Oregon Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative |
Phase 1 Measures,
Removal-Fill Program
DSL1 - Develop Standardized
Permit Conditions Reflecting Best Management Practices For Removal-Fill
Activities.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with ODFW, DEQ, the Corps,
NMFS, and other agencies to update its standard permit conditions
to reflect Best Management Practices (BMPs) for various types
of removal-fill activities (e.g., commercial gravel removal and
erosion control).
Background:
DSL issues over 1,000 removal-fill permits annually, each with
site-specific designs and both standard and unique permit and
operating conditions, as required by ORS 196.825(5) to provide
mitigation for the reasonably expected adverse impacts from project
development. The existing standard permit and operating conditions
were developed in cooperation with resource agencies and interest
groups before the listing of the Umpqua cutthroat trout, CSRI,
and DEQ's 303(d) list.
Objective:
To develop BMPs for removal-fill activities that help achieve
the CSRI habitat objectives for physical habitat, water quality,
and water quantity.
Implementation:
As a first step, DSL staff will review existing permit conditions
and update them based on new information, science, and the need
to protect salmonid habitat. Those conditions, which were developed
in cooperation with ODFW, DEQ and other affected agencies, will
be used in new and renewed permits while BMPs are being developed.
DSL will also follow its standard practice of working with other
resource agencies to develop additional conditions for particular
permits when an agency requests and provides scientific justification
for those conditions.
DSL will convene a series of working
groups including representatives of ODFW, DEQ, the Corps, NMFS,
and other interested parties to review the standard permit conditions
and convert them into BMPs. Those BMPs will be reviewed periodically
and updated as necessary to reflect new information about salmon
habitat needs.
Results:
BMPs should provide heightened protection for salmonid habitat,
greater certainty for permit applicants, and simplified permit
processing for DSL staff. Proposed removal-fill project designs
that do not incorporate the BMPs will be subject to much higher
scrutiny. It is anticipated that there will be some types of
removal-fill activities and/or project locations for which no
BMPs could be devised that would adequately address resource concerns;
these will be identified as circumstances justifying permit denial.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead, with the cooperation
of the Field Operations Section, as needed.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
This effort began in December 1996 with the Coastal Inwater Working
Group, which is developing guidelines for commercial gravel removal,
focusing initially on the Umpqua Basin. When that effort is complete
(anticipated by June 1997), additional groups will be convened
on other types of removal-fill activities.
Completion of all BMPs by June 1998,
with regular review and updating thereafter.
DSL2 - Limit Commercial
Gravel Removal From Individual Bars To Annual Recruitment.
Summary of Measure:
The Division will, through permit conditions, limit commercial
gravel removal from individual bars to annual recruitment.
Background:
As required by ORS 196.825(5), the Division imposes operating
conditions on all removal-fill permits. The conditions for commercial
gravel bar mining traditionally have limited the amount removed
from each bar through restrictions on the depth of removal. In
1995, the Division also began limiting gravel removal to annual
recruitment, as demonstrated in Spring and Fall surveys and cross-sections.
At the end of 1996, 45 of 48 active commercial gravel bar removal
permits in coastal basins do not allow any removal unless the
surveys demonstrate that gravel recruitment has occurred, and
limit that removal to the amount of recruitment.
Objective:
To ensure that gravel recruitment and accumulation rates are
sufficient to support sustainable removal and avoid extended impacts
on channel morphology and substrate conditions.
Implementation:
Commercial gravel bar removal permits renewed in 1997 will
include permit conditions requiring surveys and limiting removal
to recruitment. It is anticipated that those conditions will
be incorporated into and replaced by BMPs when DSL1 is complete.
Results:
DSL anticipates fewer impacts from gravel bar mining on channel
morphology and substrate conditions.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Complete by February 1998, as permits are renewed.
DSL3 - Define "Acceptable
Adverse Impacts" In Essential Salmonid Rules.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will define "acceptable adverse
impacts" as it is used in the administrative rules governing
issuance of removal-fill permits in areas identified by ODFW as
essential indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat.
Background:
The 1993 Oregon legislature amended the Removal-Fill Law
to require a permit for all removal-fill activities in essential
indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat [ORS 196.810(b)]. DSL's
administrative rules implementing that provision presume that
uncontrolled filling or removal in essential habitat is detrimental
to salmonids, and specify that permits will only be approved if
the applicant shows that the proposed activity will have only
acceptable adverse impacts on salmonids or their habitat, or will
benefit the resident salmonids (OAR 141-102-050). DSL staff work
with permit applicants to develop acceptable project designs and
permit conditions that avoid or mitigate adverse impacts. However,
the term "acceptable adverse impacts" was not defined
in the administrative rule. It needs definition to provide a
permitting standard and measure progress in protecting essential
habitat.
Objective:
To ensure that all removal-fill activities in essential indigenous
anadromous salmonid habitat help achieve the CSRI objectives for
physical habitat, water quality, and water quantity.
Implementation:
In consultation with other affected agencies and interested
parties, DSL staff will develop a definition of "acceptable
adverse impacts" for incorporation in the administrative
rules governing removal-fill activities in essential habitat.
Results:
Increased protection of essential habitat areas.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead, in cooperation
with the Field Operations Section.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Rule adoption by December 1997.
DSL4: Strengthen Interagency
Coordination In Removal-Fill Permitting.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with ODFW, DEQ, and OSP
to develop new or revised Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) regarding
each agency's role in reviewing removal-fill permit applications
and providing monitoring and compliance checks for ongoing removal-fill
projects, including emergency authorizations and exempt activities
not currently requiring a state permit.
Background:
DSL coordinates all removal-fill permitting, from issuance
through compliance monitoring with ODFW, DEQ, and other potentially
affected state agencies, as required in ORS 196.825(5). This
coordination is intended to ensure that permit design and operating
conditions are adequate to protect water resources of the state.
It also provides other agencies an opportunity to request additional
conditions, if necessary, and provide scientific justification
for doing so. The existing MOAs are several years old and need
updating to reflect developments, such as endangered species listings
and DEQ's 303(d) list of water quality limited streams.
Objectives
Implementation:
Agency staff will review existing MOAs, identify any deficiencies,
and prepare revisions. Also, MOAs will be developed for projects
not having them. In addition, DSL will begin circulating permit
applications to National Marine Fisheries Service for review and
comment, under standard agency coordination procedure, where the
project could affect sensitive, threatened, or endangered anadromous
fish.
Results:
Improved interagency coordination and cooperation on removal-fill
permit issuance, monitoring, and enforcement. Greater assurance
that removal-fill activities will not contribute to habitat or
water quality degradation.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead. The Policy
and Planning Section will provide assistance as needed.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Circulation of permit applications to National Marine Fisheries
Service will begin in February 1997. Revised Memorandums of Agreement
will be complete in Spring 1998.
DSL5 - Revise The General
Authorization (GA) For Road Construction To Enhance Habitat Protection.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands revised its General Authorization
(GA) for road construction to reduce the potential impacts on
salmonids and their habitat from authorized construction activities.
