A nonprofit dedicated to restoration projects along Oregon’s Central Coast will receive $2.2 million to restore tidal habitats threatened by erosion, flooding and drought.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is awarding the funds to the MidCoast Watersheds Council to restore 125 acres of tidal wetlands and 6 miles of stream channels across Siletz and Yaquina estuaries in Lincoln County. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Oregon Democrats, announced the award recently.
“The degradation of tidal wetlands has not only negatively affected our beloved and economically important fish and wildlife species, including our resident Chinook, coho and chum salmon, but it has made coastal residents more vulnerable to storms, sea level rise and coastal flooding,” said Evan Hayduk, the council’s executive director.
The project will improve habitats for salmonids, reduce flood risk for coastal residents and enhance sediment retention through floodplain reconnection, fish passage improvements, native plant and tidal channel restoration, large wood placement and native Olympia oyster reef reestablishment, according to the senators.
Wyden said he will continue to support programs that protect communities from the worsening effects of climate change.
“The health of Oregon’s estuaries is vital to our state’s ecosystems and communities,” said Merkley, the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing the funding for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “This critical federal funding along with strong matching support will leverage MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in restoring tidal wetlands and reducing risk to the community at the same time.”
In addition to the $2.2 million funds, the project secured $1.8 million in matching funds, bringing the total project funds to $4 million. — Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle
