A Siuslaw National Forest committee has awarded $1.07 million to 12 organizations to help pay for 21 projects to eradicate noxious weeds, improve roads, enhance fish habitat, and support trail maintenance.
The largest grant was $203,475 to the Midcoast Watersheds Council to replace damaged culverts, reduce the spread of invasive species, and restore native plants on properties affected by the Echo Mountain fire in 2020.
Of the 28 proposals submitted to the Siuslaw National Forest, 21 were approved by a committee made up of government and tribal agencies, nonprofits, industry, recreation and environmental groups. Projects in Benton, Coos, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill counties are eligible for funding.
In addition to the Midcoast Watersheds grant, in Lincoln County awards went to:
- Rehabitat Natives, $37,800 for noxious weed control;
- Northwest Youth Corps, $38,123 for trail maintenance;
- Trail Keepers of Oregon, $15,253 for trail maintenance; Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District; $124,88 for riparian noxious weed control; and
- Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, $41,040 for vegetarian restoration by youth groups in Lincoln County.