Background:
The Removal-Fill Law allows DSL to issue GAs instead of individual
permits for activities that are substantially similar in nature
and would cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental
impacts and would not result in long-term harm to water resources
of the state (ORS 196.850). Each GA must be reviewed and modified
every 5 years. DSL first adopted a GA for certain types of road
construction activities in 1992 and reviewed and revised it in
1996.
Objective:
To ensure that road construction activities allowed under
the GA will help achieve the CSRI objectives for physical habitat
and water quality.
Implementation:
The revised GA, OAR 141-89-015, was developed in consultation
with ODFW, DEQ, other affected agencies, and interested parties.
Notice and hearing were provided as required by the Administrative
Procedures Act. It was adopted by the State Land Board in June
1996 and was effective July 1, 1996.
Results:
The revised GA provides preferences for bridges over culverts,
bioengineered methods of streambank stabilization over structural
methods, and for the reuse in habitat restoration projects of
any woody material removed during construction. It strengthens
provisions related to waste disposal and to revegetation of disturbed
areas with native species, including replanting with trees on
streams listed by DEQ as water quality limited for temperature.
It requires all culverts to meet ODFW fish passage criteria.
It also includes road removal as an authorized activity.
Funding:
No new funding was required.
Schedule: Final rule was effective July 1, 1996.
DSL6 - Revise The GA For
Erosion Control To Enhance Habitat Protection.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands revised its GA for erosion
control to reduce the adverse impacts on salmonids and their habitat
from authorized erosion control activities.
Background:
The Removal-Fill Law allows DSL to issue GAs instead of individual
permits for activities that are substantially similar in nature
and would cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental
impacts and would not result in long-term harm to water resources
of the state (ORS 196.850). Each GA must be reviewed and modified
every 5 years. DSL first adopted a GA for certain types of erosion
control activities in 1992 and reviewed and revised it in 1996.
Objective:
To ensure that erosion control activities allowed under the
GA will help achieve the CSRI objectives for physical habitat
and water quality.
Implementation:
The revised GA, OAR 141-89-010, was developed in consultation
with ODFW, DEQ, other affected agencies, and interested parties.
Notice and hearing were provided as required by the Administrative
Procedures Act. It was adopted by the State Land Board in June
1996 and was effective July 1, 1996.
Results:
The revised GA provides preferences for bioengineered
methods of streambank stabilization over structural methods, and
for the reuse in habitat restoration projects of any large woody
material removed during construction. It strengthens provisions
related to waste disposal and to revegetation of disturbed areas
with native species, including replanting with trees on streams
listed by DEQ as water quality limited for temperature. It also
allows multiple related projects within a watershed to be planned
and conducted under one GA, facilitating an integrated approach
to erosion control. Projects using gabions, jetties, and other
major structures are no longer allowed under the GA and will be
subject to the higher scrutiny of an individual removal-fill permit.
The GA also no longer applies in estuarine areas.
Funding:
No new funding was required.
Schedule:
Final rule was effective July 1, 1996.
DSL7: Revise the GA for
Fish Habitat Enhancement To Improve Habitat Values
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands revised its GA for fish
habitat enhancement to expand its applicability, improve habitat
values, and streamline the process for enhancement projects.
Background:
The Removal-Fill Law allows DSL to issue GAs instead of individual
permits for activities that are substantially similar in nature
and would cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental
impacts and would not result in long-term harm to water resources
of the state (ORS 196.850). Each GA must be reviewed and modified
every 5 years. DSL first adopted a GA for certain types of fish
habitat enhancement activities in 1987 and reviewed and modified
it in 1992 and 1996.
Objective:
To ensure that fish habitat enhancement projects allowed
under the GA will help achieve the CSRI objectives for physical
habitat and water quality and to streamline the process for authorizing
such projects.
Implementation:
The revised GA, OAR 141-89-005, was developed in consultation
with ODFW, DEQ, other affected agencies, and interested parties.
Notice and hearing were provided as required by the Administrative
Procedures Act. It was adopted by the State Land Board in June
1996 and was effective July 1, 1996.
Results:
The revised GA provides streamlined permitting for: boulder
weirs up to 150 cubic yards, pools and hydrologically-connected
off-channel ponds up to 350 cubic yards, back and side channel
construction up to 350 cubic yards, and culvert replacement to
facilitate fish passage. All culverts must meet ODFW fish passage
criteria. The GA includes a preference for bioengineered methods
of streambank stabilization over structural methods, and for instream
placement of large woody material removed during construction.
Provisions on revegetation of disturbed areas with native plant
species were strengthened. Gabions are no longer allowed in GA
authorized projects.
Funding:
No new funding was required.
Schedule:
Final rule was effective July 1, 1996.
DSL8 - Facilitate More
Wetland Restoration And Enhancement Projects.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands revised its GA for wetland
restoration and enhancement to streamline the process.
Background:
The Removal-Fill Law allows DSL to issue GAs instead of
individual permits for activities that are substantially similar
in nature and would cause only minimal individual and cumulative
environmental impacts and would not result in long-term harm to
water resources of the state (ORS 196.850). Each GA must be reviewed
and modified every 5 years. DSL first adopted a GA for certain
types of wetland restoration and enhancement projects in 1992
and reviewed and modified it in 1996.
This GA applies to voluntary wetland
restoration/enhancement projects. Projects conducted as mitigation
for other removal-fill activities are covered in the mitigation
plan for the applicable removal-fill permit.
Objective:
To streamline the process for authorizing wetland restoration
and enhancement projects, including those that increase or enhance
salmonid habitat.
Implementation:
The revised GA, OAR 141-89-020, was developed in consultation
with ODFW, DEQ, other affected agencies, and interested parties.
Notice and hearing were provided as required by the Administrative
Procedures Act. It was adopted by the State Land Board in June
1996 and was effective July 1, 1996.
Results:
The revised GA provides streamlined permitting for qualifying
wetland enhancement and restoration projects. It includes preferences
for bioengineered methods of streambank stabilization over structural
methods and for instream placement of large woody material removed
during construction. The provisions on waste disposal and revegetation
with native species were strengthened.
Funding:
No new funding was required.
Schedule:
Final rule was effective July 1, 1996.
DSL9 - Develop Guidelines
For Issuing Individual Permits Rather Than GAs.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will develop guidelines for determining
when removal-fill activities that otherwise qualify for a GA may
have potential individual or cumulative impacts that deserve the
full scrutiny of an individual permit.
Background:
DSL's GAs for road construction, erosion control, fish habitat
enhancement, wetland restoration and enhancement, and recreational
placer mining include clauses allowing the Division to not issue
a GA and instead require an individual permit for projects that
would have more than minimal individual or cumulative impacts
[e.g., OAR 141-89-015(6)]. The circumstances under which this
clause might be invoked need to be defined in guidance for staff.
Objective:
To ensure that projects authorized under GAs meet the statutory
requirement for causing only minimal individual and cumulative
impacts, and that the removal-fill projects conducted under GAs
help achieve the CSRI habitat objectives.
