Tidal wetland prioritization for the Smith River Watershed: Umpqua River Estuary of Oregon

Abstract

This prioritization is designed to provide strategic focus for tidal wetland conservation and restoration actions undertaken in partnership with willing landowners. The study highlights land areas in the Smith River Watershed (within the Umpqua River estuary) where tidal wetland restoration or conservation action may offer the biggest ecological “bang for the buck” – that is, those locations that may offer the highest potential to protect or increase estuary functions. The information provided by this study provides a basis for working with interested landowners to develop site-specific action plans.