By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024
VENETA, Ore. — A high-elevation meadow nestled in the Oregon Coast Range is transforming into a haven for wildlife, thanks to a collaboration between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Purple martins, bats, bees, and various other species are now benefitting from the newly created habitat at Walker Meadows, located 13 miles west of Veneta at an elevation of 2,300 feet.
The initiative began following discussions during the 2020 wildfires, when the need to reduce fire risks around communication towers and other infrastructure prompted the removal of timber at the site. In addition to ensuring the safety of the towers, the local ODF district and area biologists saw an opportunity to enhance the wildlife habitat.
“We wanted to retain patches of large conifers as replacement snags for the local western purple martins whose existing snag habitat was degrading,” said Randy Smith, ODF Wildlife Biologist. “These snags are critical for their nesting after woodpeckers create cavities in the trees.”