EPA Scientists Honored with Land Board Award
SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board today honored two scientists and public servants who have worked collaboratively with the state for decades to help protect Oregon’s wetlands and waters.
Tracie-Lynn Nadeau and Yvonne Vallette of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Oregon Operations Office were recognized by Governor Kate Brown, State Treasurer Tobias Read, and Secretary of State Shemia Fagan during the 17th Annual Land Board Awards ceremony.
“Tracie and Yvonne are extraordinary partners of the Department of State Lands whose dedication, leadership, and collaboration have shaped water and wetland protections in Oregon and beyond,” said Governor Kate Brown, who presented today’s award.
As a lead environmental scientist with the EPA, Tracie Nadeau’s passion for public service and scientifically informed decision making has shaped her career.
“For decades, Tracie has encouraged using data to better understand, and more effectively protect, wetlands and waters,” said Governor Brown.
Nadeau’s knack for identifying gaps in aquatic resource protections and seeking innovative solutions is paired with a collaborative approach with states, Tribes, and other partners that results in creation of practical tools for resource protection.
Two of those tools are currently being adapted for use in other states. Nadeau spearheaded development of the Streamflow Duration Assessment Method for Oregon, which helps DSL and other Oregon regulators clarify which waters are covered under the Federal Clean Water Act and determine best management practices. She was also instrumental in creating the Stream Function Assessment Method for Oregon, which helps assess how impacts to streams can be reduced and mitigated.
Nadeau’s work is centered, she said, in her commitment to public service.
“What draws me to civil service is the soul of civil service,” she said. “There is little personal glory, and most people are unaware of what you are doing on their behalf. At the end of the day, if you make a commitment to serve the public you must always be thinking of those public needs, and the reward is meeting those needs.”
Yvonne Vallette is an aquatic ecologist whose 35 years with the EPA have focused on teaming with states, Tribes, and local governments to develop programs that protect wetlands and other aquatic resources, that either enhance or help to address gaps in the federal Clean Water Act.
“This is my legacy, to do what I can to help bring people with similar needs together,” Vallette said. “Sometimes it may take a while for the stars to line up to bring the right interests together. But I’m always there looking to make those connections happen, helping to facilitate those partnerships, while making sure they get the resources they need to be successful.”
Her partnership over the years has helped connect DSL with the technical and financial support needed to develop a strong wetland program that complements federal requirements. With Vallette’s help, Oregon has been able to make significant strides toward the state’s “no net loss of wetlands” goal. Funding from the EPA has helped DSL develop better tools for tracking wetland restoration programs and changes to wetland and land use.
“Yvonne seeks to make permitting processes more efficient, without sacrificing natural resource protections,” said Governor Brown. “Her guidance has been instrumental in helping Oregon develop a robust wetland program that is a model for other states.”
The Land Board Awards honor exceptional projects and partners for their contributions to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s treasured natural resources. Awarded for the first time in 2020, the Catalyst Award recognizes individual partners whose work supports stewardship of state lands and waters.
Learn more about this year’s award recipients on the Land Board Awards website or view the awards ceremony on the DSL YouTube Channel.
View images of the recipients of the 17th Land Board Awards.
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About the State Land Board
The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund.
About the Department of State Lands
The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. For more information on DSL, visit www.oregon.gov/DSL.
Oregon Tide Gate Partnership Recognized with Land Board Award
SALEM, Ore. – A collaborative endeavor to fix Oregon’s aging tide gates was honored today by the State Land Board during the 17th Annual Land Board Awards.
Governor Kate Brown, Treasurer Tobias Read, and Secretary of State Shemia Fagan recognized the Oregon Tide Gate Partnership for creative problem solving to repair and replace tide gates along the coast.
Tide gates keep farm fields, roads, and other areas dry and protected from flooding by letting freshwater out during low tides and preventing water from entering during high tides. Salmon and other migrating fish are able to swim through the tide gates when properly functioning. But improperly functioning tide gates can impact infrastructure, water quality, and wildlife.
“When tide gates work well, everyone benefits,” said Secretary Fagan, who presented today’s award. “This collaborative effort by many partners helps ensure Oregon’s tide gates will keep protecting communities and natural resources.”
Oregon has more than 1,000 tide gates, many of which need repair or replacement in order to function properly.
The Partnership has brought together a diverse group of interests dedicated to identifying barriers and solutions for updating tide gates. Partners include coastal counties, watershed boards, conservation groups, farming and ranching associations, Tribes, and federal and state agencies. The collaboration is coordinated by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.
