CSC Natural Resource Crews Participate in Marbled Murrelet Study

The CSC Natural Resource Crew took part in the 10th annual Marbled Murrelet citizen science survey this July on a spectacular stretch of Oregon's coast near Yachats, Oregon. The experience was a wonderful way for crew members to learn first-hand how scientists are monitoring populations of a threatened species, and how those species are managed for conservation in Oregon.

The primary objective of the survey is to address the key question of status and trend of Marbled Murrelet populations and nesting habitat in the Northwest Forest Plan area.

Oregon State University ornithologist and Marbled Murrelet expert Kim Nelson led the surveys in the Cummins, Ten Mile, and Yachats landscapes. The area included the recently designated ‘Globally Significant’ Central Coast Murrelet Important Bird Area, with 100,000 acres of Murrelet habitat in the Siuslaw National Forest and adjacent near-shore waters.

The crews took part in viewing and discussing old-growth forest habitat, as well as the recently designated Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and Seabird Protection Area. During the morning surveys, Murrelets could be seen and heard on breeding territories and in their near-shore feeding areas.