Oregon and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Secure $4.85 Million for Coastal Resilience Project

By Kristy Tallman SALEM– The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) have secured $4.85 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect a 42-acre property along Oregon’s coast. This funding, part of NOAA’s recent $59.8 million allocation for coastal management programs nationwide, supports habitat restoration and conservation projects. Specifically, it enables CTSI to acquire the property, home to rare habitats and vital migration corridors. Located on Oregon’s central coast, the property features protected habitats, freshwater streams, and Sitka spruce wetlands, serving as a hub for cultural revitalization efforts. CTSI’s acquisition marks a milestone in reclaiming ancestral lands. Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman, emphasized its role in safeguarding ecological and cultural heritage. Lisa Phipps, DLCD Manager, praised the partnership’s strength in securing national funding and reclaiming culturally significant lands. The central coast faces threats from development and climate change, making conservation crucial. Lincoln County supports these efforts. Lincoln County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson expressed gratitude for collaborative conservation initiatives. The DLCD, CTSI, McKenzie River Trust, and Lincoln County partnership is crucial for preserving Oregon’s coastal environment. McKenzie River Trust supports tribal-led conservation. Margaret Treadwell, of McKenzie River Trust, highlighted the organization’s commitment to tribal goals and landscape conservation. Photo Credit: Lincoln County By Kristy Tallman, May 9, 2024 The Republic News Source: Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.