North Fork Bend
North Fork Bend was protected in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy in Oregon (TNC). TNC acquired the property for conservation and transferred it to McKenzie River Trust in June 2024.
North Fork Bend builds on a network of conservation lands in the lower siuslaw river estuary.
Meet North Fork Bend
Why the area is important
North Fork Bend is in the heart of the lower North Fork Siuslaw River Estuary. Adjacent to other conservation lands, including Estergard and North Fork Marsh, its permanent protection builds on a network of lands that can benefit recovering salmon populations and contribute to climate resiliency in the region. Nearly 70% of Oregon’s outer coast wetlands have been lost. Protection projects like this one are a step forward in restoring critical wetlands habitats in the Siuslaw River estuary.
Fish and wildlife on the property
Tidal wetlands support an abundance of plant and animal communities. In the lower Siuslaw River estuary, migratory salmon and steelhead rely on these areas to adjust between fresh and saltwater environments. Grasslands support shore and songbirds, and larger mammals, including elk and black bear, can be found foraging.
Conservation Context
North Fork Bend is part of a 1,200-acre conservation complex in the lower Siuslaw River estuary. Building on adjacent lands, including Waite Ranch, Cox Island, and Estergard, the area provides an important opportunity to restore tidal wetlands for the benefit of the fish, wildlife, and people of the Siuslaw.