Oregon's bipartisan effort - Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative

American Forests, Wntr, 1998 by Craig Noble

When the National Marine Fisheries Set vice approved Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative (CSRI) last April many Oregonians sounded a sigh of relief. Instead of listing coho salmon in central and northern Oregon under the Endangered Species Act - which would entail a spate of regulations on fishing and logging - CSRI seeks to restore the once-bountiful fish to productive and sustainable levels through proactive, local measures.

The state legislature appropriated $30 million in support, available in grants to about 60 state groups known as watershed councils or associations. To be eligible for funding, groups must represent local interests.

CSRI enjoys bipartisan support from a broad range of stakeholders, including government, industry, agriculture, and environmental groups.

"We believe in Oregon that [ESA] doesn't go far enough," says Kevin Smith, the governor's director of federal affairs. We're going beyond a regulatory solution to cooperative partnerships of people willing to work to restore an important cultural, environmental, and economic part of their communities."

Smith says CSRI's success depends on watershed councils having the flexibility to try innovative measures to restore salmon habitat. The plan will get a yearly audit by an independent science team. The timber industry agreed to underwrite the plan by accepting higher taxes on lumber production-expected to raise $13.6 million over two years.

Anne Donnelly, executive director of the Coos Watershed Association, agrees on the importance of local self-determination. She also says it is critical to recognize the democratic, consensus-driven nature of the councils.

Donnelly points to the composition of the Coos Watershed Association. The 20 members of its executive council include representatives from the timber industry, small woodlot owners, ranching and agricultural interests, state and federal land-management agencies, local and tribal governments, fisheries and aquaculture interests, the port and waterfront industry, and environmental and sportsmen's groups.

One thing is certain: The National Marine Fisheries Service will be watching closely. The future of other community-based ecosystem restoration efforts may depend on the success of the Oregon Initiative.