Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Baird secured $2.5 million in federal funding for Spartina Grass Elimination in Willapa Bay and for Columbia River Gorge land purchases in the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill that passed the House late last night.  The bill is now headed to the Senate for its approval.   

“These projects will bring jobs and tourism dollars to our region and protect Southwest Washington’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.” said Congressman Baird. 

“Spartina eradication will benefit local oyster growers and crab and salmon fishermen whose livelihood and economic security is seriously impacted by this devastating weed,” Congressman Baird added.  “This funding will also help to preserve the pristine beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, one of our region’s most treasured natural assets.”   

Congressman Baird secured funding for the following Southwest Washington projects:

Spartina Grass Elimination Project in Willapa Bay: $1.5 million

The $1.5 million Congressman Baird secured will help save the Willapa Bay from Spartina Alterniflora, an invasive plant that has taken over the area’s intertidal mudflats.  The money will continue the ongoing efforts of a six-year plan to rid the Willapa region of Spartina.  This will be the fifth year of eradication efforts in Willapa Bay.  Congressman Baird, working closely with Congressman Norm Dicks, has secured funding for Spartina eradication since FY 2003.  

The Willapa Bay’s intertidal mudflats support an annual $20 million oyster and hard-shell clam aquiculture industry in a rural area with chronically higher-than-average unemployment rates.  Uncontrolled, Spartina infestation would destroy this industry.  The Bay’s mudflats are also a highly productive, critical habitat for migratory wildfowl.  Spartina grass invades and displaces the native shoreline plant species that make Willapa Bay one of the most important wintering and fueling areas of the Pacific Flyway.  The Bay’s estuaries are also critical habitat for endangered salmon populations making their transition from freshwater to saltwater and their return to freshwater spawning grounds.  

Columbia River Gorge Acquisition: $1 million

The $1 million Congressman Baird secured will help preserve lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.  The Gorge is one of the most recognized Lewis and Clark attractions in the country and one of the few relatively pristine landscapes on the trail.  

As a result of an amendment to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Act (CRGNSA) that passed as part of the FY 2001 Interior Appropriations bill, the U.S. Forest Service has been working with willing landowners to purchase land and conserve key properties along the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.  This years’ appropriation will enable the federal government to purchase properties that have extended sale offers to the U.S. Forest Service.  

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