Wildlife Thrives Thanks to Unique State Partnership in Oregon Coast Range

To aid the nearby colony of western purple martins, nesting boxes were placed on the snags in the meadow area.Photo byOregon Department of Forestry

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

VENETA, Ore. — A high-elevation meadow nestled in the Oregon Coast Range is transforming into a haven for wildlife, thanks to a collaboration between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Purple martins, bats, bees, and various other species are now benefitting from the newly created habitat at Walker Meadows, located 13 miles west of Veneta at an elevation of 2,300 feet.

The initiative began following discussions during the 2020 wildfires, when the need to reduce fire risks around communication towers and other infrastructure prompted the removal of timber at the site. In addition to ensuring the safety of the towers, the local ODF district and area biologists saw an opportunity to enhance the wildlife habitat.

"We wanted to retain patches of large conifers as replacement snags for the local western purple martins whose existing snag habitat was degrading," said Randy Smith, ODF Wildlife Biologist. "These snags are critical for their nesting after woodpeckers create cavities in the trees."

The ODF planted native pollinator species and ODFW seeded the rest of the medio with a native pollinator/grass seed mix..Photo byOregon Department of Forestry

Transforming a Timber Harvest Area into Wildlife Habitat

What started as a timber harvest quickly evolved into a larger conservation effort. After the timber removal, ODFW proposed the idea of turning the area into a montane grassland, a rare habitat type that supports a wide range of species, including pollinators like the Western Bumblebee.

“We received funding to remove stumps and prepare the land for replanting,” said Chet Behling, ODF Assistant District Forester. “It was a big effort, but it’s paid off.”

With the help of the Xerces Society, 120 potted pollinator plants were added to the meadow, and the area was seeded with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers.

A Thriving Ecosystem

Since the completion of the habitat restoration in October 2023, Walker Meadows has seen an influx of wildlife. Western Bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, Olive-sided Flycatchers, and several bat species have been spotted, along with larger mammals such as Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and mountain lions.

Smith, however, has a particular interest in the purple martins. "They are the largest swallow species in North America and rely on cavities in snags for nesting. That’s a big limiting factor for their population."

To support the martins, nesting boxes were installed, and the hope is to begin banding and tracking the birds as part of ongoing research. In 2020, a martin banded in Florence was tracked on an 8,000-mile migration to Brazil and back—highlighting the importance of these habitats for their survival.

A Model for Future Conservation

Both ODF and ODFW view this project as a model for future habitat creation across the state. "We hope other ODF districts can replicate this effort," said Smith. "This project shows how ODF is committed to enhancing habitats for all wildlife, not just endangered species."

For more information on ODF’s conservation efforts, visit their State Forests webpage under "Conservation and Restoration." For more details about ODFW, see their Wildlife Division website.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024
The Republic News

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