Appendix E

Biological Resources

of Concern

USFWS

Appendix A

Appropriate Use Findings 

Appendix B

Compatibility Determinations

Appendix C

Implementation

Appendix D

Wilderness Review

Appendix E

Biological Resources of Concern

Appendix F

Statement of Compliance

Appendix G

Integrated Pest Management

Appendix H

Glossary

Appendix I

Contributors

Appendix J

Acquisition History

Appendix K

Public Involvement

Appendix L

Hydrological Modeling

Appendix M

References

Appendix N

List of Refuge Species

Appendix O

Wildland Fire Management Plan

Appendix P

Maps
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-1 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

E.1 Introduction and Background 

Management direction of individual refuges is driven by refuge purposes and statutory mandates, 

coupled with species and habitat priorities. Management on a refuge should first and foremost 

address the individual refuge purposes. Additionally, management should address maintenance, 

follow policy and, where appropriate, restore biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health 

(BIDEH) (Table E-1) and manage for National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) Resources 

of Concern (ROCs). With this approach, the refuge contributes to the goals of the Refuge System and 

achievement of its mission. 

In concert with this approach, and as an initial step in planning, the comprehensive conservation plan 

(CCP) planning team for the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (the refuge) identified ROCs 

for the refuge. As defined in the policy on Habitat Management Plans (620 FW 1G) ROCs are: 

All plant and/or animal species, species groups, or communities specifically identified in 

refuge purpose(s), System mission, or international, national, regional, State, or ecosystem 

conservation plans or acts. For example, waterfowl and shorebirds are a resource of concern 

on a refuge whose purpose is to protect ‘migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.’ Federal or 

State threatened and endangered species on that same refuge are also a resource of concern 

under terms of the respective endangered species acts. 

To provide a framework for development of goals and objectives in the CCP, the planning team 

identified ROCs following the process outlined in the handbook Identifying Refuge Resources of 

Concern and Management Priorities: A Handbook (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2009c). 

E.2 Comprehensive Resources of Concern 

A comprehensive list of potential ROCs was created early in the planning process. The planning 

team identified species, species groups, and communities of concern, based upon a review of the 

refuge’s establishing history and purposes, a description of the key habitat types existing at the 

refuge, and a review of numerous conservation plans (see Sections 1.6, 1.7, and 1.8 of the CCP), 

many of which highlight priority species or habitats for conservation. The comprehensive ROCs list 

is contained in Table E-2. 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-2 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-1. Summary of BIDEH for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Habitats (plant 

communities) that 

Represent Existing 

BIDEH 

Population/Habitat 

Attributes (age class, 

structure, seral stage, 

species composition) 

Natural Processes 

Responsible for 

These Conditions 

Limiting Factors 

Bottomland Riparian 

Forest 

Native overstory trees 

include Oregon ash, grand 

fir, big-leaf maple, 

Douglas-fir, and black 

cottonwood. 

Native subcanopy trees 

include black hawthorn, 

vine maple, cascara, Pacific 

ninebark, hazel, red alder, 

and Pacific yew. 

Native shrub layer includes 

snowberry, rose, red-osier 

dogwood, Douglas spirea, 

blue and red elderberry, 

red-flowering currant, 

Carex, and sword fern. 

Generally within the 100-

year floodplain. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: beaver, mink, 

downy woodpecker, 

northern red-legged frog, 

pileated woodpecker, 

Swainson’s thrush, western 

wood peewee, wood duck, 

and yellow warbler. 

Functioning 

floodplain: infrequent 

major flood events 

(flood heavily once 

every 3-5 years), 

scouring of 

trees/herbaceous 

layers, deposition of 

silts. Frequent shortterm flooding (may 

flood for a few days 

two to three times per 

year). Deposition of 

large woody debris in 

both the forest floor 

and river/stream 

channel. 

Flooding is the 

primary natural 

disturbance regime in 

Tualatin River Basin 

bottomland riparian 

forest. 

Non-functioning 

floodplain and altered 

hydrology in refuge 

watershed. 

Floodplain alterations 

including ditching and 

tile drains associated 

with agricultural 

practices, urban and 

rural development 

leading to increased 

runoff, and summer 

water withdrawals for 

agriculture, industrial, 

and urban uses. Climate 

change may cause 

further changes in 

weather and/or flooding 

patterns. 

Invasive species such as 

reed canary grass, 

Himalayan blackberry, 

English hawthorn, 

English ivy, and holly. 

