Minto Island Conservation Area: 307-acres within the park
In 2013, the City purchased property from the Boise Cascade Corporation. The 307-acre area was acquired as a “Conservation Area” through the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Both BPA and ODFW hold a Conservation Easement on the property. According to the Conservation Easement, the 307-acre area is to be managed for fish and wildlife habitat, with limited trail access allowed for passive recreation.
In 2015, the City produced a management plan for the Conservation Area, outlining restoration methods and areas. Phase 1 focused on the east side forested floodplain restoration and planting along the paved trail, and was funded with a grant from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Meyer Memorial Trust in 2016. Phase 2 restoration, in partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper, is beginning in summer 2019 and is focused on reducing invasive aquatic weeds in Willamette Slough. A grant for Phase 3 restoration work will continue to improve the habitat by restoring native floodplain forested areas along the western edge in the Minto Island Conservation Area.
