Smith and Bybee Wetlands

Smith and Bybee Wetlands
Name	Smith and Bybee Wetlands
Location	Portland, Oregon, United States
Nearest city	Vancouver, Washington
Coordinates	45.61°N 122.68°W
Area	2,000 acres
Elevation	10 ft
Designation	National Wetlands Inventory

Smith and Bybee Wetlands. The Smith and Bybee Wetlands, located in Portland, Oregon, near the Columbia River, is a unique and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including beavers, river otters, and over 100 species of birds, such as the American avocet, killdeer, and great blue heron. This wetland is situated near the Portland International Airport and is adjacent to the Columbia Slough, which flows into the Willamette River. The wetlands are also close to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, making it an important stopover for migratory birds.

Introduction

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands is a 2,000-acre wetland complex that is managed by the Portland Parks & Recreation department, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The wetlands are named after Smith Lake and Bybee Lake, two lakes that are connected by a series of wetlands and sloughs. The area is also home to the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetland Natural Area, which is a designated natural area that provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including the western pond turtle and the northern red-legged frog. The wetlands are also near the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Columbia River Gorge, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Geography and Climate

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands is located in the Willamette Valley, near the confluence of the Willamette River and the Columbia River. The wetlands are situated in a floodplain and are surrounded by wetlands, marshes, and swamps. The area has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and cool summers, and is influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Range. The wetlands are also near the Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Basin, which provides a unique combination of geology and hydrology that supports a diverse range of ecosystems. The area is also home to the Portland Basin, which is a geologic feature that was formed by the Missoula Floods.

Ecology and Wildlife

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands is a critical habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including the western meadowlark, northern harrier, and American bittern. The wetlands are also home to a variety of fish, including the Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout, which are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The area is also an important stopover for migratory birds, including the Canada goose, snow goose, and greater white-fronted goose, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The wetlands are also near the Columbia River Estuary, which is a critical habitat for marine species, including the Chinook salmon and the Steller sea lion.

Conservation Efforts

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands is protected by a variety of conservation efforts, including the National Wetlands Inventory and the Oregon Wetlands Program. The area is also managed by the Portland Parks & Recreation department, which works to restore and protect the wetlands and wildlife habitats. The wetlands are also part of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which is a National Wildlife Refuge that provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The area is also near the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which is a National Scenic Area that protects the natural and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge.

Recreation and Tourism

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The area is also home to the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetland Natural Area, which is a designated natural area that provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The wetlands are also near the Portland International Airport and the Columbia River Gorge, making it a convenient destination for tourists and travelers. The area is also close to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which provide a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Columbia River.

History

The Smith and Bybee Wetlands has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area, including the Chinook and Cowlitz tribes. The area was also an important location for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the area in 1805. The wetlands were also used for agriculture and fishing by early settlers, including the Hudson's Bay Company. The area is also near the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which is a National Historic Site that commemorates the history of the Columbia River and the Oregon Trail. The wetlands are also close to the Columbia River Gorge, which is a National Scenic Area that protects the natural and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge.

Category:Wetlands of Oregon