Mixed 

Coniferous/deciduous 

Upland Forest 

Native overstory trees 

include Douglas-fir, 

western red-cedar, big-leaf 

maple, western hemlock, 

Garry oak, Pacific 

Madrone, and some grand 

fir. 

Native subcanopy trees 

include black hawthorn, 

vine maple, cascara, hazel, 

Relatively undisturbed 

forest with openings 

caused by wind 

storms. 

Infrequent fires. 

Cool, wet winters and 

mild summers. 

Habitat fragmentation 

from agricultural and 

urban development. 

Invasive species such as 

Himalayan blackberry, 

English hawthorn, 

English ivy, and holly. 

Species composition 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-3 

Table E-1. Summary of BIDEH for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Habitats (plant 

communities) that 

Represent Existing 

BIDEH 

Population/Habitat 

Attributes (age class, 

structure, seral stage, 

species composition) 

Natural Processes 

Responsible for 

These Conditions 

Limiting Factors 

serviceberry, Pacific 

dogwood, and red alder. 

Native shrub layer includes 

snowberry, Oregon grape, 

Indian plum, Mock orange, 

red-flowering currant, and 

sword fern. 

Generally occurs above the 

100-year floodplain. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: brown creeper, 

chestnut-backed chickadee, 

Pacific slope flycatcher, 

black-tailed deer, olivesided flycatcher, 

Swainson’s thrush, and 

pileated woodpecker.

may change with 

changes in precipitation 

or temperature due to 

climate change. Forest 

diseases such as Swiss 

needle cast may also 

increase due to climate 

change. 

Wet Prairie Few to no woody shrubs 

and trees. Native 

herbaceous species include 

sedges, rushes, tufted 

hairgrass, popcorn flower, 

Nelson’s checker-mallow, 

and other forbs. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: American kestrel, 

northern harrier, common 

yellowthroat, Nelson’s 

checker-mallow, western 

meadowlark, Wilson’s 

snipe, and sora.

Periodic fire, poorly 

drained soils, and 

seasonal flooding. 

Typically a transition 

area between upland 

and wetland. Periodic 

grazing by large 

ungulates. 

Invasive species 

especially reed canary 

grass and Himalayan 

blackberry. 

Fire suppression 

facilitates encroachment 

of woody species 

especially Oregon ash. 

With elk being removed 

from Willamette Valley 

habitats, no grazing by 

large ungulates. 

Draining and conversion 

to agriculture and urban 

development. 

Oak Habitats Widely scattered Garry 

oaks and/or Willamette 

Frequent 

(approximately every 

Agricultural and urban 

developments. 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-4 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-1. Summary of BIDEH for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Habitats (plant 

communities) that 

Represent Existing 

BIDEH 

Population/Habitat 

Attributes (age class, 

structure, seral stage, 

species composition) 

Natural Processes 

Responsible for 

These Conditions 

Limiting Factors 

Valley ponderosa pine. 

Very few shrubs. 

Dominated by native 

grasses and forbs including 

Roemer’s fescue, California 

oatgrass, California brome, 

blue wildrye, and meadow 

barley. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: downy 

woodpecker, white-breasted 

nuthatch, western bluebird, 

western gray squirrel, and 

coyote. 

5 years) low-intensity 

fire; absence of 

ground disturbance; 

presence of acorndispersing animals 

(squirrels, jays, acorn 

woodpeckers); light 

grazing/browsing by 

native ungulates. 

Oak habitats were 

formerly maintained 

by Native Americans 

with fires of various 

frequencies. 

Fire suppression causing 

conifer encroachment 

and competition by 

native trees and shrubs. 

Invasive species such as 

Himalayan blackberry 

and non-native grasses. 

Herbaceous Wetland Seasonal, semipermanent, 

and permanent wetlands 

characterized by annual 

vegetation and perennial 

emergent and submerged 

aquatic wetland plants. Few 

trees and shrubs. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: waterfowl, 

canvasback, dusky and 

cackling Canada geese, 

tundra swans, shorebirds, 

sora, northern pintail, 

northwestern pond turtle, 

American bittern, and piedbilled grebe. 

Hydric soils flooded at 

least part of the year 

from rainfall 

accumulation or 

overflow from rivers 

and streams in the 

floodplain. Fluctuating 

water levels and 

deposition of 

sediments from flood 

waters. Infrequent fire. 

