The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) adopted Final Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) for Bandon Marsh, Nestucca Bay, and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). These plans provide goals, objectives, and strategies for management of the three Refuges over the next 15 years.

The final CCPs emphasize expanded habitat management, restoration and monitoring along with increased public use opportunities. The CCPs were developed to provide reasonable, scientifically-grounded guidance for improving the refuges' wetlands, grasslands, riparian and upland forests and other habitats for the long-term conservation of migratory birds, anadromous fish, and native plants and animals.

"These plans represent years of effort among the Service, state and other federal agencies, local communities and other stakeholders," Oregon Coast NWR Complex Project Leader Roy Lowe stated. "They build off of established partnerships working to conserve the exceptional natural resources along the Oregon coast."

Government agencies, conservation organizations, private citizens, local landowners and other stakeholders provided input for each CCP. The Service evaluated written comments and public input on the draft plans in the fall of 2012 and revised the plans to include the new information received.

"The Service is committed to the conservation of wildlife and their habitat and these plans provide the best balance in sustaining or improving the biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of the refuges," Lowe said in a statement. "It also provides the best possible balance of expanding popular recreational opportunities while limiting impacts to wildlife and their habitat."

Copies of the CCPs are available in the references section of the Public Libraries in Bandon, Coquille, Newport, Lincoln City, Pacific City, and Tillamook. Printed or CD-ROM copies can be requested from the Refuge Office at (541) 867-4550. The CCPs may be downloaded online at www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/ccp_nes_slz_bdm.htm.

For more information, contact the refuge office at 541-867-4550, write to Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365; or e-mail Oregoncoast@fws.gov.

-FWS-
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oregoncoast, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites you to explore Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) during a series of ten guided canoe and kayak trips during June, July, and August 2013. During these trips visitors will spend about two hours paddling through the heart of Siletz Bay Refuge while learning about its wildlife and natural history.

Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak for each trip. If you don't have one available, single person kayaks can be rented from the Siletz Moorage or other venues in the Lincoln City area. For your safety please dress appropriately for paddling in all weather conditions and wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) is mandatory.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide binoculars, field guides, and PFD’s to use during the trip if needed. Trips are limited in size, therefore, you must call ahead to make a reservation. Reservations are taken on a first-come first-served basis. Once you are registered we will send out additional information regarding the trips. All trips will launch within 15 minutes of the time listed. Please check our website for updates and space availability www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/calendar.

Siletz Bay is one of the estuaries located along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. On either side of Highway 101, starched skeleton trees jut forth from the estuary and are reminiscent of a time when the salt marsh was diked for pasture. Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, and occasionally Bald Eagle can be seen roosting at the top of these snags. A variety of estuarine dependent birds including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and some species of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the tidally influenced waters. The refuge also provides nursery grounds for Coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Don’t miss your chance to participate in our interpretive paddle tour of Siletz Bay Refuge! To make a reservation contact Julia Ledbetter at 541-270-0610 or julia_ledbetter@fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oregoncoast.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comments on draft implementation plans for new waterfowl hunting programs on Bandon Marsh, Nestucca Bay and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuges. These draft waterfowl hunting plans contain details on how the hunt will be conducted on the refuges, including a description of the hunt area and refuge-specific regulations. Through finalization of these plans and establishment of refuge-specific regulations, waterfowl hunting on these refuges will be allowed starting with the Fall 2013 season.

Waterfowl hunting is considered to be a legitimate and appropriate use of a National Wildlife Refuge when it is compatible with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the purposes of the Refuge. During the recent preparation of the 15-year management plans for each refuge, waterfowl hunting was given careful consideration along with the need to provide sanctuary for waterfowl and other wildlife. The Service believes that as designed, these hunting programs can be implemented without causing unreasonable conflicts with other public use and management programs.

The draft hunt plans are available on the refuge website (www.fws.gov/oregoncoast) for public review and comment from December 21, 2012 through January 21, 2013. Comments on the draft hunt plans should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to: Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 S.E. Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365-5258; fax number (541) 867-4551; or e-mail OregonCoastCCP@fws.gov.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world's premiere system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants. Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first wildlife refuge in 1903, the System has grown to more than 96 million acres, 548 refuges and 37 wetland management districts nationwide.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.

