here - Clatsop County Oregon

Williamsport Road AreaWilliamsport Road Area60.9 acres | Elevation: 100’ - 420’Overall ecological health: MediumRisk of ecological deterioration: HighFindings and AnalysisKey Habitats:• 48% Mixed conifer forest• 28% Alder upland forest• 24% Uneven aged conifer forestSpecial Features:• Bald eagle nest• Wildlife diversity – deer, pileated woodpecker, and more• Residual old growth snags and older second growthtimberThreats:• Adjacent to waste transfer station—increased risk forlitter and invasive species• Established infestation of English ivy• Recent salvage logging increases risk for colonization byinvasives• BlowdownRecommendationsManagement OptionsStabilization:• Treat invasives along edgesRestoration:• Aggressively treat invasives, including a coordinatedmulti-year strategy for removing English ivy from thenorthern portion along Williamsport Road• Aggressively treat invasives in areas disturbed by loggingin 2008 to ensure planted seedlings and natural regenerationare free to grow. Scotch broom and Himalayanblackberries should be the main focus here.• As the young plantings develop, thinning may beadvisable in about 10 years to achieve optimal spacing andspecies composition.Recreation:• Potential for a system of trails accessing these tracts andconnecting to the Astoria Column and parcels to the east.The importance of this property, in conjunction with nearbyCounty and City owned land, as a large natural area andbackdrop for the City of Astoria would be difficult to overestimate.Several hundred acres in size when taken together,the area forms an urban forest similar to what Forest Park isto the City of Portland. Working with the City to develop along-term vision for these properties is highly recommended.Section 2 Findings and Recommendations—Recreation Lands | 2.35