Consumption of 

vegetation by large 

concentrations of 

waterfowl. 

Functioning 

floodplain: infrequent 

major flood events 

(flood heavily once 

every 3-5 years), 

scouring of woody 

species, deposition of 

silts, and reduction of 

emergents. 

Non-functioning 

floodplain and altered 

hydrology in the refuge 

watershed. 

Floodplain alterations 

including ditching and 

tile drains associated 

with agricultural 

practices, urban and 

rural development 

leading to increased 

runoff, and summer 

water withdrawals for 

agriculture, industrial, 

and urban uses. 

Encroachment of woody 

species. 

Invasive species 

including reed canary 

grass, velvetleaf, 

knotgrass (Bermuda 

grass), common 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-5 

Table E-1. Summary of BIDEH for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Habitats (plant 

communities) that 

Represent Existing 

BIDEH 

Population/Habitat 

Attributes (age class, 

structure, seral stage, 

species composition) 

Natural Processes 

Responsible for 

These Conditions 

Limiting Factors 

cocklebur, and nutria. 

Urban development 

with draining and filling 

of wetlands. 

Scrub-shrub Wetland Dominated by willow 

species, red-osier dogwood, 

rose, and spirea generally 

less than 20 ft. tall. 

Herbaceous plants include 

common cattail, sedges, and 

rushes. 

Typically characterized by 

deep organic peat soils. 

Potential Conservation 

Species: willow flycatcher, 

common yellowthroat, 

American bittern, northern 

red-legged frog, and sora.

Hydric soils flooded 

for a large part of the 

year from rainfall 

accumulation or 

functional floodplain 

causing overflow from 

rivers and streams.

Urban development 

with draining and filling 

of wetlands. 

Many of these habitat 

types were drained and 

converted to agriculture 

through draining, 

ditching, and tiling. 

Invasive species such as 

reed canary grass 

outcompete native 

plants. 

Rivers, Streams, and 

Backwater Sloughs 

Lower Tualatin River 

mainstem is characterized 

as low-gradient (about 1 

foot/mile drop) and slowflowing with riparian 

vegetation along the banks. 

Tributary streams may be 

low- to high-gradient. 

Sloughs may be inundated 

year-round or seasonally. 

Vegetation may include 

native riparian plant species 

such as Oregon ash, redosier dogwood, willows, 

snowberry, twinberry, and 

Pacific ninebark. 

Periodic flooding, 

scouring and 

movement of 

river/stream channel, 

inputs of coarse 

woody debris and 

leafy detritus, and 

occasional 

catastrophic flooding. 

Dams; water removal 

for agricultural, 

industrial, urban, and 

rural uses; and ditching, 

tiling, and draining of 

adjacent lands. Changes 

in frequency, duration, 

and intensity of flood 

events. Poor water 

quality, such as water 

with low dissolved 

oxygen, high 

phosphorus, and high 

temperature. Climate 

change may exacerbate 

flooding frequency 

and/or water quality 

issues. 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-6 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-1. Summary of BIDEH for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Habitats (plant 

communities) that 

Represent Existing 

BIDEH 

Population/Habitat 

Attributes (age class, 

structure, seral stage, 

species composition) 

Natural Processes 

Responsible for 

These Conditions 

Limiting Factors 

Potential Conservation 

Species: anadromous fish, 

beaver, mink, northwestern 

pond turtle, and wood duck.

Tualatin River channel 

is deeply incised and 

some tributary streams 

are highly modified into 

channelized sections 

with steep banks. 

Artificial fish passage 

barriers such as culverts 

and water diversion 

structures. 

Invasive species such as 

reed canary grass 

outcompete native 

plants. 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-7 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Acorn Woodpecker 

 FS 

X 

 X X 

Aleutian Canada Goose 

 X 

Allen’s Hummingbird 

 X X 

American Acetropis Grass Bug 

 FS 

American Bittern X X American Coot X American Kestrel X X X X American Wigeon 

X GBBDC 

Anadromous Fish X Backwater Streams and Sloughs 

X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-8 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Bald Eagle X X ST X X X Band-tailed Pigeon 

 FS X GBBDC X X 

Barn Owl X Beaver X X Belted Kingfisher X Bewick’s Wren X Black-capped Chickadee 

X 

Black-headed Grosbeak 

X 

Black-tailed Deer X X Black-throated Gray Warbler 

X 

Bottomland Riparian Forest 

X X 

X 

 X X 

Bradshaw’s FE SE X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-9 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Lomatium Brown Creeper X X X Bullock’s Oriole X Bushtit X X Cackling Canada Goose 

