![]() ![]() About 96 percent of the Willamette Valley ecoregion is privately-owned, presenting challenges to conservation efforts. The Willamette River has been disconnected from its floodplain, and much of the historical habitat has been fragmented. Since the 1850s, much of the Willamette Valley ecoregion has been altered by development (agricultural and urban), particularly affecting oak woodland, oak savanna, grassland, riverine, and wetland habitats. The fires helped to maintain the valley’s mosaic of grasslands, oak savannas, wet prairies, and other open habitats. The Calapooia people regularly set fires to improve hunting and travel. Historical accounts indicate that prior to European settlement, much of the Willamette Valley was covered by native grasses, forbs, and oak savanna. It includes 6 of the top 10 agricultural-producing counties, and 16 of the top 17 private sector employers (e.g., manufacturing, high technology, forest products, agriculture, and services). The ecoregion also provides about half of the state’s agricultural sales. The population projected for 2050 is approximately four million, nearly double today’s population. The Willamette Valley ecoregion is both the fastest-growing ecoregion in Oregon and the most densely-populated, containing the state’s three largest urban centers, Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Pressure on valley ecosystems from population growth, land use conversion, and pollution is likely to increase. It is also the fastest-growing ecoregion. With 9 of the 10 largest cities in Oregon, the Willamette Valley is the most urban ecoregion in Oregon. ![]() With Interstate 5 running its length, the Willamette Valley’s economy is shaped by the transportation system and the flow of goods. Traditional industries and high technology contribute to the vibrant economy. Bustling urban areas are nestled within productive farmland. Fertile soil and abundant rainfall make the valley the most important agricultural region in the state.Ĭulturally, the Willamette Valley is a land of contrasts. The climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Elevations on the valley floor are about 400 feet at the southern end near Eugene, dropping gently to near sea-level in Portland. Twenty to 40 miles wide and 120 miles long, the Willamette Valley is a long, level alluvial plain with scattered groups of low basalt hills. Photo Credit: George Gentry, USFWS Descriptionīounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range, this ecoregion encompasses 5,308 square miles and includes the Willamette Valley and adjacent foothills. ![]()
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