Nature Conservancy mounts land acquisitions

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, November 19, 2002

PORTLAND – The Nature Conservancy recently announced its campaign “The Heart of Oregon” as the state’s largest land conservation initiative undertaken by a private organization.

With a campaign goal of $70 million, it has been reported that contributions and pledges have already reached $57 million.

The Conservancy’s campaign targets 20 sites selected to ensure protection for Oregon’s diversity of native plants and animals, and includes Zumwalt Prairie in Northeast Oregon, a haven for birds of prey and the Conservancy’s largest land purchase in Oregon; Williamson River Delta on Upper Klamath Lake, one of the West’s largest marshland restoration projects; Illinois Valley in Southern Oregon, home to rare plants and animals; and Willow Creek in West Eugene; a native prairie area.

“Oregon has an amazing diversity of forests, rivers, wetlands, beaches and prairie. We rank eighth in the nation in total number of plant and animal species,” said Russell Hoeflich, The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon director. “Our experience says good science, collaboration and partnerships are the best way to care for our lands and waters. That’s how the Heart of Oregon will help save Oregon’s diversity of life for future generations.”

For more information, access the Web site at nature.org.