X GBBDC X 

California Myotis X Canvasback X GBBDC Chestnut-backed Chickadee 

 X 

X 

Chinook Salmon (Upper Willamette Evolutionarily Significant Unit 

X FT 

X 

 X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-10 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

[ESU]) Chipping Sparrow X 

 X 

Chorus Frog X X Coho Salmon X Common Garter Snake 

X 

Common Yellowthroat 

X 

Cooper’s Hawk X X X Coyote X Cropland/Pasture X Cutthroat Trout (coastal) 

X FS 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-11 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Downy Woodpecker 

X X 

Dry Prairie X Dunlin X X Dusky Canada Goose 

X X GBBDC 

X X

 X 

Fender’s Blue Butterfly 

 X FE SE 

X 

 X 

X 

Fringed Myotis FS Forested Wetland X X X Garry Oak X X X Golden Paintbrush 

 FT SE 

X X 

Grasshopper Sparrow X 

 X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-12 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Great Blue Heron X X X Great Egret X Greater Scaup GBBDC X Greater Yellowlegs 

X 

X 

Green-winged Teal 

X 

Herbaceous Wetland 

X X 

Hermit Warbler X Hooded Merganser 

X 

Horned Lark (strigata ssp. only) 

 X FC X BCC/B

CR 

X 

 X X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-13 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

House Wren X Hutton’s Vireo X Killdeer X ST X X Kincaid’s Lupine X FT ST X X Least Sandpiper X Lesser Goldfinch X Lesser Scaup X GBBDC X Lesser Yellowlegs 

 X 

X 

Lewis’s Woodpecker 

 X FS X X BCC/N X X X X 

Long-billed Curlew 

 X BCC/N 

X 

Long-billed X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-14 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Dowitcher Long-legged Myotis 

 FS 

Mallard X GBBDC Mink X X Mixed Coniferous/Deciduous Upland Forest 

X X 

Mourning Dove GBBDC Nelson’s Checker-mallow 

X X FT ST 

X X 

Neotropical Landbirds—Breeding 

X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-15 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Northern Flicker X Northern Harrier X X BCC/N X X Northern Pintail X X GBBDC X Northern Pygmy Owl 

X 

Northern Redlegged Frog X X FS X X X Northern Sawwhet Owl X Northern Spotted Owl 

 FT ST FT X X 

Northwestern Pond Turtle 

X X FS 

X 

 X X 

Northwestern Salamander 

X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-16 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Oak/Pine Savanna 

X X 

X 

 X X 

X 

Olive-sided Flycatcher 

X X FS X X X X X 

Orange-crowned Warbler 

 X 

Oregon Ash X X Oregon Chub FE SE X X X Pacific Lamprey X FS X X Pacific-slope Flycatcher 

 X X X 

Pale Larkspur (Delphinium leucophaeum) 

 FS SE 

X 

Peacock Larkspur X FS SE X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-17 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

(Delphinium pavonaceum) Peregrine Falcon X X X BCC/N X X Pied-billed Grebe X X Pileated Woodpecker 

X X 

Ponderosa Pine (Willamette) 

X 

Purple Finch X X Purple Martin X FS X X X Red Crossbill X Red-breasted Sapsucker 

X 

Red-eyed Vireo X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-18 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Red-naped Sapsucker 

 BCC/N X 

Red-shouldered Hawk 

 X 

Red-tailed Hawk X X Red-winged Blackbird 

X 

Ring-necked Duck 

X GBBDC 

Ring-necked Pheasant 

X 

River Otter X X Rufous Hummingbird 

 X X BCC/N X 

Sandhill Crane X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-19 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Scrub-shrub Wetland 

X X X 

Sharp-shinned Hawk 

 X 

Shorebirds—Migrating 

X X X 

Short-billed Dowitcher 

 X BCC/N 

Short-eared Owl X X X Silver-haired Bat FS Solitary Sandpiper 

 X 

Song Sparrow X Sora X X X Spotted X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-20 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Sandpiper Steelhead (Upper Willamette ESU) 

X X FT 

X 

 X X 

Steller’s Jay X Swainson’s Thrush 

X X X 

Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly 

 FC 

X X 

Thin-leaved Peavine (Lathyrus holochlorus) 