Implementation:
In consultation with ODFW, DEQ, and other interested agencies,
the Division will develop screening criteria and guidelines for
staff to use to determine when a project that otherwise qualifies
for a GA merits the higher level of scrutiny of an individual
permit due to the potential impacts on physical habitat or water
quality.
Results:
More rigorous review for removal-fill projects that may
have adverse impacts on salmon habitat or water quality.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Draft guidelines prepared by May
1997.
Review during June-July 1997.
Final guidelines available in September
1997.
DSL10 - Develop Permanent
Regulations On Recreational And Small-Scale Placer Mining In Essential
Habitat.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996-97, the Division of State Lands developed permanent administrative
rules regarding recreational and small-scale placer mining affecting
less than 25 cubic yards annually in areas designated as essential
indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat under the Removal-Fill
Law.
Background:
The 1993 Legislature amended Oregon's Removal-Fill Law to
require a permit for all removal-fill activities in areas designated
as essential indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat, compared
with the 50 cubic yards exemption in other waters of the state
[ORS 196.810(b)]. With that amendment, small-scale placer mining
came under the jurisdiction of the Removal-Fill Law for the first
time.
The Division's administrative rules
governing removal-fill activities in essential habitat were effective
in January 1996. However, the Division had insufficient information
about the extent or location of recreational and small-scale placer
mining operations to establish an effective regulatory scheme.
For the 1996 operating season, DSL developed and implemented
a temporary (180-day) GA for placer mining affecting less than
25 cubic yards.
Operations affecting more than 25
cubic yards require an individual permit. That GA requested applicants
to provide data about the timing, location, and other features
of their operation. The Division also hired a temporary staff
person who worked primarily in the field in essential habitat
areas, educating placer miners about the new law, the need for
a GA or permit from the Division, and the standard operating conditions
imposed to protect salmon habitat and water quality. The Division
used the information from the 1995 GA and field work to develop
a permanent GA for recreational and small-scale placer mining
in essential habitat.
Objectives
Implementation:
Early in 1996, the Division worked with other natural resource
agencies, including ODFW, DEQ, the Corps of Engineers, and interest
groups to develop a temporary GA, valid for 180 days. The State
Land Board adopted that temporary GA in April 1996. During the
1996 operating season, the Division gathered information about
the effectiveness of the GA's operating conditions and the scale
and location of placer mining activities. DSL used that information
to develop a permanent GA, which underwent public notice and hearings
in late 1996.
The State Land Board adopted the
permanent GA in February 1997. During 1997, the Division will
work with other state and federal resource and land management
agencies and interested parties to develop and implement a monitoring
protocol for recreational and small-scale placer mining. DSL
also will again hire a temporary staff person for the 1997 operating
season (DSL15).
Results:
The GA incorporates a number of operating conditions that
describe BMPs for placer mining affecting less than 25 cubic yards
in areas designated as essential indigenous anadromous salmonid
habitat. These conditions prohibit obstructions to fish passage;
nozzling, sluicing or dredging outside the wet perimeter of the
stream; excavation from the streambank (high-banking); and disturbance
of rooted woody plants. The conditions also restrict movement
of instream boulders and large woody debris, and require strict
compliance with ODFW work windows.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead on developing
a monitoring protocol and conducting compliance monitoring.
Funding:
No new funding was required.
Schedule:
The permanent GA will be effective March 1, 1997. Compliance
monitoring will occur throughout the operating season.
DSL11 - Assist In The
Replacement Of Push-Up Dams That Interfere With Fish Passage.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with ODFW, WRD, ODA, OSP,
local watershed councils, and other affected agencies to clarify
all agencies' jurisdiction over push-up dams, inventory existing
dams, and work with property owners to identify alternatives to
those push-up dams that interfere with fish passage. Funding
sources for implementing those alternatives will also be identified
and pursued.
Background:
As movement of material on or within the bed of a stream,
push-up dams over 50 cubic yards are classified as an alteration
under Oregon's Removal-Fill Law. The ambiguous wording of some
exemptions under that Law make its jurisdiction over push-up dams
unclear. For example, "activities customarily associated
with agriculture" are exempt from the zero cubic yard threshold
in essential salmonid habitat, but are regulated if greater than
50 cubic yards.
Objectives
Implementation:
The affected agencies conducted a pilot project in the
Illinois Basin during 1996, which resulted in a database that
shows the location, size, type, and other features of all push-up
dams; identifies ownership; and assesses compliance with state
laws and regulations relating to water quality, removal-fill,
fish passage, and water rights. The local SWCD and the Illinois
Valley Watershed Council contacted property owners with diversion
structures to educate them about the effects of push-up dams on
water quality and fish habitat, to obtain voluntary compliance
with state laws and regulations, and to ask their participation
in the replacement of dams with alternate diversion methods.
This effort will continue in 1997 and beyond, until all structures
are addressed.
Results:
In 1996, there were 26 dams inventoried, and 3 of these
26 dams were replaced with infiltration galleries.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required for DSL staff work. Funding
for implementing alternatives needs to be identified and pursued.
Schedule:
Began in 1996; continuing in the Illinois Basin during 1997
and beyond.
DSL12 - Analyze A Payment-In-Lieu
Of Mitigation Approach For Commercial Gravel Removal With The
Revenue Dedicated To Habitat Restoration And Enhancement.
Summary of Measure:
DSL will analyze a payment-in-lieu of compensatory mitigation
approach to addressing the unavoidable impacts of commercial gravel
removal on salmonid habitat, with the revenue dedicated to salmonid
habitat restoration and enhancement.
Background:
Oregon's Removal-Fill Law defines mitigation as the reduction
of adverse effects of a proposed project by considering, in the
following order: (a) avoiding the impact, (b) minimizing the
impact, (c) rectifying the impact, (d) reducing or eliminating
the impact over time, and (e) compensating for the impact be replacing
or providing comparable substitute wetland or water resources
[ORS 196.800(10)]. Permit conditions are used to minimize and
mitigate the reasonably expected adverse impacts of removal-fill
activities [ORS 196.825(5)]. "Compensatory" mitigation
(including payment-in-lieu of mitigation) has historically only
been required for fills and removals in wetlands.
Objective:
Provide compensatory mitigation for gravel removal in coastal
basins and increased funding for fish habitat restoration and
enhancement projects.
Implementation:
DSL will work with interest groups to analyze a payment-in-lieu
of compensatory mitigation approach for addressing the unavoidable
impacts of commercial gravel removal on salmonid habitat. If
found acceptable and feasible, it will be offered as a compensatory
mitigation option based on the amount of gravel removed. DSL
also will require commercial gravel removal permittees to report
the actual amount removed annually.
Results:
Potentially increased funding for fish habitat restoration
and enhancement projects in coastal basins. However, listings
of cutthroat trout, coho salmon and steelhead as threatened or
endangered may require further restrictions on gravel removal
in the affected streams, and thus reduce the revenue potential
of this measure.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required for DSL staff work. An increased
DSL expenditure limitation will be necessary to expend the payment-in-lieu
revenue on habitat restoration and enhancement.
