Salem, OR – A $546,530 grant has been awarded to the City of Salem for the restoration of native vegetation and wildlife habitats at the Minto Island Conservation Area. The funding, provided by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), is part of a broader initiative supporting 71 ecological restoration projects across the state, with a total of $14.2 million allocated this year.
The grant will fund the West Forest Restoration Project at Minto Island, which encompasses 153 acres of floodplain and riparian forest along the Willamette River. City officials confirmed that the grant, which spans five years, will conclude in 2030.
“This grant award from OWEB will allow us to continue our work at the Minto Island Conservation Area, helping to restore and enhance the ecological health of the area,” said Jeffery Johnson, a natural resources planner with the City of Salem. “Our goal is to improve the functionality and resilience of the ecosystem by restoring native riparian forests, improving habitat quality, and controlling invasive species.”
The Minto Island Conservation Area provides critical habitat for a variety of species, including western pond turtles, northern red-legged frogs, migratory birds, and raptors. Restoration efforts are expected to not only benefit these species but also improve the overall health of the riparian ecosystem, which serves as an important buffer against flooding and provides refuge for fish during high-water events.
Funding from the OWEB grant will be used for several key restoration tasks, including the removal of invasive plant species, planting 36,500 native plants, and seeding 300 pounds of native grasses and forbs. The project is designed to improve biodiversity, support carbon sequestration, and enhance the ecological resilience of the area in the face of climate change and ongoing environmental pressures.
In addition to the state funding, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are contributing matching funds in the form of technical assistance. This partnership highlights the collaborative effort among local governments, tribal organizations, and environmental groups to ensure the long-term sustainability of Oregon’s natural landscapes.
The Minto Island Conservation Area is one of several sites across the state benefiting from the OWEB’s restoration initiative, which is funded through the Oregon Lottery and federal Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery funds, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
City officials noted that the Minto Island project builds on previous restoration work in the area, and this new funding will help ensure the continued recovery of the site’s unique ecosystems. Once completed, the West Forest Restoration Project will provide a healthier, more resilient habitat for native plants and animals, securing its role as a vital ecological resource for the region for years to come.
