Some natural areas make a splash with hiking trails or high-profile locations. Others – including a growing swath of land in western Multnomah County – quietly go about the business of protecting water quality and wildlife habitat, fulfilling two objectives of Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program.
Metro natural resource scientist Kate Holleran takes notes at Metro's recent North Abbey Creek acquisition. Metro recently purchased 37 acres along North Abbey Creek, creating a natural area of nearly 120 acres combined with three previously protected, side-by-side properties. North Abbey flows into Rock Creek, which drains into the Tualatin River and provides drinking water for thousands of homes. Headwater streams in the area support steelhead, cutthroat trout and Coho salmon.
Nestled south of Skyline Boulevard, the forested area helps create a wildlife corridor that connects with the lower Tualatin Mountains. A large herd of elk roams the area, and bobcats have been spotted.
“If we want fish and wildlife to thrive near our urban communities, we have to protect the creeks and forests they rely on,” said Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, whose district includes western Multnomah County. “That’s what we’re doing in the Rock Creek watershed, thanks to voters.”
Metro invests funds from a 2006 bond measure in 27 areas across the region, chosen for their high-quality habitat and ability to make a difference. Land is bought from willing sellers, at market value.
The most recent addition, which was purchased for $897,500, includes 1,500 feet along the banks of North Abbey Creek. More than half the property features a healthy forest of Douglas-fir trees, big-leaf maple, red alder, cottonwood, ash and native shrubs.
Sitting just beyond the urban growth boundary, Metro’s new natural area permanently protects scenery and habitat for nearby neighborhoods.