Schedule:
Anticipated completion date: Late 1997 or early 1998, due
to the need to analyze the effects of listings on gravel removal.
DSL13 - Target Compensatory
Wetlands Mitigation To Salmon Habitat Projects.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with removal-fill permit
applicants to target compensatory wetlands mitigation to riparian
zones for off-channel ponds and other fish habitat enhancement
projects.
Background:
Oregon's Removal-Fill Law defines mitigation as the reduction
of adverse effects of a proposed project by considering, in the
following order: (a) avoiding the impact, (b) minimizing the impact,
(c) rectifying the impact, (d) reducing or eliminating the impact
over time, and (e) compensating for the impact be replacing or
providing comparable substitute wetland or water resources (ORS
196.800(10)). Compensatory mitigation for removals and fills
in wetlands consists of restoration, enhancement or creation of
wetlands, typically onsite or nearby; protection of existing high
quality wetlands in lieu of mitigation; payment in lieu of mitigation;
or participation in a mitigation bank project.
Objective:
To increase the use of compensatory mitigation for preserving,
restoring, enhancing, or creating riparian wetlands that improve
riparian function or provide other fish habitat benefits.
Implementation:
DSL staff are responsible for approving permit applicant's
mitigation plans. During pre-application planning, staff will
consider the potential for targeting mitigation to riparian areas.
DSL will inform consultants who often prepare mitigation plans,
local governments, and other affected parties about this option
through a memo or other public information measure to encourage
such mitigation targeting.
Results:
Improved riparian function and increased off-channel habitat.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Began in 1996. Will continue indefinitely.
DSL14 - Work With Other
Agencies To Clarify Jurisdiction Over Removal Of Large Woody Debris.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with other state and federal
agencies to clarify each agency's legal jurisdiction over the
removal of large woody debris from streams and estuaries, and
develop legislation or regulations to fill any gaps in jurisdiction.
Background:
Under the Removal-Fill Law, regulation of removal is limited
to inorganic material, such as sand and gravel. The Division
considered legislation about expanding that definition to include
organic material; staff discussion and analysis, however, determined
that large woody debris does not appropriately apply under the
removal regulatory process. The Division can use its license
authority to control removal of large woody debris lodged in the
bed or banks of navigable waterways owned by the state, but not
when such debris is floating in the water. Other agencies, including
ODF, ODFW, the Marine Board, the Corps of Engineers, and the U.S.
Coast Guard, also have some form of legal authority over large
woody debris.
Objective:
Clarify state agencies' legal authority over the removal
of large woody debris from streams.
Implementation:
The respective agency authorities will be documented. The
appropriate agencies may propose legislation or undertake rulemaking
to fill jurisdictional gaps.
Results:
Increased complex structure in streams and estuaries for
improved rearing habitat.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead with assistance from
the Director's Office and the Policy and Planning Section.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Discussions began in 1996.
DSL15 - Increase Field
Presence In Coastal Essential Salmonid Habitat.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands provided funds for two additional
temporary staff who worked in coastal basins. DSL will hire one
temporary staff person during 1997.
Background:
DSL field staff handle all removal-fill activities (i.e.,
application processing, technical assistance, interagency coordination,
compliance monitoring, and enforcement).
Objective:
To increase public education, technical assistance, and compliance
monitoring in coastal basins, especially in essential salmonid
habitat.
Implementation:
In 1996, DSL reprogrammed funding within its base budget
to employ two temporary staff who worked in coastal basins, focusing
initially on flood recovery and then on public education, technical
assistance, and compliance, especially in essential salmonid habitat.
DSL will employ one temporary staff person in 1997.
Results:
Increased public awareness of the Removal-Fill Law requirements,
especially among recreational and small-scale placer miners; fewer
permit violations.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding was required for 1996 or 1997 due to base
budget reprogramming; see DSL27, Phase 2, for continued funding
requirements.
Schedule:
Ongoing.
DSL16 - Develop Administrative
Rules For Mitigation Banking And For Payment Or Protection In
Lieu Of Mitigation.
Summary of Measure:
In 1997, the Division of State Lands adopted administrative rules
on wetland mitigation banking, protection of existing high quality
wetlands in lieu of mitigation, and payment in lieu of compensatory
mitigation.
Background:
The Oregon Legislature enacted the Mitigation Bank Act
in 1987 (ORS 196.600-196.665), and amended it in 1995 (SB 830)
to include privately owned banks. Although several mitigation
banks have been established in western Oregon, the Division had
never adopted administrative rules governing the creation and
operation of banks. Similarly, while the Division has occasionally
accepted payment in lieu of mitigation, or protection of existing
wetlands in lieu of mitigation, formal rules governing these options
had never been adopted; instead, the Division treated each case
individually.
Objectives:
The objectives of mitigation banking are to increase the
environmental benefits, functions and values, and the economic
efficiency of wetlands mitigation by consolidating mitigation
projects. Banks that restore or maintain riparian function and
provide wildlife and fisheries habitat are encouraged. The objective
of protection/payment in lieu is to provide alternative methods
of conducting compensatory mitigation when on- or offsite mitigation
is not appropriate or practicable.
Implementation:
The Division developed administrative rules on mitigation
banking and protection/payment in lieu with the assistance of
a 22-member technical advisory committee composed of environmental
consultants, state and federal agency staff, city and county planners,
business people, attorneys with private sector experience, and
a public representative. Notice and hearings were provided on
the draft rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedures
Act. The final rules were adopted by the State Land Board in
February 1997.
Results:
Most on- and offsite compensatory wetland mitigation projects
are small, less than one acre in size, and their environmental
benefits are limited in scope. Increased mitigation banking promoted
by these rules will consolidate projects, allowing expanded and
more comprehensive environmental benefits with improved long-term
viability.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section will implement the mitigation
programs.
Funding:
No new agency funding is required for implementation of
the rules.
Schedule:
Final rule adoption in February 1997; implementation is underway.
Phase 1 Measures,
Wetlands Program
DSL17 - Inventory Coastal
Wetlands.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will target grants to local communities
in coastal basins to inventory wetlands.
Background:
DSL's Wetlands Program annually receives federal funding
from EPA for local wetland inventories to meet both DSL program
and Goal 5 land use planning objectives. Those funds are distributed
to cities through a grant program, normally in equal distribution
among communities throughout the state. DSL staff also provide
technical assistance for the inventory. Local wetland inventories
have been completed in 10 coastal basin cities, with an additional
5 underway. Implementation of DLCD's new rules on Goal 5 inventories
may accelerate the rate of inventories.
Objective:
To assist local governments in identifying wetlands, their
functions, and significance.
Implementation:
DSL's Wetlands Program administers the grants and provides
technical assistance. Some of those grant funds will be targeted
to coastal communities.
Results:
Increased knowledge of coastal wetlands and their role
in riparian function and salmonid habitat. Protection of significant
wetlands.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Wetlands Team, within the Policy and Planning Section,
will have the lead.
Funding:
Pass-through grant funding provided by EPA on a competitive
basis.
Schedule:
Ongoing.
