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| OWEB completes $1.5 million agreement for Salmon River estuary property | ||
| 08/30/2006 | ||
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Action supports coastal coho salmon recovery 12-06
For immediate releaseNews media contact: Lori Warner-Dickason, 503-986-0046 The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board expects to complete a $1.5 million grant agreement with the Westwind Stewardship Group this week to purchase Camp Westwind at the mouth of the Salmon River estuary. The purchase is one of a number of actions that will protect the watershed and help restore coastal coho salmon populations in the Salmon River estuary. Earlier this year, the OWEB Board approved funding to assist the Westwind Stewardship Group with the $3.8 million total project cost. The camp consists of a 508-acre parcel north of Lincoln City. It has served as a YWCA summer camp for 70 years. The acquisition furthers two goals: 1) to protect and preserve the natural values of the largest piece of private land under single ownership in the Salmon River estuary through a permanent preservation agreement, and 2) to sustain and enhance Camp Westwind’s role in providing environmental education and research opportunities for children and adults. Project partners with the Westwind Stewardship Group include the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Spirit Mountain Community Trust. The Westwind Stewardship Group will operate the camp as a YWCA-affiliated facility and manage the property,
TNC will take the lead in the planning process and intends to involve staff at an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery on the river, industrial timber operators and local residents. "The Camp Westwind purchase and the conservation plan can be a key component of habitat protection and restoration in this region," said Ken Bierly, OWEB deputy director. He noted that the comprehensive conservation plan that has been developed for coastal coho salmon will rely on such collaborative projects in every river basin along the Oregon coast. For more information about OWEB activities and programs, visit www.oregon.gov/OWEB or call OWEB in Salem at 503-986-0178. OWEB projects support the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds that emphasizes private, voluntary actions to restore wild salmon populations. OWEB is a state agency led by a policy oversight board. The agency provides grants and services to citizen groups, organizations and agencies working to restore healthy watersheds in Oregon. Funding comes from the Oregon Lottery as a result of a citizen initiative in 1998, sales of salmon license plates, federal salmon funds and other sources. |
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