Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commision Willamette Restoration Initiative Project

Contact: Dennis Wise
Organization Web Site:

About Willamette Restoration Initiative

The Willamette Restoration Initiative (WRI) was established by a State Executive Order in 1998 to develop a basin-wide strategy to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, increase populations of declining species, enhance water quality and properly manage floodplain areas in the Willamette River basin of Oregon. WRI now serves as a non-regulatory regional body to implement the Willamette Restoration Strategy. A key partner is the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board who promotes and implements programs to restore, maintain, and enhance watersheds in the state of Oregon in order to protect the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) was authorized by Congress as an interstate commission dedicated to resolving fishery management issues. PSFMC supports the Willamette Restoration Initiative (WRI) as a special project under its regional programs and fiscal administration.

About the Partnership

The NOAA/Willamette Restoration Initiative Habitat Restoration Partnership was formed in 2001. Through the partnership, $100,000 of NOAA funds were matched 1:1 by WRI to complete watershed assessments and develop restoration action plans that benefit anadromous fish populations and habitat in the Willamette River basin. Four local watershed councils were funded to conduct assessments, prioritize the habitat restoration needs, and integrate basin-wide restoration strategies. To establish consistency in the restoration efforts of the region, a major goal of the partnership is to improve communication and coordination among local councils, community groups, and governments. Specific restoration projects will be designed and implemented based on the strategies and priorities that are generated as result of the activities initiated under this partnership.