PRIORITIZING WATERSHEDS IN OREGON FOR SALMON RESTORATION

This paper describes an ecosystem approach (the Bradbury framework) to prioritizing watersheds for watershed restoration and salmon recovery , and gives an example of its application. The framework was applied a t three spatial scales (in descending order) to prioritize (1) river b asins within the north coast geographic area of Oregon (USA), (2) wate rsheds within the Tillamook Bay basin, and (3) restoration activities at the watershed level. Implementing the framework identified the Neha lem and Tillamook Bay basins as high priority for the north coast of O regon. Within the Tillamook Bay basin, the Wilson, Kilchis, and Trask river watersheds emerged as high priority. Preliminary analysis indica ted that controlling sediment sources by addressing upland road condit ions and allowing floodplain and riparian ecosystems to recover are hi ghest priority protection and restoration activities within the Tillam ook Bay basin. The sample application demonstrates that an ecosystem a pproach (the Bradbury framework) is particularly advantageous where da ta are limited, although previous identification of relatively intact areas is required. Implementing the framework is intended to lead to r estoration of native species, but it may not provide immediate assista nce for some species or populations of concern.