Environment & Natural Resources
Environment and Natural Resources
Benton County is protecting and enhancing natural habitat for future generations of people and wildlife.
Habitat Conservation Plan
In 2011 Benton County was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a Habitat Conservation program for upland and wetland prairie habitat. The program increases restoration opportunities on County and other private lands, provides long-term protection of rare species and habitats, and is a more economical and ecological approach to species conservation and mitigation.
Learn more about species-specific conservation strategies or view the entire Benton County Prairie Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Forest Resource Stewardship Plan
The Forest Resource Stewardship Plan covers three large forested Natural Areas and Parks properties in Benton County: Beazell Memorial Forest, Fitton Green Natural Area, and Fort Hoskins Historic Park. Totaling ±1,034 acres, these properties are among the premier natural areas in the County.
Jackson-Frazier Wetland Restoration
In 2017 Benton County began Phase 1 of the Jackson-Frazier Long Term Habitat Restoration Project. Phase 2 of the project is now underway, thanks to funding from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), and partner support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Greenbelt Land Trust, and City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation.