Learn more about how the District plans to address this resource concern in the Long-Range Business Plan for 2011-2015 (pdf file).
Healthy fish and wildlife populations require adequate habitat, which is provided in natural systems and, for many species, in landscapes managed for forestry, agriculture, range, and urban uses. Unfortunately, many species, which were historically abundant in the Tualatin River Watershed, are declining due to population growth, land-use conversion, and pollution.
There are eight ecoregions in Oregon, each with similar climate and vegetation. Most of the Tualatin River Watershed is located within the Willamette Valley Ecoregion. A small portion is located within the Coast Range Ecoregion.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed the Oregon Conservation Strategy, containing information about important species of fish, wildlife, and vegetation to protect within each ecoregion.
Fish
Map showing Steelhead distribution in the Tualatin River Watershed. Click image to zoom.
While all listed species are important to consider for restoration, salmonids in particular are a defining symbol of the Pacific Northwest. Because salmonid species are such good indicators of a healthy ecosystem, it is important that we protect them.
Specifically, the Upper Willamette River Steelhead, listed as threatened in Oregon, is one of the top priorities for restoration.
Other important fish species include Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and Coho salmon.
Birds
Important bird species in the Tualatin River Watershed are the willow flycatcher, western meadowlark, western bluebird, acorn woodpecker, and yellow-breasted chat.
An easy way to attract birds is to provide houses for them.
Artificial Nesting Structures, NRCS 2008 (pdf file)
Pollinators
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Did you know?
- Approximately 75% of all flowering plants rely on pollination.
- Over 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, fibers, spices, and medicines rely on pollination to produce resources on which we depend.
- Over 200,000 species of animals act as pollinators.
- About one mouthful in three in the diet benefits from honey bee pollination.
There are three things you can do to protect pollinators:
Plant flowers to attract pollinators
- Pollinators need nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season.
- Provide blooming plants from early spring to fall (plant at least three species of plants that bloom within each season).
- Use native plants wherever possible.
- Plant a variety of flowers with diverse colors and shapes.
Protect nest sites
- Native bees use areas such as bare ground, brush piles, old tree stumps, and snags.
- Install nesting blocks for wood-nesting bees.
- Install nesting boxes for bumble bees.
Minimize Pesticide Use
- Use alternatives to insecticides and herbicides when available.
- Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.
- Follow label directions and pay attention to information about toxicity to bees.
- Apply pesticides directly to targeted plants to prevent drift.
- Avoid broad-spectrum chemicals if possible.
- Spray at night, when bees are not foraging.
