Oregon's Greatest Wetlands
Priority Wetlands for Conservation & Restoration
Wetlands are uniquely productive and valuable ecosystems, and provide a wide range
of ecological, social and environmental functions. Though often limited in size,
they occur in all corners of Oregon and are among the most biologically productive
and species-rich habitats in the state. Coastal salt marshes, pitcher-plant bogs,
mountain fens, valley bottom vernal pools, wet prairies, spruce swamps and desert
saltgrass flats are a small sampling of the diversity of wetland types in Oregon.
Wetlands are habitat for plants, animals, invertebrates, fish, and fungi. They store
flood waters, maintain base flows, and recycle nutrients and chemicals while providing
opportunities for recreation, education, and aesthetic experiences.
Oregon has lost over half of the wetlands present when the first setters arrived
in the 1800’s. To ensure that the remaining wetlands are conserved, The Wetlands
Conservancy have identified Oregon’s Greatest Wetlands and have developed the Oregon
Wetland Explorer. These include information on wetland ecology and threats; and
on opportunities to promote collaborations, and partnerships for the conservation
and restoration Oregon’s most biologically important wetlands. The wetlands portal
is designed to support the work of citizens, agencies and watershed councils and
conservation non-profits in conservation of Oregon's Greatest Wetlands.
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