DSL18 - Develop Administrative
Rules On Locally Significant And Outstanding State Wetlands.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands developed administrative
rules that provide guidance to local governments conducting wetland
inventories on determining which wetlands are significant and
deserving of protection.
Background:
The 1995 Oregon Legislature directed the Division to establish
criteria and procedures for the identification of significant
wetlands to meet state land use planning requirements. Communities
must complete a Local Wetland Inventory (LWI) and develop a wetland
protection program that places restrictions on "locally significant
wetlands." Note that, even if a wetland is not considered
locally significant for land use planning purposes, it is still
subject to the permit and mitigation requirements of the Removal-Fill
Law.
Objective:
To provide technical guidance to communities conducting
wetland planning under Goal 5, and to promote consistency
among various communities' designation of significant wetlands.
Implementation:
The Division distinguished, in its rulemaking, between locally
significant wetlands within urban (incorporated and unincorporated)
areas and outstanding wetlands statewide. Division staff developed
draft administrative rules with the assistance of two technical
advisory committees, one for each group of wetlands. Public notice
and hearings were provided on the draft rules in accordance with
the Administrative Procedures Act. The rules on locally significant
wetlands in urban areas were adopted by the State Land Board in
December 1996 and became effective in January 1997. The rules
on outstanding state wetlands are near completion.
Results:
Using these rules, urban communities will be able to concentrate
planning and protection efforts on those wetlands that serve the
most important functions in the community (e.g., flood control,
fish habitat, water quality). Outside urban areas, the Division
will take the lead in identifying the wetlands of highest statewide
significance, and counties will then include those wetlands in
their planning inventory.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Wetlands Team, within the Policy and Planning Section,
has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
The rules on locally significant wetlands in urban areas
were effective January 1997. The rules on outstanding state wetlands
will be completed during 1997.
DSL19 - Continue Implementation
of Oregon's Wetland Conservation Strategy.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will continue to implement Oregon's
Wetland Conservation Strategy, which establishes priorities for
an integrated state wetlands program.
Background:
Approximately 38 percent of Oregon's historic wetlands have
been converted to agricultural, commercial and other uses. Changes
in public policy in the last two decades have attempted to reverse
the trend of wetland conversion. These policy changes are reflected
in state laws and regulations related to removal-fill activities
and land use planning. For example, Oregon's land use planning
law, first adopted in 1973, requires local governments to inventory
urban wetlands and identify those that are locally significant
(see DSL18). In addition, fills and removals in wetlands came
under the purview of the Removal-Fill Law in 1979; the 1989 Legislature
adopted a statewide wetland program.
The statewide land use planning process
now provides substantial protection for more than 99 percent of
Oregon's remaining estuarine wetlands. However, freshwater wetlands
have posed a significantly greater conservation challenge. The
Division developed a Wetland Conservation Strategy to address
the issues posed by the number of wetlands on private land and
the motivations for draining or filling wetlands. In 1995, the
State Land Board adopted Oregon's Wetland Conservation Strategy,
which is an integrated incentive-based program to conserve, protect,
and manage the state's wetland resources.
The Division served as facilitator,
mediator, and integrator during development of this Strategy.
Literature review, as well as interviews with representatives
from government agencies and interest groups, and topical wetland
strategy workgroups helped to identify issues and develop recommendations.
In addition, nine Advisory Committees representing all affected
government agencies and interest groups met over an 18-month period
to guide Strategy development.
Objective:
The objectives of this strategy are to:
Implementation of this strategy will
assist in attaining the Oregon Progress Board's Benchmark of "no
net loss" of wetland acreage, functions and values over the
1990 baseline.
Implementation:
Oregon's Wetland Conservation Strategy was adopted by the
State Land Board in 1995. It includes recommendations related
to: regulation, planning, protection, restoration, public information,
BMPs, public lands management, inventories, and research needs.
The Division will work with other agencies and interest groups
to implement the Strategy, including obtaining financial and program
support from the executive branch and the Legislature, developing
educational materials, and providing technical assistance and
guidance.
The Division will monitor the Strategy's
progress, measure it against the goals and the Oregon Benchmark
for Wetlands, and report the results annually to the State Land
Board and the Oregon Progress Board.
Results:
Conservation, protection, restoration, effective mitigation,
and best use of Oregon's wetland resources.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Wetlands Team within the Policy and Planning Section,
has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required for DSL staff work on implementation
of the Strategy. New funding mechanisms are needed to provide
stable, long-term financing to achieve various Strategy goals
and priorities.
Schedule: Ongoing.
Phase 1 Measures,
Proprietary
DSL20 - Reduce Water Pollution
From Waterway Lessees.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the Division of State Lands revised its standard waterway
lease to require lessees to meet applicable DEQ and OMB requirements
for sewer hookups, disposal stations, etc.
Background:
The Division administers state-owned submerged and submersible
lands, including leasing those lands for purposes such as houseboats
and marinas, under ORS 274.040. In the coastal basins, state-owned
areas are mostly limited to the tidally influenced portions of
each river; exceptions include the Chetco (to at least River Mile
11), the Umpqua (to River Mile 111.5, the confluence of the
North and South Forks) and the Rogue (to Grave Creek).
Objective:
To reduce pollution from houseboats and marinas.
Implementation:
In 1996, after consultation with DEQ and OMB, the Division
revised its standard waterway lease language to require lessees
to meet applicable water quality standards, including DEQ and
OMB requirements for sewer hookups, disposal stations, etc. The
lease stipulations are enforceable through action, up to and including
lease cancellation.
Results:
Assurance that state waterway lessees will meet water quality
requirements.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding was required for lease revision, nor will
any be required for compliance monitoring.
Schedule:
Lease revision complete in 1996; compliance monitoring
is ongoing.
DSL21 - Evaluate The Habitat
Potential Of Scattered Coastal Tracts.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will inventory the Common School
Fund Lands in western Oregon for their salmon habitat value and
develop appropriate conservation strategies for parcels having
high value habitat.
Background:
The State Land Board owns, and the Division administers,
around 25,000 acres of Common School Fund trust land scattered
throughout Western Oregon (excluding 89,000 acres in the Elliott
State Forest, which is already included in an active multi-species
Habitat Conservation Plan). In 1995, the Board adopted an Asset
Management Plan (AMP) to guide management of the land, waterways,
and minerals under their jurisdiction. Under the AMP, Special
Interest Lands (those with sensitive or unique natural cultural
or recreational resources) will be identified and receive special
management attention.
Objective:
To identify Common School Fund Lands in coastal basins
with high value salmonid habitat, especially those parcels around
or adjacent to Core Areas, and develop appropriate conservation
strategies for the resource values present.
Implementation:
Most of the Common School Land in coastal basins is managed
by ODF, which will identify lands appropriate to designate for
habitat conservation; a few scattered tracts lie outside state
forest boundaries. DSL will work with ODF to inventory Common
School Lands in coastal basins, especially those in or adjacent
to Core Areas, to identify their salmonid habitat potential and
develop appropriate conservation or management strategies.
