BLM OR/WA Willamette Valley Species Recovery

Willamette Valley prairie and oak habitats are some of the rarest ecosystems in the United States. A variety of factors have led to the decline of these habitats, including fire suppression, urban and agricultural development, and invasion of non-native weeds. With less than 1% of prairie habitat and less than 10% of oak habitat remaining (when compared to pre-European settlement conditions), it is no surprise that the species associated with and dependent upon these habitats are also imperiled. There are five threatened and endangered plant species, two federally listed butterflies, and one federally listed bird associated with Willamette Valley prairie and oak habitats, as well a myriad of additional rare plants, songbirds, invertebrates, and other species that call the prairies and oaks in the Willamette Valley home.