Wildlife

Yamhill County is home to many different native plant and animals. However, several bird, fish, and plant species are currently in decline and have received Federal Endangered or Threatened Species designation under the Endangered Species Act (see wildlife links below). Other species are listed as Species of Concern and may require ESA listing for protection. Diversity and acreage of natural wildlife habitats in Yamhill County was reduced as land was converted from natural forest and grassland to managed forests, cropland, homesteads, and urban areas. Clearing of lands for urbanization and other developments continues to threaten sensitive plant and animal populations. Invasion of non-native species, both plant and animal, are also reducing the viability of native species. Landowner interest in native plants and wildlife habitat is high and district staff complete numerous projects each year to protect and enhance sensitive species.

Current work includes completion of raptor nesting and perches on 4000 acres of grass seed fields to reduce impact of voles on crop production, thereby reducing the need for chemical controls that have been impacting non-target species. Each year staff and volunteers organize an annual native plant sale that offers over 50 species to landowners interested in restoration projects and using native plants for landscaping. Over 750,000 native plants have been distributed since this program was initiated in 1992. Noxious weed control projects and education are conducted each year to protect plant and animal habitats and reduce impact of noxious weeds on agriculture and forestry.

District Wildlife Goals

Restore sustainable populations of threatened and endangered species.

Complete restoration of six Kinkaid’s Lupine / Fender’s Blue Butterfly sites.

Survey all active project sites for threatened and endangered species.

Restore sustainable populations of species listed as species of concern.

Establish nesting box sites on 15 project sites for Western Bluebird.

Establish Acorn Woodpecker habitat on 15 oak woodland sites.

Establish five NW Pond Turtle and Red Legged Frog habitat sites.

Complete four Coastal Cutthroat Trout habitat restoration projects

Expand the use of native plants in natural areas.

Distribute more than 1,000,000 native plants through the native tree sale by the year 2014.

Develop Miller Woods Partnership Native Plant Nursery as a resource for projects.

Establish over 100,000 native plants in district coordinated restoration projects by 2014.

Fully develop a noxious weed control program.

Fulfill role as noxious weed inspector, develop five noxious weed control projects for priority species, and, release biological control agents for targeted species.

WILDLIFE PAGE LINKS & RESOURCES

Yamhill County federally listed species

http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Lists/Documents/County/YAMHILL%20COUNTY.pdf

Oregon Explorer Wildlife Viewer

http://oe.oregonexplorer.info/Wildlife/WildlifeViewer/

United States Fish & Wildlife Service – Pacific Region Home

http://www.fws.gov/pacific/

USFWS Bird Box Specifications

http://library.fws.gov/bird_publications/house.html

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Home

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

ODFW Conservation Strategy Home