Posted June 28, 2016 2:13 pm by Comments

By Duncan Johnson

Deciduous swamps on the Gail Achterman Natural Area provide habitat for many species including native turtles, frogs and herons.
Deciduous swamps on the Gail Achterman Natural Area provide habitat for many species including native turtles, frogs and herons.
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

SALEM, Ore-(Ammoland.com)- One of the largest and most intact riparian forests remaining along the mainstem Willamette River is now permanently protected to benefit Oregon’s native fish and wildlife.

The Gail Achterman Natural Area (also known as Hayden Island) protects 270 acres. This area downstream of Independence, Ore., is one of the only significant riparian forests remaining in the 34-mile stretch between the Santiam River confluence and Willamette Mission State Park.

The Achterman property consists of priority habitats identified by the Oregon Conservation Strategy including riparian habitat, wetlands with deciduous swamps, and freshwater aquatic habitats. These habitats are home to Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Band-tailed Pigeons and owls, and have the potential for use by Chinook salmon, steelhead, Western pond turtles, Northern red-legged frogs, and Pacific lamprey. Many neotropical birds and waterfowl also use the site.

“This natural area is exactly the type of property we work hard to aquire through the WWMP,” said program coordinator Laura Tesler. “It has significant habitat value for Oregon Conservation Strategy …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand

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