Willapa recognized as ‘Site of International Importance’ for birds

Published 10:19 am Tuesday, April 11, 2017

By AMY NILE

anile@chinookobserver.com

PENINSULA — As an estimated 250,000 shorebirds flock in, for springtime stops along the Long Beach Peninsula and Willapa Bay, the area is being noted as a critical point along their migration route.

It is now designated as a site of international importance in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network strategy to protect habitats across the Americas.

“It’s like saying you’re a five-star hotel,” Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Manager Jackie Ferrier said. “This is a five-star place for shorebirds.”

The designated area includes the 17,000-acre federal refuge, which was established in 1937 for the conservation of migratory birds. The Columbia River estuary and Grays Harbor are also included among 97 places being preserved for shorebirds in 15 countries, from the Arctic to the southern tip of Argentina.

“Shorebirds undertake some of nature’s longest migrations,” Rob Clay, the strategy’s director, said in a press release. “Their ability to travel thousands of miles depends upon a network of critical sites along the way, where they can rest and refuel.”

Ferrier hopes the designation will get people to pay attention to the area’s importance for wildlife, and particularly species that are endangered or threatened, such as the snowy plover.

“The refuge and Long Beach Peninsula offer tremendous habitat for the birds, which translates into exceptional viewing opportunities for the public,” she said.

The recognition also credits property owners, conservation groups, businesses, and state and federal agencies for managing land around the bay and Peninsula with shorebirds in mind.

A conservation effort to bulldoze dunes and remove invasive plants is underway along area beaches. So far, invasive spartina cordgrass has been removed from almost 8,000 acres, restoring significant portions of habitat for shorebirds and other native wildlife.

“Now, it looks like open sand,” Ferrier said. “I think people will notice a difference.”

An International Migratory Bird Day celebration and a ceremony to designate the site is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 13 at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco. Student art promoting shorebird awareness will be on display.