Finley-Muddy Creek Area – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Located around Finley Wildlife Refuge south of Corvallis along the west side of Hwy 99; area extends up Muddy Creek west of Monroe to its confluence with Marys River

COA ID: 084

Recommended Conservation Actions

Maintain and enhance wetlands, ponds, and associated uplands to support northwestern pond and western painted turtle habitat
Maintain or enhance oak savanna and grassland habitats and their connection to adjacent habitats
Maintain or restore riparian habitat and ecological function; ensure sufficient habitat complexity for wildlife
Maintain watershed function and wildlife habitat by maintaining/enhancing water quality and controlling invasive species
Protect and enhance existing oak woodland oak savanna and grassland habitats
Remove invading conifers and manage tree and shrub encroachment in grasslands and oak savanna habitats
Restore or maintain floodplain wetlands and wet prairie

Local Conservation Actions and Plans

Special Features

General

Area contains Herbert Farms Natural Area which includes farmland with native Oak, diverse plants and wildlife habitat. Marys River converges with Muddy Creek on this property. Partners including the City of Corvallis and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are working on habitat protection and restoration on this property.
Area has been designated a Grassland Bird Conservation area.
Area hosts several several species of threatened and endangered plants and associated endangered butterflies
Area includes important high-quality remnants of native wet prairie, oak, and riparian habitats.
Area provides stronghold habitat for the continued recovery of Oreogn chub
Habitat for migratory waterfowl
There are ongoing efforts to eventually provede a connection corridor of restored and protected habitats along Muddy Creek between Finley Refuge and Marys River. Partners include Greenbelt Land Trust, USFWS, ODFW, City of Corvallis, Natural Resources Conservation Servide, and private landowners.

Previously Associated With

2006 COA ID WV-22 (Finley - Muddy Creek area)

Protected Areas

Bellfountain County Park
Evergreen
Maple Knoll
Muddy Creek Wetland Mitigation And Conservation Bank
Pigeon Butte Research Natural Area
Wetlands Reserve Program
Willamette Floodplain
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

Ecoregions

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.