The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have recently achieved a significant milestone by securing $22 million in federal funding aimed at acquiring 11,438 acres of land nestled near Starkey, Oregon. This newly designated area, known as the Qapqápa Wildlife Area, will serve as a critical ecological connector between two sections of the Umatilla National Forest in the picturesque Blue Mountains.
This acquisition not only opens up access to what has largely been privately owned land but also establishes a collaborative management approach between state authorities and tribal leadership. The Qapqápa Wildlife Area State-Tribal Partnership Project is unique, marking the first instance in Oregon where a tribe will manage a state wildlife area. This partnership signifies a progressive step toward cooperative governance in land management, reflecting a growing trend of collaboration between Indigenous tribes and state agencies.
Anton Chiono, project leader for Habitat Conservation in CTUIR’s Department of Natural Resources, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a terrific example of what Oregonians can accomplish by working together.” His sentiments capture the essence of this groundbreaking project, emphasizing teamwork in preserving and restoring natural habitats.
Before its purchase, the property was owned by the Harry Merlo Foundation for approximately 30 years. Reports indicate that the foundation’s interest in selling the land emerged last fall following the death of Merlo. The timing aligned perfectly with CTUIR and ODFW’s application for funding through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, which ultimately awarded the money for this ecological initiative.
The name Qapqápa, meaning “place of the big cottonwoods” in the Sahaptin language, pays homage to the area’s rich cultural and ecological significance. The location not only features diverse landscapes but also encompasses traditional fishing sites, including the confluence of the Grande Ronde River and Beaver Creek, referred to by the tribes as Titlúupe Qapqápa. This gives the project significant cultural importance, intertwining the land’s ecological restoration with the tribes’ heritage.
In environmental terms, the Qapqápa Wildlife Area will be vital for various fish species, including threatened populations of spring Chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and bull trout, facilitating their spawning and migration activities. The project plans to protect key waterways, including 5.6 miles of the Grande Ronde River and 6 miles of Beaver Creek, alongside several smaller tributaries that are crucial to these aquatic ecosystems.
The co-management strategy underpinning this initiative is ambitious. It includes a focus on CTUIR’s First Foods, which encompasses essential resources like water, salmon, elk, and huckleberries. Joint fisheries restoration projects aim to leverage combined expertise for environmental rejuvenation, while shared staff resources will bolster operational efficiency within the management framework. This unique cooperative model aims to benefit both public users and tribal members, ensuring sustainable use of the land.
Additionally, the acquisition will significantly enhance public access to an immense network of contiguous lands. By connecting the Qapqápa Wildlife Area to more than 1 million acres of public land, the project will open pathways to previously inaccessible federal lands, including 94 acres that have been landlocked for years. This expansive connectivity is critical for promoting biodiversity and recreational opportunities in the region.
Looking ahead, both the CTUIR and ODFW plan to finalize the purchase by 2026. This timeline will allow for proper appraisal of the property and completion of a co-management agreement that underpins this collaborative effort. Later this year, the proposal will be presented to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, paving the way for final approvals to commence this transformative project.
In summary, the development of the Qapqápa Wildlife Area stands as a testament to the power of collaborative action between state agencies and Indigenous tribes, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and public access to natural spaces.