Gresham Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Valleys City of Lake Oswego Parks Foundation of Clark County City of Oregon City Portland General Electric City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Portland Office of Healthy Working Rivers City of Tigard Port of Portland City of West Linn Portland Parks and Recreation City of Wilsonville Portland Parks Foundation Clean Water Services Remmers Consulting Columbia Land Trust Sauvie Island Center Columbia Slough Watershed Council Sauvie Island Conservancy Cycle Oregon SOLVE Depave South Park Unitarian Universalist Fellowship East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District SWTrails PDX Forest Park Conservancy The Trust for Public Land Friends of Baltimore Woods ThinkShout Friends of Clark County TriMet Friends of Outdoor School Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Friends of Trees Tualatin Riverkeepers Friends of Tryon Creek Urban Greenspaces Institute GreenWorks U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hillsboro Parks and Recreation Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Jane Weber Arboretum Vancouver Watersheds Alliance Johnson Creek Watershed Council Walker Macy Kaiser Permanente West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District KEEN Footwear Lango Hansen Landscape Architects Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership Mayer/Reed 139 appendix C Conservation Education Providers

C. Conservation Education Providers

Schools Multnomah Education Service District - Columbia Slough Watershed Council Arbor School of Arts & Sciences Outdoor School Concordia Neighborhood Association Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School Native American Corbett Nature Coalition Youth and Family Center Atkinson Elementary School East Columbia Neighborhood Beaverton School District Northwest Regional Education Service Association District – Northwest Outdoor School Catlin Gabel School East Portland Neighbors/Wilkes Open Meadow Alternative School Center for Agriculture, Science and Community Group Environmental Educations (CASEE) Oregon City School District End of Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Center for Research in Environmental Oregon Episcopal School Fans of Fanno Creek Sciences and Technologies (CREST) All Oregon Green Schools Forest Park Conservancy (including: Beaverton Public Schools, Center for Science Education (PSU) Forest Park Neighborhood Association City of Tualatin, Clackamas County, Cityview Charter School David Douglas School District, Friends of Baltimore Woods (Expeditionary Learning School) Gresham and Wood Village, Portland Friends of Elk Rock Island Clackamas Community College - Public Schools, Washington County, Friends of Errol Heights Wetlands John Inskeep Environmental and Multnomah County) Friends of Forest Park Learning Center OSU Sea Grant Extension Friends of Jackson Bottom David Douglas School District Portland State University (Foundation, Friends of Nadaka Forest Grove Community School Geography Dept & Environmental Friends of North Clackamas Park Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools Science and Management Dept) Friends of Opal Creek Fowler Middle School Reed College Friends of Portland Community Great Outdoors Academy Renaissance Arts Academy High School Gardens (Classroom Education) (Expeditionary School) Friends of Ridgefield National Grout Elementary School Sabin-Schellenberg Wildlife Refuge Hayhurst Elementary School Professional Technical Center Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes Sabin Elementary School Health and Science School Wildlife Area (Expeditionary Learning) Springwater School Friends of Springbrook Park Helen Golden Child SUN Schools (all) Friends of Steigerwald Refuge Development Center Sunnyside Environmental School Friends of Terwilliger Hillsboro School District Trillium Charter School Friends of the Gorge Hosford Middle School Ventura Park Elementary School Friends of the Tualatin River Japanese Immersion School Willamette Primary School National Wildlife Refuge PTA Garden Committee Wilson High School Friends of Tryon Creek State Park Marylhurst University Friends of Vermont Creek Marysville Elementary School Providers with a Specific Friends of Zenger Farm Meriwether Lewis Elementary PTA Geographic Focus Hector Campbell Neighborhood Mt Saint Helen’s Institute Clackamas River Basin Council Association Multnomah County Clackamas River Water Providers Hidden Springs Neighborhood Healthy Active Schools Columbia Land Trust Association Columbia Riverkeepers 141 regional conservation strategy appendix C Conservation Education Providers

