Home / Environment / Oregon Marsh Reclaims Tides for Salmon
Oregon Marsh Reclaims Tides for Salmon
2 Sep
Summary
- Nine acres of wetland will be reconnected to the Nehalem River.
- New channels will be lined with natural wood for habitat.
- Restoration aids juvenile salmon and over 125 bird species.
McCoy Marsh in Oregon is undergoing a significant restoration project to reintroduce tidal flow after nearly a century of disconnection. Nine acres of wetland are being re-linked to the Nehalem River and Botts Marsh, a move conservationists deem vital for juvenile salmon and more than 125 bird species.
Crews are cutting into perimeter dikes to create new tidal channels, which will be enhanced with natural wood structures. These additions aim to increase habitat complexity and foster diverse plant communities, supporting the Nehalem watershed's natural estuary processes. The Lower Nehalem Community Trust owns and stewards the site.
Estuaries like McCoy Marsh are critical transition zones for young salmon migrating to the ocean, providing essential food, shelter, and rest. This restoration is expected to offer a crucial safe haven for juvenile salmon from the Nehalem River as they move toward the bay, especially during challenging conditions.
The construction phase is scheduled to conclude by the end of September 2026. However, the restoration efforts will continue with ongoing revegetation planting and monitoring throughout the following year to assess the marsh's response to the re-established tidal processes.