“The Tide Gate Partnership exemplifies the ‘Oregon Way’” said Meta Loftsgaarden, former Executive Director of OWEB. “Individuals and groups with different perspectives are coming together, rolling up their sleeves and solving wicked problems in new and innovative ways.”
To date, the Partnership has developed an inventory of Oregon’s tide gates, established funding and engineering resources for landowners, and created planning tools to help communities plan and prioritize projects. Regulatory agencies are also working to coordinate the permitting process for tide gate repairs or replacements.
“Now that those resources are built, it feels like we’re finally at the starting line,” said Jillian McCarthy, Tide Gate Coordinator with OWEB. “The next year will focus on testing the tools, making refinements, and working together to complete projects on-the-ground.”
The Land Board Awards honor exceptional projects and partners for their contributions to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s treasured natural resources. Learn more about this year’s recipients on the Land Board Awards website or view the awards ceremony on the Department of State Lands YouTube Channel.
View images of the recipients of the 17th Land Board Awards.
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About the State Land Board
The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund.
About the Department of State Lands
The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. For more information on DSL, visit www.oregon.gov/DSL.
State Land Board Recognizes Jackson-Frazier Wetland Restoration
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The State Land Board today honored the revitalization of a once-damaged wetland in Corvallis.
The multi-year project that restored water flow and native species at Jackson-Frazier Wetland was commended by Governor Kate Brown, State Treasurer Tobias Read, and Secretary of State Shemia Fagan during the 17th Annual Land Board Awards ceremony.
Work by project partners corrected years of damage to the valuable wetland, smoothing human-made ruts and mounds and adding subtle contours and depressions to support the wetland’s hydrology. Invasive reed canary grass was also removed, allowing native species to once more flourish and support wildlife.
The now-healthy wetland helps enhance water quality and retain floodwater to the benefit of the surrounding community, said Adam Stebbins, Natural Resources Coordinator with Benton County.
“To finally make right what was done back in the ‘80s and let that site reach its full potential again, that’s something to be proud of,” Stebbins said.
Invasive reed canary grass has decreased by 90 percent, allowing native plants like the threatened Bradshaw’s desert parsley and the endangered Nelson’s Checkermallow to reclaim the area. Migratory birds observed at the wetland have increased by 25 percent.
Visitors can visit the recovering wetland and learn about its benefits from an adjacent boardwalk.
“This project leaves a legacy,” said Treasurer Read, who presented the award. “The Jackson-Frazier Wetland now provides crucial benefits to the community, supports wildlife, and enhances learning and public recreation. These partners set a standard for what future restoration work can and should look like.”
Project partners included Benton County Natural Areas & Parks, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Corvallis, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.
The Land Board Awards honor exceptional projects and partners for their contributions to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s treasured natural resources. Learn more about this year’s recipients on the Land Board Awards website or view the awards ceremony on the DSL YouTube Channel.
View images of the recipients of the 17th Land Board Awards.
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About the State Land Board
The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund.
About the Department of State Lands
The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. For more information on DSL, visit www.oregon.gov/DSL.
State Land Board to meet October 12
The meeting includes presentation of the annual Land Board Awards
SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, October 12.
The Land Board Awards ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Every year, the State Land Board honors exceptional projects and partners for their contributions to enhancing Oregon’s treasured natural resources. Award recipients are:
The Land Board meeting will begin immediately after the awards ceremony. Agenda items include requests from the Oregon Department of State Lands to begin due diligence for several potential future land transactions, including:
The Land Board will also hear annual reports on South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, DSL’s Aquatic Resource Management Program, and the Common School Fund.
The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the Department of State Lands website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel.
The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony during the meeting. The deadline to sign up to testify is 10 a.m. on Monday, October 11. Testimony information is available here.
If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.
About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.
Campfires remain prohibited
The Department of State Lands and Oregon Department of Forestry today announced visitors may once more access the Elliott State Forest for most activities, effective immediately.
The announcement lifts wildfire restrictions on overnight camping, use of firearms, and motor vehicle travel on roads. Campfires remain prohibited until further notice.
Visitors should review fire danger levels and any additional use restrictions on the Coos Forest Protective Association website before coming to the Elliott. For the latest status updates on recreation at the Elliott State Forest, visit www.oregon.gov/DSL.
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