The Jesuit Novitiate in Sheridan, Ore recently agreed to conserve more than 100 acres of “stunning” coastal landscape overlooking Nestucca Bay.
The Nature Conservancy in Oregon and the Pacific Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked with the Jesuits to conserve the 102.53-acre property located on Cannery Hill overlooking Nestucca Bay. Ownership of the property has been transferred to the Service from the Jesuits.
The property will be protected as a part of the 1,202-acre Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge and combined with the 90-acre Harder property acquired in May 2013, now fully protects the entire Cannery Hill North Peninsula for wildlife and outdoor recreation.
“I’m nearly speechless that this stunning piece of coastal landscape will be protected in perpetuity for the public as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Roy W. Lowe, Project Leader for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “The success of this acquisition was only possible due to the herculean efforts of our valued partners at The Nature Conservancy, Federal Highway Administration, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Oregon congressional delegation,” added Lowe.
The property, located at the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca rivers contains upland forest, shoreline, and tideland habitats at the northern tip of Cannery Hill. Wildlife using this area includes migratory songbirds, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, bobcat, black-tailed deer, and many other species. Shoreline and tideland habitats are used by a variety of estuarine fish including coho and Chinook salmon.
In addition to providing future hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing opportunities for the public, the inclusion of this forested headland within the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge will protect the dramatic view from U.S. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, as well as the view at the south entrance to the community of Pacific City.
For more information on Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/nestuccabay/
