Fisheries biologists working on Oregon’s mid-Coast have reason to celebrate: Western Rivers Conservancy has committed to buy key properties on two streams that bring real hope to the recovery of the mid-Coast’s salmon and steelhead.

First, Western Rivers Conservancy will purchase 520 acres along four miles of the North Fork Smith River, a salmon and steelhead stronghold for the large Umpqua River system. The Smith River’s cold water and complex habitat provide a refuge for Umpqua River fish in summer months.

This is WRC’s second acquisition on the North Fork Smith River. In 2003, we protected a private inholding of the Kentucky Falls Special Interest Area, a spectacular seven-mile-long corridor of old-growth forest in the Siuslaw National Forest.

Additionally, WRC will buy 478 acres along two miles of West Fork Indian Creek, a critical tributary to the Siuslaw River. The Siuslaw’s fish runs have declined, but West Fork Indian Creek maintains such a strong run of wild winter steelhead that it serves as a research site for this population. The land also contains rare riparian meadows that provide winter forage for a large herd of Roosevelt elk.

WRC is purchasing both tracts from Davidson Industries of Mapleton, Oregon, and is working to secure funding to convey them to the Siuslaw National Forest to be managed for fish and wildlife habitat while providing public access.

Above: North Fork Smith River. Photo by Josh Kling.