Coos County, OR – A major restoration project in southwest Oregon has transformed the Beaver Slough Basin in Coos County, restoring tidal wetlands and reconnecting more than 9,800 acres of critical fish habitat for native species such as fall Chinook, coho, and cutthroat trout.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Coaledo Tide Gate Replacement and Beaver Slough Fish Passage Project replaced outdated tide gates that had restricted fish access since the late 1800s. The new, fish-friendly gates restore natural tidal flows and open 13.6 miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat within the Coquille River Estuary.
Tidal wetlands are vital for coastal fish populations, offering food sources and shelter during key life stages. Historically, diking and drainage for agriculture disrupted these systems—cutting off access for native fish. The updated tide gates now allow fish to move freely between freshwater and saltwater environments, improving long-term ecosystem resilience.
This project is also a benchmark for Oregon’s conservation funding efforts. It was among the first to receive a grant from the Private Forest Accord (PFA), a state program established in 2022 to support forest and watershed restoration. Members of the PFA Grants Advisory Committee recently toured the site, joined by the Coquille Watershed Association and Coaledo Drainage District, to review progress and outcomes firsthand.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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