Hoyt Arboretum Friends Westlake Homeowners Association City of Portland - Regional Coalition of Clean Rivers E² Foundation National Project for Excellence in Island Station Neighborhood Wilkes Community Group Bureau of Transportation and Streams EarthShare Oregon Environmental Education Association Willamette Riverkeeper City of Portland - Tualatin Hills Park & Ecotrust Native American Youth and Office of Healthy Working Rivers Recreation District Family Center Jackson Bottom Wetlands and Preserve Woodlawn Neighborhood Association Ecology in Classrooms and Johnson Creek Watershed Council City of Portland - Parks and Recreation Tualatin Valley Water District Outdoors (ECO) Natural Step Foundation Lazy Hawk HOA City of Portland - Water Bureau US Fish and Wildlife Environmental Education Association Nature Conservancy Lents Springwater Habitat Private /Business Sector City of Vancouver – Water Resources US Forest Service of Oregon Northwest Association for Education Center Restoration Project Amtrak USGS Environmental Education Association Environmental Professionals City of Wilsonville (NWAEP) Lower Columbia River Estuary Babbling Brook Designs Vancouver-Clark Parks and of Washington Partnership City of Wood Village Northwest Coalition for Bosky Dell Natives Recreation Department Fish First Maplewood Neighborhood Association Clackamas County Community Alternatives to Pesticides Butler Promotions Washington County Forests Forever Inc, Freshwater Trust Markham Neighborhood Association Corrections (Healthy Waters Institute) Northwest Earth Institute Clackamas County Business Alliance Washington State University Clark Mary S. Young Park Volunteers Clackamas County Recycling County Extension (Master Gardeners, Friends of Clark County Northwest Environmental Columbia Sportswear Partnership Training Center McVey-South Shore Watershed Stewards, and Small Friends of Green Streets Dolph Creek LLC Acreage Program) Northwest Power and Neighborhood Association Clackamas County SWCD Friends of Portland Community NW Natural Conservation Council Milwaukie Presbyterian Church Clackamas County Water West Multnomah SWCD Gardens Oregon Association of Nurseries Environment Services OPAL (Organizing People North Clackamas Friends of Trees Oregon Dairy Council Activating Leaders) Urban Watersheds Council Clark County Conservation District Other Non-formal Educators Future Farmers of America Oregonian 4-H Wildlife Stewards Oregon Association of Oregon State Parks Trust Clark County Environmental Services G.A.P.S. Foundation Adelante Mujeres Environmental Professionals Pacific Northwest Research Station Owens Corning Clark County Stormwater Gateway Green Oregon Conservation Network PGE Partners Network Americorps PCC-Sylvania Habitat Restoration Team Girl Scouts of America Clark Public Utilities – Stream Team Arbor Day Foundation Oregon Convention Center Portland Parks Foundation, REI Inc. Gray Family Find (OCF) Oregon Forest Resources Institute Quail Park Home Owners Association Trackers Northwest Clean Water Services Audubon Society of Portland Great Outdoors Academy Oregon Garden Raleigh Park Neighborhood Association Willamette Wildlife Consulting East Multnomah SWCD B Street Project (outdoor expeditions) Oregon Historical Society and Salmon Creek Watershed Council Wolftree, Inc., Environmental Protection Agency Bienestar Groundwork Portland Oregon History Museum Sunnyside Neighborhood Association Metro - Sustainability Center Big Brothers Big Sisters Growing Gardens OMSI SW Neighborhoods Inc. Pubic Agencies Metro - Waste Reduction Education Boy Scouts of America- Hacienda Community Development Bureau of Land Management Cascade Pacific Council Oregon Natural History Coalition SW Neighborhoods Association Multnomah County Corporation Oregon Natural Resources of Gresham City of Beaverton Parks and Recreation Environmental Health Campfire USA Hostelling International Education Program (ONREP) SW Watershed Resource Center City of Durham Healthy Homes Program Cascadia Green Building Institute Illahee Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) Tillamook Forest City of Gresham- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Cascadia Wild! Inter-faith Action Network of Parks and Recreation Administration (NOAA) Oregon Recreation and Parks Tryon Creek Watershed Council Cedar Sinai Park Washington County Association (ORPA) City of Gresham- National Parks Service Tualatin Basin Partners for Children and Nature Network International Sustainable Development Watershed Management Division Oregon Tilth Natural Places North Clackamas Parks and City Repair Foundation City of Gresham- Recreation District Oregon Wild Tualatin Riverkeepers Coalition for a Livable Future Keep Oregon Green Natural Resources Program Oak Lodge Sanitary District Oregon Youth Conservation Corps Tualatin River National Coastal Conservation Association Leach Botanical Garden (Clackamas, Multnomah, City of Happy Valley Oregon Department of Education- Wildlife Refuge Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards Leave No Trace Washington Counties) City of Hillsboro Oregon Learn and Serve Turning Point Church Columbia Springs Lower Columbia Alliance for Oregon Zoo (Metro) City of Lake Oswego Oregon Department of Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership Environmental Education Living Sustainable Oregon Zoo Foundation City of Milwaukie Environmental Quality Washington County Citizen Ducks Unlimited Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board Oregon-Idaho Camp and City of Oregon City Oregon Department of Forestry Participation Organizations (all) Community Energy Project Master Composters/Recyclers - Retreat Ministries City of Portland - Oregon Fish and Wildlife Service West Willamette Restoration Confluence Environmental Center Clark County Orlo Partnership Bureau of Environmental Services Oregon Parks & Recreation (formerly NWSA Americorps) Mazamas Pacific Power Foundation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 142 143 regional conservation strategy

Partners for Sustainable Washington County Communities Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility Project Wild Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center Raindrops to Refuge Recycling Advocates Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Salmon Watch School and Community Reuse Action Project (SCRAP) Sierra Club Loo Wit Group Social Justice Fund Northwest SOLV St. Francis of Assisi Church Student Watershed Research Project Talk About Trees Trails Club of Oregon Tread Lightly Tree City USA Trout Unlimited Tryon Life Community Farm Urban Greenspaces Institute Vancouver Watersheds Council Verde Wetlands Conservancy World Affairs Council World Forestry Center Xerces Society Young Men’s Club of America (YMCA) Young Women’s Club of America (YWCA) Youth Builders Zenger Farms

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