Spartina war for Willapa Bay turns a hopeful corner

WILLAPA BAY, Wash. — After years of effort and the investment of millions of dollars, there is hope the battle against spartina in Willapa Bay is finally being won.

Washington State University scientist Kim Patten, who has worked extensively with the invasive cordgrass, is cautiously optimistic.

“The south bay is doing very good,” Patten said. “By and large, I think it’s looking pretty good.”

Shorebirds such as dunlins and sandpipers as well as waterfowl are returning to areas where they have not been seen in some time. Spartina robs the birds of their preferred open water landing spots and deprives them of their food sources and foraging grounds. But now, with the decline in spartina, the birds are starting to return.

For the full article, click on the following URL link and go to the Chinook Observer, http://www.chinookobserver.info/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&SectionID=1&ArticleID=10408&SubSectionID=1

For other related articles on Willapa Bay, just click the following URLs to:

WSU Today at: http://www.wsutoday.wsu.edu/includes/wsutoday%2001-11-02.pdf


Washington State Magazine, Spring 2004 at: http://washington-state-magazine.wsu.edu/stories/04-spring/willapa-1.html