Results:
State land administered by DSL with high quality salmonid
habitat will be managed to conserve resource values.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Identify Common School Fund land ownership in coastal
basins and assess its habitat potential by September 1997. Develop
and implement conservation strategy by September 1998.
DSL22 - Work With ODF
to Improve Fish Habitat on the Elliott State Forest.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with the Oregon Department
of Forestry (ODF) to identify habitat restoration projects that
could be performed on the Elliott State Forest consistent with
its Habitat Conservation Plan and its Management Plan.
Background:
Most (91 percent) of the Elliott State Forest (Coos and
Douglas Counties) is Common School Trust Land, administered by
the State Land Board and managed under contract by ODF. Common
School Lands are held in trust for the K-12 schools and managed
to maximize their value and revenue over the long term. In 1994,
the Land Board adopted the R2 Riparian Management Strategy for
the Elliott. In 1995, the U.S. Department of the Interior approved
a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the Elliott that specifically
addresses the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet, but also
incorporates the R2 strategy for fish. ODF already has undertaken
a number of habitat enhancement projects on the Elliott.
Objective:
To identify potential actions to improved fish habitat and related
conditions on the Elliott State Forest.
Implementation:
DSL will work with the Oregon Department of Forestry to identify
additional measures such as road removal, culvert replacement,
and fish habitat enhancement that are consistent with the Elliott
Forest's Habitat Conservation Plan and its Management Plan.
Results:
Improved physical and biological habitat conditions on
the Elliott State Forest.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead.
Funding:
Project costs are unknown at this time; funding will be
via timber revenues.
Schedule: Completion of analysis in 1998. On-the-ground work would begin in the 1999-2001 biennium.
Phase 1 Measures,
Outreach and Education
DSL23 - Update Public
Education Materials On Removal-Fill Projects.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will update its public education
tools (e.g., brochures and fact-sheets) on removal-fill activities.
Background:
DSL's Field Operations staff spend a significant amount of
time on public education and technical assistance on Oregon's
Removal-Fill Law. Compliance problems still arise, however, due
to lack of public understanding of permit requirements and processes.
Objective:
To improve public understanding of, and compliance with,
the Removal-Fill Law.
Implementation:
DSL will update its public education tools (e.g., brochures
and fact sheets) to help reduce the number of violations, facilitate
project approval, and provide information on fish-friendly project
design and construction. In 1996, DSL began enclosing a copy
of the CSRI brochure on "What you can do to help salmon where
you live and work" with all removal-fill permit applications,
waterway leases, and wetland land use notifications. Updated
drawings on project designs were included with the revised GAs
for erosion control, fish habitat enhancement and wetland restoration
enhancement (DSL5 through DSL8). These covered such topics as
pool and off-channel pond construction, bioengineering, and placement
of large woody debris. In late 1996, DSL also issued a revised
edition of the public information brochure "Placer Mining
in the State of Oregon."
Results:
Fewer removal-fill violations; project design and construction
that is more fish-friendly.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead, in cooperation
with the Field Operations Section.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule:
Ongoing.
DSL24 - Develop Information
Packets For Watershed Councils.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will develop a fact sheet and standard
technical assistance package for watershed councils.
Background:
DSL Western Region field staff have territories covering
two to four counties. They are unable to attend all watershed
council meetings without either neglecting their other field responsibilities
(e.g., removal-fill permit issuance and monitoring, and waterway
leasing) or incurring significant overtime. Improved coordination
with watershed councils and facilitation of their projects, many
of which require removal-fill permits, is a goal of CSRI. The
challenge is to improve such coordination within limited staff
resources.
Objective:
Better coordination with watershed councils.
Implementation:
The Division will develop a fact sheet and standard technical
assistance package for watershed councils to better facilitate
activities requiring removal-fill permits, such as fish habitat
enhancement, streambank stabilization, and wetland restoration
and enhancement. Staff will also attend watershed council meetings
when practicable and coordinate with councils on specific projects.
Results:
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section will have the lead on
information packets. DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead
on field coordination.
Funding:
No new funding is required.
Schedule: Completion and distribution of standard information packet by April 1997.
Coordination is ongoing.
DSL25 - Help Develop Removal-Fill
Education Materials For Contractors.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will work with the state boards that
license contractors to help develop education materials on the
environmental impacts of removal-fill activities.
Background:
Various state boards license construction and landscape contractors
and heavy equipment operators. The license requirements include
continuing education requirements.
Objective:
To help educate construction and landscape contractors and
heavy equipment operators about advances in removal-fill project
design and construction techniques that minimize adverse environmental
impacts (e.g., bioengineering and fish passage needs).
Implementation:
Division staff will meet with the appropriate licensing boards
to inform them about CSRI and the need to educate licensees about
recent innovations in removal-fill project design and construction
techniques. DSL will then work with those boards to help identify
appropriate continuing education curricula and suggest instructors.
Results:
Improved removal-fill project design and construction, resulting
in faster permit processing and fewer compliance monitoring issues.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead with assistance
from the Policy and Planning Section.
Funding:
No new funding is required for DSL staff activities.
Schedule: Initiate contact with various licensing boards in Spring 1997. Determine curriculum or information needs by Fall 1997.
Phase 2 Measures,
Removal-Fill Program
DSL26 - Analyze And Implement
Regulatory Streamlining Options.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will continue to analyze and implement
regulatory streamlining options, including state assumption of
the Clean Water Act Sec. 404 dredge/fill permit program currently
administered by the Corps of Engineers, a State Programmatic General
Permit, and/or General Authorizations.
Background:
Oregon's Removal-Fill Law and the Clean Water Act Section
404 permitting program administered by the Corps regulate similar
instream and wetland activities, including erosion control, gravel
mining, and wetland fills. The state and federal programs have
historically been coordinated closely, with DSL and the Corps
using a joint permit application. DSL circulates permit applications
to state and local agencies and interested parties for review
and comment, while the Corps circulates to federal agencies.
DSL develops permit and operating conditions in consultation with
the Corps, based on comments received by both agencies. The state
and the Corps also coordinate monitoring and enforcement activities.
Objective:
Reduce duplication between the federal and state programs.
Streamline state permitting processes to make more staff time
available for on-the-ground technical assistance and compliance
monitoring.
Implementation:
The 1995 Legislature authorized the Division to apply to
EPA by January 1996 to assume the 404 program, and specified that
if assumption does not occur by July 1997, the state could not
exercise its removal-fill permitting authority whenever the Corps
issued an individual permit. DSL submitted a placeholder application
to EPA in December 1995 to meet the statutory deadline and to
solicit EPA's review of the adequacy of the state removal-fill
program.
Upon receipt of EPA's response, DSL
convened a stakeholder group composed of state and federal agencies
and interest group representatives to provide continuing review
and advice on the issues surrounding 404 program assumption.
The Division will continue to analyze 404 assumption during the
1997-99 biennium, in light of recent and proposed changes in the
federal program, court decisions, and other developments. SB
207, introduced in the 1997 Oregon Legislature, would revise the
deadline for state assumption.
