Partnerships. Our
projects involve a wide variety of partners which include family-owned
farms and ranches, grass-seed farmers, small landowners, dairy operations,
local municipalities, and many others. The Partners for
Wildlife Program is set to work with all who are interested in restoring
and protecting wildlife habitat on private or tribal lands. We recognize
the challenging issues involved in restoring habitats in
these varied climates, and we are geared to help landowners receive
what they need to make the projects successful.
Here are some of the groups we have worked with to accomplish habitat
restoration goals identified in consultation with our Fish and
Wildlife Service representatives:
- Private Landowner
- Tribes
- Federal Agencies
- State Agencies
- Local Agencies
- Private Organizations
- Corporations
- Educational Institutions
- Watershed Councils
Program Map and Contacts
Partners
Program Coordinator for Oregon
Amy Horstman
USFWS - Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office
2600 SE 98th Avenue
Portland, OR 97266
503-231-6179
Contacts by region:
*Willamette
Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex has responsibility
for Partners for Fish and Wildlife projects in the Willamette Valley.
The project focus is oak savanna, grassland, wetland, riparian, and floodplain
restoration.
How the
Program Works. First, an interested landowner, or a representative,
contacts us (the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office at 503-231-6179)
to arrange a site visit. Then, the landowner and any other
interested party meet on site with a USFWS
biologist to discuss the landowner's goals
and objectives for restoring habitat on the property.
The Fish and Wildlife Service will provide technical advice on
project design, materials to be used, and the plan for engineering
as needed. Funding and cost share responsibilities will be discussed
and proposed. A Habitat Restoration Design is then developed
by the participating partners together with the Fish and Wildlife
Service project managers.
We
conduct site visits for prospective restoration projects any time
of year, however, projects are funded each fiscal year in the winter.
Program responsibilities include a National Environmental Policy
Act review, an endangered species consultation, a contaminant site
assessment and a cultural resource review. All are important parts
of the process to ensure the projects receive an appropriate environmental
review. When the review is completed and funding is approved, a
Landowner Agreement (see
example) is developed and signed by the
participating partners. The landowner agreement secures the federal
investment and is like a formal handshake that outlines each partners
responsibilities and outlines the project goals and costs. A Cooperative
Agreement is then signed by the partners to obligate the necessary
funding for implementing the project and provide a method to reimburse
the contractor.
The last step is to actually implement the project and then sit back
and enjoy the results!
Project
Criteria. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office will make
site visits throughout the year. Our priority is to work in our
focus areas with landowners to develop projects that meet the
Partners for Fish and Wildlife program objectives. Click
here to see some specific criteria that we strive to meet in our project
design.
General objectives of the Program:
-
To implement and promote habitat restoration, enhancement
and establishment projects that benefit federal trust species
and their habitats.
-
To provide leadership and promote partnerships.
-
Public outreach and education
Contact Information
USFWS - Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office
Private Lands Coordinator
2600 SE 98th Avenue, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97266
Phone: 503-231-6179
FAX: 503-231-6195
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