 FS 

Townsend’s Western Bigeared Bat 

 FS 

X 

 X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-21 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Tree Swallow X Tricolored Blackbird 

 FS X X 

Trumpeter Swan GBBDC X Tundra Swan X X X X Varied Thrush X X X X Vaux’s Swift X X X Vesper Sparrow (affinis ssp. only) 

 FS X BCC/B

CR X 

 X X X 

Virginia Rail X X Wapato X X Warbling Vireo X Water Howellia FT Waterfowl— X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-22 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Cavity Nesting Waterfowl—Migrating 

X 

Waterfowl—Wintering 

X X 

X 

 X 

Wayside Aster (Eucephalus vialis) 

 FS 

X 

Western Bluebird X X X X Western Brook Lamprey X Western Canada Goose 

 X 

Western Gray Squirrel 

 X 

X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-23 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Western Meadowlark 

X X 

X 

 X X 

Western Painted Turtle X 

 X 

Western Screech Owl 

X X X 

Western Toad X Western Wood Pewee 

X X 

Wetland X X X X X X X X X X Wet Prairie X X X X X White Rock Larkspur 

X SE 

X 

White-breasted Nuthatch 

 X 

X 

 X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-24 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

White-fronted Goose 

X GBBDC 

White-topped Aster 

 ST 

X X 

Willamette Daisy FE SE X X Willamette Floater (Anodonta wahlametensis) X 

 X 

Willamette Valley Larkspur (Delphinium oreganum) 

 FS SC 

X 

Willow Flycatcher 

X X FS X X 

X 

 X 

Wilson’s Snipe X X X 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-25 

Table E-2. Potential Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Species 

Refuge Purpose Species 

BIDEH 

Federal Threatened and Endangered 

State Threatened and Endangered 

Bird Conservation Region 5 (2008) 

Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List 

Birds of Management Concern (BMC) 

Region 1 Status 2005 

Oregon Chub Recovery Plan 

Oregon Conservation Strategy 

PIF—Oregon/BCR 5, 2004 

PIF: Conservation Strategy—

Landbirds 1999, 2000 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Canada Geese 

Pacific Flyway Management Plan: 

Western Population Tundra Swans 

Pacific Flyway Mgt. Plan: Cacklers 

Shorebird Plan 

1

Waterbird Plan 

2

Waterfowl Plan 

3

Flyway Depredation

4

Three Rivers Conservation Plan 2006 

Nature Conservancy—WVPTGSEA 

Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) 

Willamette Valley Implementation 

Recovery Plan for Prairie Species 

Wood Duck—Breeding 

X X GBBDC 

Yellow Warbler X X Yellow-billed Cuckoo 

 FC X BCC/R X X X 

Yellow-breasted Chat 

X FS 

X 

 X 

Yellow-rumped Warbler 

X 

Yuma Myotis FS Possible Focal Species 

Key: Federal Threatened and Endangered Species State Threatened and Endangered Species FE = Federal Endangered SE = State Endangered FT = Federal Threatened ST = State Threatened 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-26 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern FC = Federal Candidate SC = State Candidate FS = Federal Species of Concern SS = State Sensitive BMC Region 1 Designation Codes: BCC/N = Birds of Conservation Concern/National BCC/R = Birds of Conservation Concern/Regional BCC/BCR = Birds of Conservation Concern/Bird Conservation Region GBBDC = Gamebirds Below Desired Condition GBADC = Game Birds Above Desired Condition T/E = Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act 1 U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (Brown et al. 2001) 2 Waterbird Conservation for the Americas: the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan (Kushlan et al. 2002) 3 North American Waterfowl Management Plan (North American Waterfowl Management Plan Committee 2004) 4 Pacific Flyway Management Plan (Pacific Flyway Council 1998) 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-27 

E.3 Priority Resources of Concern 

The Comprehensive Resources of Concern list was further culled in developing a more targeted 

assemblage of Priority Resources of Concern (Table E-3). The Priority Resources of Concern table is 

comprised of 14 focal species, including birds and fish that were selected as representatives or 

indicators for the overall condition of important refuge habitats. Most of the biological emphasis of 

the CCP is focused on maintaining and restoring these priority resources. 

Several different conservation focal species may be listed for specific habitats to cover the variety of 

habitat structures and plant associations. In addition, species with specific “niche” ecological 

requirements may be listed as a focal species. Other species utilizing the habitat will generally be 

expected to benefit as a result of management for the focal species. 