At the same time, the Division will
analyze other options, both internally and externally, for streamlining
its regulatory procedures, including a State Programmatic General
Permit and General Authorizations. Those options will be implemented
to the extent they also provide adequate or improved protection
for salmon habitat, water quality, and other resources.
Results:
Streamlined permitting paperwork and procedures will allow
DSL's Field Operations staff to spend more time in the field conducting
public education, technical assistance, and compliance monitoring.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Policy and Planning Section has the lead on analyzing
regulatory streamlining options.
Funding:
$105,089 in Other Funds (Common School Fund) and $105,089
in Federal Funds requested for the 1997-99 biennium to continue
analysis of regulatory streamlining options.
Schedule:
DSL budget approved by the Governor's Office in December 1996.
Legislative hearings scheduled for
February 1997.
Effective date, if approved by the
Legislature, is July 1, 1997.
DSL27 - Add Permanent
Field Staff In Coastal Basins.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands has asked the Oregon Legislature
for authority to add two permanent positions to be devoted to
removal-fill project technical assistance, outreach, monitoring,
and compliance in essential indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat
and field activities related to CSRI program measures.
Background:
DSL field staff handle all removal-fill activities (i.e.,
application processing, technical assistance, interagency coordination,
and compliance monitoring). In 1993, the Oregon Legislature amended
the Removal-Fill Law to include all activities in areas designated
as essential indigenous anadromous salmonid habitat, as compared
with the 50 cubic yard regulatory threshold in most other areas.
Administrative rules implementing the essential habitat requirements
were effective in January 1996. The new program increased DSL
staff workload significantly.
During 1996, DSL reprogrammed its
base budget to provide funds for two temporary staff whose assigned
territory was coastal basins; these employees focused initially
on flood recovery and then on public education, technical assistance,
and compliance monitoring in essential habitat areas (DSL15).
During the 1997 operating season, DSL will again reprogram its
base budget to hire one temporary field person to focus on essential
habitat activities (DSL15).
Objective:
Increased public education, technical assistance, and compliance
monitoring in coastal basins, resulting in fewer adverse impacts
to salmonid habitat from removal-fill activities.
Implementation:
The Division submitted a Program Option Package in its
1997-99 budget request to add two permanent positions (one field
staff and one support staff) to address the increased workload
associated with removal-fill activities in essential salmonid
habitat and implementation of CSRI program measures.
Results:
Fewer adverse effects from removal-fill activities in coastal
basins on salmonid habitat.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
$194,327 in Other Funds (Common School Fund), and 2.0 FTE
requested for 1997-99 biennium and beyond.
Schedule:
DSL budget approved by the Governor's Office in December
1996.
Legislative hearings scheduled for
February 1997. Effective date, if approved by the Legislature,
is July 1, 1997.
DSL28 - Reclassify Field
Operations Administrative Staff.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands has asked the Oregon Legislature
for authority to reclassify the Field Operations administrative
staff to provide more time for the Resource Coordinator to do
field work.
Background:
DSL's Field Operations' administrative staff currently are
classed OS-1. This classification incorporates routine clerical
operations such as typing and filing, as well as review of the
completeness of removal-fill permit applications and mailing of
applications to the appropriate parties for review.
Objective:
Transfer some duties from Resource Coordinators to administrative
staff, giving the Resource Coordinators more time in the field.
Implementation:
The Division included a Program Option Package in its 1997-99
budget request to reclassify the Field Operations support staff
as OS-2. This would allow them to assume more of the administrative
duties associated with permitting, such as responding to telephone
requests for information about a permit, and thus free up the
Resource Coordinators' time for more field work.
Results:
Better public education, technical assistance, and compliance
monitoring of removal-fill permits through better trained administrative
staff and more on-the-ground field work.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Field Operations Section has the lead.
Funding:
$12,328 in Other Funds (Common School Fund) requested for
1997-99 and beyond.
Schedule:
DSL budget approved by the Governor's Office in December
1996.
Legislative hearings scheduled for
February 1997. Effective date, if approved by the Legislature,
is July 1, 1997.
DSL29: Implement Information
Resource Management Plan To Enable Tracking Of Cumulative Impacts.
Summary of Measure:
The Division of State Lands will implement its Information Resource
Management Plan to provide a systems environment that will enable
the tracking of cumulative impacts.
Background:
The 1995 Legislature authorized DSL to migrate from a
Wang computer system to an open architecture LAN system that will
be integrated with the existing GIS station. DSL has a custom
removal-fill permit database on the Wang that tracks simple number
of permits issued by type and waterway, permits renewed and denied,
violations reported/resolved, and enforcement actions. The Wang
system is not linked to the GIS station and cannot produce reports
that enable DSL to track cumulative number and type of permits
issued over time on a waterway.
Objective:
Provide the ability to track cumulative numbers and types
of removal-fill permits issued on particular waterways, over time,
and map them on GIS.
Implementation:
The Division is nearing the end of Phase 1 of a 3-phase
migration from the Wang to an open architecture system that will
allow communication with other state agencies via the state LAN
and with the public through Internet E-Mail. Concurrently, DSL
is implementing Phase 2, which will establish system requirements
for translating the removal-fill permit and other Field Operations
databases (e.g., sand and gravel royalty leases), linking them
to DSL's GIS system and defining the desired level of public access.
DSL expects to begin Phase 3, which will implement Phase 2, during
1997.
DSL does not yet have an estimate
of the timeframe needed to fully translate the Field Operations
databases to the new computer system and integrate them with GIS.
This schedule will be refined further in Spring 1997 following
completion of Phase 1 and Legislative approval of the DSL budget.
Results:
Better DSL staff understanding of the cumulative numbers
of permits issued in particular areas and the ability to map permit
locations on GIS.
Responsible Staff:
DSL's Information Services Team, within the Finance and Administration
Section, has the lead.
Funding:
$118,600 in Other Funds (Common School Fund) requested for
1997-99 biennium. Anticipate requesting additional operating
funds when the Phase 2 requirements plan is complete.
Schedule:
DSL budget approved by the Governor's Office in December
1996.
Legislative hearings scheduled for
February 1997. Implementation is ongoing.
Phase 1 Measures
SSNERR1 - Restore Estuarine
Habitat In The South Slough Estuary.
Summary of Measure:
In 1996, the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
(SSNERR) restored estuarine habitat.
Background:
The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR)
in Charleston, Oregon is a 4,800-acre research natural area encompassing
a portion of the Coos estuary in Southern Oregon. SSNERR is part
of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System administered
in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The mission of SSNERR's conservation strategy is to:
Conduct long-term conservation, restoration, and management activities within the South Slough coastal wetland ecosystem that are designed to re-establish natural estuarine processes and improve habitat values for fish and wildlife.
Objective:
To restore tidal circulation, eelgrass beds, and native
salt marsh vegetation to approximately 75 acres of degraded agricultural
land.
Implementation: In 1996, the SSNERR completed Phase 1 of the Winchester Tidelands Restoration Project, which involved:
Results:
Restoration of estuarine habitat and adjacent wetlands.
Responsible Staff:
SSNERR's Director has
the lead, with the assistance of the Research Coordinator and
Land Steward.
