Ladd Marsh is one of the most significant land acquisitions in the region. Through the lead of a volunteer named Jim Ward we began to investigate the opportunity to protect and enhance this great elk habitat. The property we purchased gets it’s name because it is adjacent to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, four miles southeast of LaGrande. The purchased involved a partnership with a private landowner who is placing a Conservation Easement on the portion of the property nearest his country home. The 1830 acres is prime winter range for elk, wild turkeys, whitetails, and mule deer. Elk migrate out of the Blue Mountains down toward the large wetland and upland complex that is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

To get a feel for the importance of this area, think of it as similar to the Blackfoot Clearwater project. Just like the great elk herd that migrates out of the Bob to winter on the managed Game Range so it is at Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in Oregon. Because mountains meet wetlands at the site, wildlife is both abundant and diverse. At a recent tour of the site, Jim and I saw hundreds of elk and deer and thousands of ducks feeding on the area. The interface of wetland to mountain habitat creates a virtual “miracle mile” of wildlife viewing opportunity. “Just about every critter that inhabits the Blues is found here,” said Jim Ward. This same attraction for wildlife viewing was also attracting development interest and that is why we stepped up to this great conservation project.

You can help the Ladd Marsh project in several ways. We have limited edition Ladd Marsh belt buckles for sale for $100; or you might like to make a cash donation. We also have a great Ladd Marsh raffle ($10 tickets) where you could win the RMEF watches and progress forward to win a beautiful Ruger No.1 commemorative rifle. Or if you would like to contribute through a Habitat Partnership give me a call at 1-800-745-7633.

Art Talsma, Director of NW Field Operations

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Upcoming Events

• 7/31/2010: Wild Rivers BGB in Brookings, OR
• 8/14/2010: Columbia County BGB in St. Helens, OR
• 8/20/2010: Washington Volunteer Rendezvous in White Pass, WA

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

• Lodgepole Flats Meadow Enhancement Project in Highway 22 at Big Springs Sno Park , OR

Recent Projects

• Lodgepole Flats Meadow Enhancement Project in Highway 22 at Big Springs Sno Park , OR
• Asotin 7th Annual Work Party in Asotin, WA
• Mt. St. Helen’s Wildlife Area Tree Planting II in Mt. St. Helens, WA., WA