Goose and waterfowl hunting on Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Coos County began with the regular goose season opening on September 29 and continues with the opening of waterfowl hunting on October 13. Bandon Marsh NWR is the only available public goose and waterfowl hunting lands within the Coquille River watershed and provides hunters the opportunity to harvest a variety of geese, dabbling ducks and coot. All state of Oregon waterfowl regulations apply to hunting on the refuge. Construction of permanent blinds is not permitted on the refuge, but hunters may use portable blinds or build temporary blinds from on-site dead vegetation or driftwood. Temporary blinds and decoys must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt, and only federally approved non-toxic shot may be transported and used on the refuge. Hunters should review the 2012-2013 Oregon Game Bird Regulations www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/waterfowl published by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prior to going afield.
The portion of the Bandon Marsh NWR west of Highway 101 and outside of Bandon city limits is open for waterfowl hunting during all authorized waterfowl seasons, excluding the September Canada goose season. The southern 1/3 of this part of the refuge is closed to hunting because it falls within the city limits of Bandon, where it is illegal to discharge firearms by Oregon state law. The southern boundary of the public hunting area is posted with "Public Hunting Area" signs. Refuge lands east of U.S. Highway 101, known as the Ni-les'tun Unit, remain closed to hunting. Call South Coast Refuge Manager David Ledig at 541-347-1470 for more information, or visit www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/bandonmarsh/index.htm and follow the link to the Bandon hunting map.
On September 18, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Bandon Marsh NWR which includes a proposal to expand waterfowl hunting to include the Ni-les'tun Unit. The Draft CCP/EA describes a vision for the Refuge and presents goals, objectives, and strategies for management over the next 15 years. The Draft CCP/EAs are available for review and comment until October 22, 2012. The Service invites the public to review the plan and encourages active participation. Copies of the plan are available in the references section of the Public Libraries in Bandon and Coquille. The full document may be accessed online at www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/ccp_nes_slz_bdm.htm. Printed or CD-ROM copies can be requested from the main Refuge Office at (541) 867-4550. Comments can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed by October 22, 2012, and should be addressed to Roy Lowe, Project Leader, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365; fax number (541)867-4551; or e-mail Oregoncoastccp@fws.gov.

Today, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessments (Draft CCP/EA) for Bandon Marsh, Nestucca Bay, and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). These plans describe a vision for the three Refuges and present goals, objectives, and strategies for management over the next 15 years.

The proposed action in each Draft CCP/ EA is to implement Alternative C, the Service's Preferred Alternative, which emphasizes expanded habitat management, restoration, and wildlife and habitat monitoring, and increases public use opportunities. Two additional alternatives were also analyzed. The Draft CCP/EAs were developed to provide reasonable, scientifically grounded guidance for improving the Refuges’ wetlands, grasslands, riparian and upland forests, and other habitats for the long-term conservation of migratory birds, anadromous fish, and native plants and animals. Actions for protecting and sustaining the Refuges’ habitats, migratory bird populations, and rare species are identified in the Draft CCP/EAs. Priority public use programs (wildlife observation, wildlife photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and interpretation) are also evaluated in the Draft CCP/EAs.

The Draft CCP/EAs will be available for review and comment beginning the week of September 17 and continuing until October 22, 2012. The Service invites the public to review the Draft CCP/EAs and encourages active participation. Copies of the plans are available in the references section of the Public Libraries in Bandon, Coquille, Newport, Lincoln City, Pacific City, and Tillamook. The full document may be accessed online at www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/ccp_nes_slz_bdm.htm. Printed or CD-ROM copies can be requested from the Refuge Office at (541) 867-4550.

Comments and questions can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed by October 22, 2012, and should be addressed to Roy Lowe, Project Leader, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365; fax number (541)867-4551; or e-mail Oregoncoastccp@fws.gov. For more information please call the refuge’s office at 541-867-4550, or go to www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/ccp.htm.

After we receive public comments, we will analyze and address the comments and finalize and publish the plans in late 2012. The Final CCPs will guide the Refuges' management for 15 years, and actions will be implemented as funding becomes available.