Funding:
No additional funding was required for work in 1996-97; see
SSNERR4 for Phase 2.
Schedule:
Ongoing.
SSNERR2 - Develop Partnerships
For Improved Estuarine Habitat Management.
Summary of Measure:
SSNERR will work with federal and state agencies and private
organizations to develop agreements for cooperative management
and habitat monitoring and enhancement for coastal wetlands within
the South Slough estuary.
Background:
A primary goal of the SSNERR Conservation Strategy is to
take a more active role in cooperative management of coastal wetlands
located within the South Slough estuary.
Objective:
Conservation and enhancement of estuarine habitats and associated
wetlands in the South Slough estuary.
Implementation: SSNERR is working to develop Memoranda of Understanding and Interagency Agreements with various state and federal agencies and private entities to:
Those agreements will provide the
framework for an integrated coastal wetlands program to improve
resource stewardship, conduct onsite research and monitoring of
critical habitats, and provide opportunities for public education
and interpretation.
Results:
Cooperative management including enhancement, protection,
and monitoring of estuarine habitat and coastal wetlands within
the South Slough estuary.
Responsible Staff:
SSNERR's Director has the lead, with the assistance of
the Research Coordinator and Land Steward.
Funding:
No new funding required.
Schedule:
Anticipate completion by June 1997.
SSNERR3: Conduct Research
On Estuarine Habitat.
Summary of Measure:
SSNERR recently conducted research on estuarine salmonid habitat
conditions, uses, and needs.
Background:
An important part of SSNERR's mission is to gather scientific
information essential to coastal zone decisionmaking and to provide
reliable information about the importance of estuaries to policy
makers and the public.
Objective:
To increase knowledge and public awareness about the importance
of estuarine habitat.
Implementation: SSNERR staff recently conducted research on:
SSNERR staff also cooperate with
scientists at the University of Oregon's Institute of Marine Biology
on various research projects. SSNERR4 includes a major research
component related to experimental assessment of techniques to
accelerate the restoration of estuarine functions to diked tidal
wetlands.
Results:
Better understanding of salmon life history in estuarine habitats
and the effects of human activity on habitat.
Responsible Staff:
SSNERR's Director has the lead.
Funding:
All research projects are funded through grants.
Schedule:
Ongoing.
Phase 2 Measures
SSNERR4: Continue to Implement
the SSNERR Conservation Strategy.
Summary of Measure:
SSNERR will continue to implement its conservation strategy,
including estuarine habitat restoration, research and monitoring,
conservation of coastal wetlands, acquisition of land within the
South Slough watershed, and public education and interpretation
regarding estuarine environments.
Background: SSNERR is managed to conserve the natural resources of the Sough Slough estuary, while accommodating research, education, and recreation uses. The SSNERR estuary conservation strategy is to:
SSNERR is also an active member of
the Coos Watershed Association.
Objectives
Implementation:
The implementation of SSNERR's Conservation Strategy is
ongoing, but some projects (such as research and restoration)
are dependent on federal and matching grant funds beyond September
1997. Important ongoing activities that will continue into 1997-99
include improved management of coastal wetland habitats (SSNERR2)
and experimental assessment of techniques to accelerate the restoration
of estuarine functions at diked tidal wetlands. A major component
is continued research and monitoring of the Kunz Marsh restoration
site. In addition, SSNERR will seek opportunities to acquire
additional land within its watershed using dedicated funds.
Results:
Responsible Staff:
SSNERR's Director has the lead.
Funding:
$1.4 million requested for the 1997-99 biennium ($1 million
Current Service Level and $400,000 in Program Option Packages).
Schedule: SSNERR budget request approved by the Governor's Office in December 1996. Legislative hearings scheduled for February 1997. Effective date, if approved by the Legislature, is July 1, 1997.
Phase 2 Measures
ONHP1 - Add Fisheries Information
to the Natural Heritage Data Bank.
Summary of Measure:
The Oregon Natural Heritage Program (ONHP) will develop and maintain
a database for coastal coho, steelhead, and Umpqua cutthroat trout.
Background:
The ONHP is a public-private partnership whose staff work
with the Division of State Lands to provide administrative support
to the BLM, USFS, USFWS, and The Nature Conservancy. The Oregon
Natural Heritage Act (ORS 272.561-272.591) creates a Natural Heritage
Data Bank to serve as a central repository of information on rare,
threatened, and endangered species in Oregon. ONHP has worked
cooperatively with state and federal agencies to compile this
centralized and uniform database, which currently contains locations
of all these species in a relational data file. ONHP is in the
process of digitizing the data to link with a GIS file in ARCINFO
at a scale of 1:24,000.
Objectives
Implementation:
ONHP has a fisheries biologist who has worked with all agencies,
including the BLM, USFS, ODFW, NMFS, and PMFC to gather spawning
and rearing data. BPA and BLM provided $9,000 in funding to fund
this effort in the 1995-97 biennium.
Results:
The fisheries information can be provided to state and federal
agencies, watershed councils, and working groups to help implement
the CSRI plan by setting priorities for habitat management, restoration,
and acquisition.
Responsible Staff:
The ONHP Staff Director has the lead.
Funding:
A total of $35,000 is needed to complete the database during
the 1997-99 biennium. $9,000 is available for FY 1998. Continued
funding is needed for database maintenance.
Schedule:
Began in 1996; will continue as funding becomes available.
ONHP2 - Complete the Biodiversity
Data Layer.
Summary of Measure:
ONHP will complete and maintain the GIS layer showing the contribution
of designated lands to the maintenance of fish, wildlife, and
other components of biodiversity.
Background:
The Oregon Natural Heritage Act (ORS 272.561-272.591)
creates a Natural Heritage Data Bank to serve as a central repository
of information on rare, threatened, and endangered species in
Oregon. ONHP has worked cooperatively with state and federal
agencies to compile this centralized and uniform database, which
currently contains locations of all these species in a relational
data file. As part of a cooperative effort with Defenders of
Wildlife that began in 1996, ONHP helped compile a GIS layer that
shows all of Oregon's land management status and evaluates designated
land areas to assess their current contribution to the maintenance
of fish, wildlife and other components of biodiversity. The GIS
layer is available through the State GIS Service Center.
Goal:
To provide land management data for state and federal agencies,
watershed councils, and working groups to use in implementing
the CSRI plan.
Implementation:
In Spring 1996, ONHP and the Defenders of Wildlife developed
a managed areas data layer by compiling information from all sources.
The file is available through the State GIS Service Center.
It lacks quality control assessments and needs annual updating
and maintenance. This work would be performed by a GIS data analyst
at the ONHP office.
Results:
A compiled, high quality statewide data layer showing
land management designations for use in state, local, and watershed
planning efforts.
Responsible Staff:
The ONHP Staff Director has the lead.
Funding:
$6,500 is needed to perform quality control on the existing
statewide data layer. $1,800 is needed annually for database
maintenance.
Schedule: Began in 1996 and continues as funding allows.
Created April 4, 1997
Web Page Construction: Janet Demaris (503) 378-3397 x 234