Habitat Conservation Biologists -- Upper Willamette

The Habitat Conservation program provided technical assistance that resulted in the protection and restoration of native salmon and steelhead habitat, especially those salmon and steelhead listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Project biologists worked with local, state, and federal regulatory entities and landowners to review proposed land and water use permits and regulatory actions, as well as encouraged work modifications or additions that reduced impacts and provided benefits for native fish (and wildlife) habitat. They also provided local knowledge of site conditions and worked with landowners on opportunities to incorporate habitat restoration projects on their land while equipment was mobilized for other purposes. This vital technical assistance helped ensure sustainable development while minimizing, mitigating, or eliminating negative impacts in western Oregon locations where future growth and resource conflicts will likely be the greatest.

Funding for these positions assists with critical elements of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed by helping ensure sustainable development while minimizing, mitigating, or eliminating negative impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. The habitat conservation biologists will also work with landowners to identify voluntary habitat restoration opportunities that are available on the site such as placement of large wood in streams, riparian vegetation enhancement, or invasive species removal.

The protection of habitat will be part of the implementation of the Upper Willamette River Conservation And Recovery Plan For Chinook Salmon And Steelhead (ODFW and NOAA, 2011).