"The planning process is a way for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing opportunities for the public to safely enjoy fish and wildlife-oriented recreation on national wildlife refuges," said Complex Project Leader Roy W. Lowe.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world's premiere system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants. Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first wildlife refuge in 1903, the System has grown to more than 96 million acres, 548 refuges and 37 wetland management districts nationwide.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.

Come visit and explore Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Family friendly summer programs have started and will continue through September. All programs are free and open to the public; they will include history talks, plant walks, and other interesting wonders of the refuge. The current schedule follows:

Monday, August 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Berries and Beyond: Walk Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge with Lee Sliman; Refuge volunteer and self-described plant geek. Together with Lee you will walk refuge trails and identify many plants regularly eaten by Native Americans as well as pioneers and contemporary outdoor enthusiasts. Safety and protocol for tasting wild plants will be discussed. Don’t miss this opportunity both to advance your awareness of coastal vegetation and expand your knowledge of Native wild edibles! The program will start in the first, or lower, parking lot.

Thursday, August 23, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m., Wildlife Refuge Paddle Trip: Come out for a guided evening paddle along the Little Nestucca River. We will start at the Tillamook county boat launch on Meda Loop and will paddle west along the Nestucca Bay NWR turning around at the Cannery Hill Point on the Bay. Refuge volunteer Lee Sliman will join the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership for this guided paddle and will talk about the natural history and mission of the Refuge. This is a great opportunity to get a sea level view of eagles, ducks, herons, kingfishers and other wildlife that are often present on this water trail. Meet at the Meda Loop County Boat Ramp at 4:00 p.m. Participants must supply their own boats, paddles and Personal Flotation Devices.

Monday, August 27, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., The Making of a Meadow: The grasslands of Nestucca Bay NWR may look withered now but they are on the brink of restoration. Plant experts have begun work to restore the area to native grassland and prairie habitat. Many changes will occur over the next five years. Join refuge volunteer Lee Sliman on a walk as she showcases the first steps of this restoration and explains what you can expect to see in the future. The program will start at the second, or upper, parking lot.

Saturday, September 1, 5:00-6:30 p.m. Color Walk: An enjoyable outing for kids and adults at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will make his/her own unique color chart from a large box of crayons. Then everyone will join Refuge Volunteer Lee Sliman for a colorful nature walk along the Pacific View Trail. During the walk everyone will try to spot a plant or animal that showcases the colors on their charts. A plant color BINGO of sorts! The program will start in the first, or lower, parking lot.

Sunday, September 9, 5:30 p.m. – dusk, Nature Journaling: Anyone can be a Naturalist! A Naturalist is simply a student of nature. Most of the well-known naturalists started out collecting bits and pieces of their wild experiences as well as documenting their observations through notes and sketches. Nature Journals have no set format. Dress comfortably and bring something to take notes on or with. We will share ideas about supplies and portability. Bring your cameras, binoculars and hand lens if you have them; a limited number of these items will be available for the group to share. Join Refuge Volunteer Lee Sliman on a meander around Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge as she marks a new phase in her life by beginning her own nature journal. The program will start in the first, or lower, parking lot.

Sunday, September 30, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Art in the Refuge: Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge welcomes artists of all skill levels and media to come on out and work in the wild. A support shelter will be set up with water and miscellaneous support supplies for artists. Plant & wildlife ID books, art folios and both media and technique-oriented publications will also be on hand. Access to running water and a sink for media cleanup will be available. Artists may choose to join impromptu group reviews throughout the day. Bring your own art supplies and plan to be portable. All art will take place on trails and road edges. Check in at the lower parking lot at any time on the 30th.


Nestucca Bay NWR is located on the west side of Highway 101 approximately six miles south of Pacific City. To visit the refuge turn west off Highway 101 onto Christensen Road and proceed a half-mile to the first parking lot. The refuge has a volunteer living onsite to answer questions for visitors and to maintain the grounds.

To obtain the up-to-date event schedule for the refuge please visit our website events page at http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/calendar/index.cfm, as changes can occur. For more information about each event please contact Lee Sliman at 503-812-6392.