Definitions for the column headings in Table E-3 are as follows: 

 Focal Species: Species selected as representatives or indicators for the overall condition of the 

conservation target. In situations where the conservation target may include a broad variety of 

habitat structures and plant associations, several different conservation focal species may be 

listed. In addition, species with specific “niche” ecological requirements may be listed as a focal 

species. Management will be focused on attaining conditions required by the focal species. Other 

species utilizing the conservation target will generally be expected to benefit as a result of 

management for the focal species. 

 Habitat Type: The general habitat description utilized by the focal species. 

 Habitat Structure: The specific and measurable habitat attributes considered necessary to 

support the focal species. 

 Life History Requirement: The general season of use for the focal species. 

 Other Benefiting Species: Other species that are expected to benefit from management for the 

selected focal species. The list is not comprehensive; see the Table of Potential Resources of 

Concern for the Refuges for a more complete list. 

 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-28 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-3. Priority Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Focal 

Species 

Habitat 

Type 

Habitat Structure Life History 

Requirement 

Other Benefitting 

Species 

Pacific slope 

flycatcher 

Bottomland 

riparian 

forest 

Early to mid-successional forest 

with shrub understory (Sakai and 

Noon 1991) associated with 

deciduous trees (Pearson and 

Manuwal 2001). Canopy trees >12 

ft. tall with <20% tree canopy 

cover, where canopy is Oregon 

ash-dominated, with willow, redosier dogwood, bigleaf maple, and 

hazel (Altman 2000). Shrub cover 

30-80%. 

Breeding 

Yellow warbler, 

song sparrow, 

willow flycatcher, 

and rufous 

hummingbird 

Swainson’s 

thrush 

Mid- to late-successional forest 

with shrub understory. Oregon ash, 

Douglas-fir, bigleaf maple, cascara 

as overstory species with >50% 

canopy closure. Swamp rose, 

snowberry, elderberry, and 

salmonberry; >50% shrub cover 

with >60% native species (Altman 

2000). 

Breeding, yearround for 

benefitting 

species 

Beaver, northern 

red-legged frog, 

anadromous fish 

(coho and 

steelhead), yellowbreasted chat, and 

black-capped 

chickadee 

Brown 

creeper 

Old-growth and mature forest 

types (Anthony et al. 1996). 

Oregon ash, bigleaf maple, 

Douglas-fir with canopy height 

>33 ft. and canopy closure >50%. 

Subcanopy cover >10% by 

snowberry, Pacific yew, cascara, 

some grand fir. Habitat patches 

>50 meter wide (PIF 2000). 

Breeding and 

year-round 

Chestnut-backed 

chickadee, 

anadromous fish, 

western wood 

pewee, downy 

woodpecker, and 

pileated woodpecker 

Orangecrowned 

warbler 

Mixed 

coniferous/ 

deciduous 

forest 

Douglas-fir-dominated canopy 

with mixtures of grand fir, western 

red-cedar, western hemlock, 

bigleaf maple, Garry oak, Pacific 

dogwood, Pacific yew, and red 

alder. Understory consists of 

snowberry, hazel, sword fern, and 

other shrubs. Understory trees <15 

ft. and >30% cover (Altman 1999). 

Breeding and 

year-round for 

benefitting 

species 

Bewick’s wren, 

spotted towhee, 

downy woodpecker, 

olive-sided 

flycatcher, and 

pileated woodpecker 

Wilson’s 

snipe Wet prairie 

Dominated by sedges and native 

grasses with very few shrubs or 

trees (NatureServe 2010). Grasses 

may be >3 ft. tall (e.g., 

Deschampsia sp.). A wide variety 

Breeding, 

wintering for 

waterfowl 

species 

American bittern, 

savanna sparrow, 

western 

meadowlark, 

northern harrier, 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern E-29 

Table E-3. Priority Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Focal 

Species 

Habitat 

Type 

Habitat Structure Life History 

Requirement 

Other Benefitting 

Species 

of sedges and rushes should be 

represented. May retain water at 

the soil surface more than 6 

months during the year. 

dusky Canada 

goose, migrating and 

wintering waterfowl, 

and Nelson’s 

checker-mallow 

Western 

bluebird 

Oak Habitats 

Early successional stages 

(restoration areas) dominated by 

native grasses and forbs with 

scattered sapling Garry oak trees. 

