Start Date
3-2-2021 10:00 AM
End Date
3-2-2021 10:10 AM
Abstract
The Port of Portland initiated a 50-acre grassland enhancement project on Government Island in 2012 to mitigate for future impacts at properties adjacent to the Portland International Airport (PDX). One of the primary project objectives was to create a site that provides the habitat structure and function necessary to support grassland associated wildlife, particularly grassland birds and pollinators. Prior to implementation the site was highly degraded and dominated almost exclusively by pasture grass and non-native broadleaf species. The Port began site preparation in 2012 which included herbicide applications and mowing to achieve the bare ground necessary for seeding. In the fall of 2015, the site was seeded with 7 species of native grasses and 26 species of native forbs including 2000 hand planted native camas bulbs. Since 2015, site maintenance has been ongoing, utilizing principles of adaptive management and the expertise of site managers. The enhancement efforts were also expanded to the riverbanks and into forested areas within the site to control the spread of weeds from adjacent areas. An extensive seed bank of pasture grasses and other weeds, surrounding degraded habitat, anthropogenic pressures, intermittent flooding and access only by boat add complexity for management of the site. Starting in 2010 and continuing through 2020, the Port has formally monitored bird usage and vegetation composition, as well as partnering with the Xerces Society to monitor pollinator species pre- and post-implementation to track and document the site’s progress. The first 50-acre phase of this ongoing project will help inform management strategies for up to 250 additional acres of grassland mitigation on the island.
Subjects
Animal ecology, Conservation biology, Habitat restoration, Plant ecology
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35490
Rights
© Copyright the author(s)
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Enhancing Grassland Habitat in The Middle of the Columbia River
The Port of Portland initiated a 50-acre grassland enhancement project on Government Island in 2012 to mitigate for future impacts at properties adjacent to the Portland International Airport (PDX). One of the primary project objectives was to create a site that provides the habitat structure and function necessary to support grassland associated wildlife, particularly grassland birds and pollinators. Prior to implementation the site was highly degraded and dominated almost exclusively by pasture grass and non-native broadleaf species. The Port began site preparation in 2012 which included herbicide applications and mowing to achieve the bare ground necessary for seeding. In the fall of 2015, the site was seeded with 7 species of native grasses and 26 species of native forbs including 2000 hand planted native camas bulbs. Since 2015, site maintenance has been ongoing, utilizing principles of adaptive management and the expertise of site managers. The enhancement efforts were also expanded to the riverbanks and into forested areas within the site to control the spread of weeds from adjacent areas. An extensive seed bank of pasture grasses and other weeds, surrounding degraded habitat, anthropogenic pressures, intermittent flooding and access only by boat add complexity for management of the site. Starting in 2010 and continuing through 2020, the Port has formally monitored bird usage and vegetation composition, as well as partnering with the Xerces Society to monitor pollinator species pre- and post-implementation to track and document the site’s progress. The first 50-acre phase of this ongoing project will help inform management strategies for up to 250 additional acres of grassland mitigation on the island.