Oregon

The Audubon Society of Portland initiated the Oregon Important Bird Area (IBA) program in 2002 to identify the sites in our state most important to bird conservation, and to promote the continuation, restoration, or improvement of avian values at these sites through scientific monitoring, education, and appropriate public or private approaches to protection. The rapidly declining availability of many critical habitats for birds in Oregon makes proactive conservation essential. Oregon hosts a bird list of 486 species, ranking about fifth in the nation for species richness. Fostering this diversity are all four of the world's major terrestrial biomes: alpine, desert, grassland, and forest, as well as over 300 miles of coastline bordering a tremendously productive region of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Some species for which Oregon is well known are the Harlequin Duck, Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl, Wrentit, and Hermit Warbler. Goals for the Oregon IBA Program include: 1) Identifying sites in Oregon most important to avian conservation, 2) Increasing local awareness of sites and their importance, 3) Assembling a team of 'friends' to adopt public sites, 4) Initiating volunteer avian and habitat monitoring at most sites, 5) Promoting management and conservation measures that maintain avian values, and 6) Mobilizing resources so that landowners and managers are able to maintain avian values. Beginning in 2002, the Audubon Society of Portland assembled a Technical Advisory Committee of scientists and wildlife professionals, and contracted wildlife ecologist Matt Hunter to coordinate the IBA program. By January 2004, the Technical Advisory Committee selected 100 of over 200 nominated sites for IBA status and continues to review other potential sites. The IBA website (www.oregoniba.org) lists the sites, reports on activities thus far, documents avian values, and helps coordinate monitoring and conservation efforts at each site. Going forward, the Oregon IBA Program will take a lead role in implementing monitoring programs for key species, developing conservation plans, and initiating conservation partnerships at many of the IBAs.