Columbia River Estuary Spill Fund

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Location: Northeastern/Mid-Atlantic

Project Summary: Partners collaborate on restoration and education efforts in the lower Columbia River.

Resource Challenge

The Columbia River estuary is a dynamic system and is vital to both the wildlife that inhabit that ecosystem and the people in the communities and towns along the river. The stresses on the ecosystem, the size of the area and the complexity of the resources makes it difficult to prioritize where funds can be most effective. However, the group involved in the review of the 98 pre-proposals (requesting $9 million) and the 34 full proposals (requesting $3.2 million) together possessed the breadth and depth of knowledge that allowed this process to move forward to a successful conclusion.

Examples of Key Partners

The U.S. Department of Justice worked with the State of Washington and the U.S. Coast Guard to investigate and prosecute several shipping companies for unauthorized releases of oil and waste water in or near the Columbia River , resulting in a settlement. The total settlement was $1.3 million dollars, to be used for restoration and education efforts in the lower Columbia River. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation adminstered the funds and the USFWS chaired a committee with representatives from NOAA and the States of Oregon and Washington that would allocate the funds. An independent advisory committee with representatives from federal and state agencies, as well as non-profit groups and tribes was also formed to provide additional reviews.

Results and Accomplishments

A total of 12 projects were selected for funding with the $1.2 million available, ranging from $5K to $200K, and will result in matches worth and additional $3,336,215. There were six FWS projects funded on or near refuges; including:

North Oregon Seabird Census ($77,300); Seabird Abundance/Distribution in Nearshore Environment ($42,967); Ridgefield NWR habitat restoration ($91,000); Snowy Plover habitat restoration at Julia Butler Hansen NWR ($150,000); Wildlife in the Classroom Program ($52,500); and Tenasillahe Island Enhancement ($160,000).

It is expected that projects will begin implementation in summer of 2005.

Innovation/Highlight

This was a truly collaborative effort with input from numerous federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, tribes and local communities.

Project Contact

Stephen Zylstra
Division Manager, OFWO
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2600 SE 98th Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
(503) 231-6179
stephen_zylstra@fws.gov

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