Trees may range from <3 ft. tall to 

>15 ft. 

Breeding, yearround 

Chipping sparrow, 

coyote, grasshopper 

sparrow, mourning 

dove, and rufous 

hummingbird 

Whitebreasted 

nuthatch 

Trees dominated by widely spaced 

(Vesely and Tucker 2004) mature 

Garry oak >25 inches diameter at 

breast height (DBH) with cavities. 

Some areas with scattered 

ponderosa pine large enough (>25 

inches) to provide nest cavities, 

and <1 snags/acre >1 ft. DBH. 

Native grass and forb understory 

<30 inches with few to no shrubs. 

Tree and shrub cover <10% with 

variable grass heights. Patch size 

>200 acres (PIF 2000). 

Breeding, yearround 

Western gray 

squirrel, acorn 

woodpecker, 

western bluebird, 

black-tailed deer, 

and lesser goldfinch 

Northern 

pintail 

Herbaceous 

wetland 

Shallow water depths averaging 4-

18 inches over 75% of wetland 

basins. Dominated by seedproducing annual plants (e.g., 

smartweeds, plantain), and native 

emergent plant species (e.g., 

sedges, rushes), with few 

encroaching trees. 

Wintering, 

migrating 

Tundra swan, 

cackling Canada 

goose, wintering 

waterfowl, river 

otter, mink, 

northwestern pond 

turtle; bald eagle and 

peregrine falcon 

(foraging) 

Greater 

yellowlegs 

Declining water depths producing 

saturated mud flats to mostly 

drained during summer. Migrating and 

year-round or 

breeding for 

benefitting 

species 

Least sandpiper, 

dunlin, killdeer, 

lesser yellowlegs, 

long-billed 

dowitcher, spotted 

sandpiper, tree 

swallow, and great 

blue heron 

Virginia rail Water depths averaging 12-30 

inches over 25-75%. Dominated 

Breeding and 

year-round for 

Wintering 

waterfowl, 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

E-30 Appendix E. Biological Resources of Concern 

Table E-3. Priority Resources of Concern for Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 

Focal 

Species 

Habitat 

Type 

Habitat Structure Life History 

Requirement 

Other Benefitting 

Species 

by emergent plant species such as 

spike rush, wapato, softstem 

bulrush, and common cattail. 

benefitting 

species 

American bittern, 

sora, common 

yellowthroat, 

common garter 

snake, and chorus 

frog 

Pied-billed 

grebe 

Water depths averaging 24-48 

inches over 50-75%. Open water 

>50%. Plant species dominated by 

submergent plants such as 

Potamogeton sp., Callitriche sp., 

and emergent plants such as 

Scirpus sp., softstem bulrush, and 

common cattail. 

Breeding and 

year-round for 

benefitting 

species 

Diving ducks, redwinged blackbird, 

wood duck, Vaux’s 

swift, mink, purple 

martin, northwestern 

pond turtle, and 

northwestern 

salamander 

Willow 

flycatcher 

Scrub-shrub 

wetland 

Water depths typically 3-10 ft. 

with some water remaining during 

most of the year. Vegetation 

dominated by willow, rose, and 

Douglas spirea with some Oregon 

ash, redosier dogwood, and black 

cottonwood. 

Breeding and 

year-round 

American bittern, 

sora, Virginia rail, 

red-winged 

blackbird, common 

yellowthroat, 

northern red-legged 

frog, and 

northwestern 

salamander 

Coastal 

cutthroat 

trout, winter 

steelhead 

Rivers, 

streams, and 

backwater 

sloughs 

Barrier-free river, stream channels, 

and sloughs. Shaded along the 

banks, and with coarse woody 

debris for in-stream structure. 

Migration 

corridor for 

migrating fish, 

off-channel 

winter refuge 

for juvenile 

fish 

Northwestern pond 

turtle, mink, beaver, 

belted kingfisher, 

spring Chinook, 

coho, and Pacific 

lamprey 

Cackling 

Canada 

goose 

Cropland 

Cultivated cereal grains including 

corn, barley, wheat, oats, etc. 

Green browse pastures with 

annual/perennial ryegrass, fescue, 

legumes, etc. Mowed to <4 inches 

before October 1. 

Migrating and 

wintering 

waterfowl, 

year-round for 

benefitting 

species 

Tundra swan, dusky 

Canada goose, 

northern pintail, 

American wigeon, 

northern harrier, and 

western meadowlark