Mission of the Coastal Program

The mission of the Coastal Program is to protect and recover threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and inter-jurisdictional fish - known as Federal Trust Species - by supporting voluntary restoration and the enhancement of high priority coastal habitats.

Species' needs are addressed through actions conducted in habitat-based focus areas on the Oregon Coast:

• Lower Columbia River (salmonids)
• Estuaries (salmonids and others)
• Coastal Strand (Western Snowy Plover)
• Coastal Meadows (Oregon Silverspot Butterfly)
• Coastal Bogs (Western Lily)
• Key Watersheds (salmonids and others)
• Coastal Rocks and Islands (migratory seabirds, marine mammals)

Partner Contributions

In an effort to improve fish and wildlife habitat, conduct habitat assessments, and provide technical assistance. the Coastal Program has collaborated with federal, state and tribal governments; non-governmental organizations; private industry; and private landowners.

Since 2003, the Coastal Program in Oregon has leveraged over $1.25 million dollars of partner contributions, representing a  greater than 1-to-5 match and restoring over 300 acres of high priority coastal habitats.

All Coast Program goals continue to be met annually and in 2008 approximately 18 projects will be under way on the Oregon coast.

Restoration Projects

	Restored Coastal Strands provide habitat for the threatened western snowy plover, a species highly impacted by the invasion of European beach grass and dune stabilization.
	Restoration at Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge improved habitat for salmonids and other wetland species. Tidal wetlands, tributary spawning and rearing habitats, and off-channel and winter refugia habitats for juvenile salmon are the highest priority habitats for anadromous fish recovery.
	Plans for tidal marsh restoration and protection in the Alsea River estuary are underway, including dike removal and conservation easements.

Ongoing Accomplishments

• Contributing to the recovery of native salmonids in Lower Columbia River estuaries and key watersheds by: a) removing barriers to fish passage, b) planting riparian areas, c) increasing stream structural complexity, and d) restoring tidal connectivity;
• Contributing to the recovery of western snowy plovers in the Coastal Strand by: a) removing non-native vegetation, and b) lowering stabilized dunes;
• Contributing to the recovery of Oregon silverspot butterflies in coastal meadows, and western lilies in coastal bogs by: a) reducing encroaching vegetation, b) planting desirable species, and c) protecting occupied areas from disturbance;
• Contributing to the maintenance of occupied marine mammal and seabird nesting habitat by: a) protecting coastal rocks and islands from disturbance, and b) monitoring annual productivity.