News & Updates on Portland Harbor Restoration | |
Updates from the Trustee Council on Recreation | |
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Summer has arrived and with it, recreational activities are on the rise. As the weather gets warmer, Portlanders are eager to get outside and into the water for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Whether it be for fishing and sun-bathing at Cathedral Park or exploring the harbor and Sauvie Island by kayak, people have shown interest in enjoying what the river has to offer. Today, lingering concerns for river-goers include limited access to the river in the city, fish consumption advisories, and the Superfund Site. In response, the Oregon Health Authority created a map and fact sheet about recreation in the Lower Willamette River. Before going, be sure to check out the map here.
For the Trustee Council, one of our restoration priorities is to safely increase access and opportunities for recreation along the river, without conflicting with the cleanup or ecological restoration projects. We want to thank everyone who submitted ideas to us on recreation in Portland Harbor last year. We are reviewing your feedback. Our next step will be to publish a restoration plan focused on recreation. We will seek public comment on the plan.
Read more about the Trustee Council’s objectives for restoring recreation in Portland Harbor on our website here.
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Lower Willamette River Recreation Map
Credit: Oregon Health Authority.
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Spotlight: Invasive Plants | |
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An invasive plant is a non-native species that potentially causes harm to native plants and the surrounding ecosystem, creating poor habitat for fish and wildlife. Some invasive species are also designated as a noxious weed, which means the plant is harmful to crops, natural habitats, ecosystems, humans, livestock, or wildlife.
Following construction of restoration projects, a large concern is invasive species management. Monitoring, adaptive management, and stewardship are the most critical defenses against the spread of invasive plant species at newly constructed restoration projects. At Alder Creek, Linnton Mill, PGE Harborton, and Rinearson Creek Natural Area, the project developers and Trustee Council have agreed to monitoring metrics and performance standards for invasive plants. Tracking these measurements over time helps inform when an intervention- such as manual removal, mowing, herbicide, or adding more native plants- is needed.
Some of the most prevalent invasive plants we see in the Portland area include Reed Canarygrass, Himalayan Blackberry, and English Ivy.
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Reed Canarygrass
(Phalaris Arundinacea) is a dense perennial grass species with hollow stems that can grow to 6 feet tall. It commonly grows in wetlands, expanding radially. In late summer, it produces flower heads with hues of gold, red, or purple that distribute seeds by wind, water, or wildlife. Due to its density, it suppresses and out competes nearby native plants and has little benefit for sheltering wildlife.
Photo: NOAA
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Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus Armeniacus) is a thorny perennial shrub that grows in tall impenetrable thickets. In a single year, it can grow over 20 feet, overtaking native plants. It is distinguished from other blackberry plants with its reddish stems, toothed, oval leaves, and white flowers that bloom early summer. It is well-known for its blackberries which contain up to 80 seeds that can be spread by birds, mammals, or water.
Photo: ODA Noxious Weed Program
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English Ivy
(Hedera Helix) has large waxy leaves and thick, woody vines that grow on trees and forest floors. With optimal light, it produces green or white flowers with small berries that birds pick and disperse. The ivy outcompetes vegetation for light, adds weight and moisture to tree trunks, and can dominate tree canopies. Its leaves and berries are toxic to humans and wildlife and can cause skin irritation.
Photo: ODA Noxious Weed Program.
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Managing invasive plants is critical for a diverse and healthy ecosystem. Learn more about them at the East and West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District’s websites. Invasive plants can also be reported through the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline here.
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River School
Thursdays, June 8th - July 22nd Join the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group at Green Anchors for a free educational series geared toward adult learners. The classes will cover the history, ecology, plants, wildlife, superfund cleanup, and much more. The Trustee Council will present on restoration at the class on July 20th. Learn more here.
Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group Meeting
July 12th 5:00-7:00 PM, The Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of representatives of diverse community interests. Its purpose is to provide a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns related to the Superfund decision-making process.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
July 14-16th Come enjoy the 43rd anniversary of a landmark festival full of jazz and community in Cathedral Park, admission is free. EPA, DEQ, and CAG will also have a table at the event. Learn more here.
Big Canoe Trip on the Willamette
July 27th The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is inviting residents of the Linnton community on a fun 2.5 mile paddling adventure to see wildlife, restored natural areas, and views of Linnton from the water. Linnton area residents can find more information here.
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Portland Harbor in the News
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"Love" art installation by Roman Sorrensen at Green Anchors Pier, Cathedral Park, Photo: NOAA | |
The Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council is responsible for restoring natural resources that have been impacted by contamination in the Portland Harbor Superfund site. The purpose of this newsletter is to share information about the Trustee Council's work with those who are interested in our assessment and restoration efforts.
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