December 14, 2012

Metro and the City of Portland teamed up this week to purchase 54 acres of wildlife habitat near the Columbia Slough in Northeast Portland.

The wetland is home to more than 170 species of birds including kingfishers, owls, and great blue herons in addition to deer, bats and amphibians. Metro also plans to build nearly three miles of the Marine Drive and Columbia Slough trail networks, where gaps today force visitors onto busy streets.

PP&R partnered with Metro and the City’s Bureau of Environmental Services to purchase the natural area with funds from Metro’s 2006 bond measure to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and opportunities to enjoy nature. The Columbia Slough is one of the most expansive focal points of the bond, with wetlands and slow- moving channels stretching 19 miles from Fairview Lake to Kelley Point Park. PP&R will manage the new natural area.

In one of our city’s most urban areas – dotted with warehouses, neighborhoods and major thoroughfares – the project will offer access to amazing natural habitat right in our back yard.