The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) awarded $132,908 to Portland Audubon for the Ecological linkages between birds, water patterns, and vegetation Project at their October 23-25, 2023 board meeting.
The award was one of 69 grants totaling $12,461,865 provided to local organizations statewide to support fish and wildlife habitat and water quality projects.
“This project integrates the influence of water patterns and vegetation on bird use of riparian and wetland habitats so that we can manage for climate resilient systems and bird populations,” says Teresa Wicks, Eastern Oregon Biologist, Portland Audubon.
In the Ecological linkages between birds, water patterns, and vegetation Project, the relationships between nesting and migratory shorebirds, seasonal water patterns, and vegetation will be monitored in the Harney Basin to inform upcoming restoration work. It is expected to begin (March 2024) and be completed by (February 2027).
Funding for these grants, awarded by the OWEB Board, comes from the Oregon Lottery, and Federal Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery funds provided by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.
Since 1999, the Oregon Lottery has provided over $525 million to OWEB’s grant program that helps restore, maintain, and enhance Oregon’s watersheds. Combined, the Lottery has earned nearly $15 billion for watershed enhancements, public education, state parks, and economic development. For more information about the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
For additional information about this project contact (Teresa ‘Bird’ Wicks, twicks@audubonportland.org). For additional information about OWEB and its grant programs, contact Eric Hartstein at eric.hartstein@oweb.oregon.gov. A listing of all awarded grants is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OWEB/Documents/2023-Oct-Board-Awards.pdf
