Marys River Watershed Council
MRWC MEETING

Minutes of the Marys River Watershed Council meeting of November 1, 2006.

The guest for the evening was Ann Kreager, Habitat Conservation Biologist for Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), speaking about "ODFW's WIldlife Habitat Conservation Management Plans". She explained that Oregonians value natural habitats and wanted to see them protected. In response, the Oregon legislature in 1997 developed a program that encouraged landowners to protect and enhance significant fish and wildlife habitat. Significant native habitats are those that (1) are becoming scarce, or of special ecological significance; (2) are important habitats for ecological restoration to prevent additional loss of native habitats or species; (3) are important to achieve objectives for native habitats or species in public or private land management plans covering multiple land ownerships; (4) provide habitat for federal or state threatened, endangered or sensitive species; (5) are identified as significant wildlife habitat in City or County comprehensive plans.

This is not a grant program, and no financial assistance is directly offered. Most of the land enrolled in the program has been formerly in agricultural use. Parcel sizes vary from small (3 acres) to an average of 75-80 acres. Only 15 counties in the state are participating in the program, Benton County is one. About 10 properties are participating at this time. Polk County has the highest concentration of enrollees. Enrolled properties are eligible for tax incentives, allowing them the equivalent of farm or forest deferral on taxes for lands managed for wildlife habitat.

Ann provided a hand-out entitled "Landowner Guide to the Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management Program". This hand-out covers the purpose of the program, its objectives and the process that a landowner initiates in order to participate. A certification of eligibility from the County or City (form provided in the hand-out) is the first step. Then a habitat plan would be developed if the landowner's goals are similar to those of ODF&W. Habitat plans identify management practices that benefit native wildlife species and their habitats and include such things as: protecting existing native vegetation, removing invasive vegetation or species; restoring, enhancing or creating wetlands or riparian areas.

Recently, it was decided that no new applications would be accepted until further notice. Ann is the only ODFW biologist with the program in this region, and there is a backlog of applications.

Ann graciously answered questions from the audience. What happens to a property in the program when it is sold? Answer: There is an option for the new owner to maintain or modify the program or to withdraw. What would improve the program? More funding.

Sandra Coveny, our Watershed Council Coordinator, provided us with a list of her activities for the month. Karen Fleck Harding, Outreach Coordinator, shared the final report to OWEB for the 05-06 Outreach Grant and asked for volunteers to help ODFW STEPS program with checking fish traps for fish presence monitoring on several creeks in the watershed this winter.

The meeting concluded at 8:30pm.