Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The Sphagnum bog provides habitat for many interesting and unusual species, such as the insect-eating sundew plant and the bog cranberry. Scientists have discovered many layers of sand and peat under Neskowin Marsh indicating a long history of tsunami activity which carries sand from the coastal sand dunes. These might be the best record of tsunami activity within the Cascadia subduction zone.
Chinook and coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout and steelhead are all native to the Nestucca Bay and River system. November through April, the refuge’s short grass pastures provide winter habitats for the previously mentioned dusky Canada goose and the Aleutian cackling goose. Notable winged residents include a variety of migrating shorebirds, peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
The refuge was established in 1991, and is on Nestucca Bay at the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca rivers, ranging 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) south of Pacific City. Across the bay to the west is Nestucca Spit and Robert W. Straub state parks.
The refuge is closed to all public use, except during two special events: one in February and one in October. A viewing area is planned for construction, probably in 2008.
In 2010, Oregon writer Matt Love published a book about his experience serving as caretaker of the site for nine years during the restoration of the preserve from a one-time dairy farm back to its natural state. "Gimme Refuge: The Education of a Caretaker" Nestucca Spit Press. ISBN 9780974436449
See also
References
- ^ "Annual Report of Lands as of September 30, 2009" (PDF). United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
- ^ "Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved September 15, 2007.
- ^ "Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Brochure". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. p. 8. Retrieved September 16, 2007.
- ^ "Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Profile". U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. August 25, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ^ "Nestucca Bay NWR to Construct Cannery Hill Overlook in 2008". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. May 31, 2007. Retrieved September 16, 2007.
- ^ Love, Matt (2010). Gimme Refuge. South Beach, OR: Nestucca Spit Press. p. 172. ISBN 9780974436449.