Restoration work is underway in the Nehalem Estuary, reconnecting nine acres of wetland north of Wheeler to natural tidal influence for the first time in nearly a century. Once a part of a much larger wetland complex, the fragmented McCoy marsh will be reconnected to the Nehalem River and to Botts Marsh, the 35-acre tidal wetland directly to the south. These wetlands provide habitat for more than 125 species of birds and critical rearing habitat for Chinook and Coho salmon. Both marshes are owned by the Lower Nehalem Community Trust (LNCT) and stewarded by the Trust with the help of community volunteers.
Healthy estuary habitat is a limiting factor of salmon, particularly as they move through the critical transition between freshwater and ocean. Connecting this marsh to the tide is an opportunity to bring back habitat that salmon need – creating more places for young fish to feed, grow, and find refuge as they make their way through the estuary. While this may represent a small piece of the larger Nehalem system, restoring McCoy Marsh is critical to building a healthier, more resilient watershed.
When and Where?
Construction starts late August 2026 and will conclude by September 30th, 2026. The project is taking place in McCoy Marsh; the wetland north of Botts Marsh and Wheeler, across from the intersection of Highway 53 and Highway 101.
What?
This project will breach perimeter dikes in three places and excavate 1,465 feet of new tidal channel to restore natural tidal flow to 9 acres of the Nehalem Estuary. Large wood structures will be placed in the new tidal channel and on the marsh surface to increase habitat complexity, promote the scrub-shurb and Sitka spruce swamp plant communities. Soil mounds will be created to plant diverse scrub-shrub and Sitka spruce habitat.
Why?
The loss of tidal wetlands is identified as a major stressor for the Nehalem Coho salmon population. Estuarine habitats – the marshes, wetlands, and channels where freshwater rivers meet the ocean – are essential to salmon as they transition between freshwater and saltwater environments. These habitats provide young salmon with food, shelter, and areas where they can rest and grow before continuing their migration. McCoy Marsh is an ideal stopover spot for juvenile salmon migrating downstream from the Nehalem River. The restored marsh will be the first opportunity for juveniles to find critical refuge habitat as they reach the open bay, which is especially critical during storm events.
At McCoy Marsh, tidal influence was cut off with the construction of the Oregon Coast Highway, which runs along the property’s northeastern border. An additional perimeter dike was constructed in the early to mid-1900s in an effort to drain the parcel for grazing. Nearly a century later, this project offers the opportunity to reverse some of those changes and reconnect the marsh to the natural processes that once shaped it.
This project reflects LNCT’s long-term commitment to protecting and stewarding the Nehalem Bay region. Through conservation, restoration, and community stewardship, LNCT is working to protect a network of lands that provide important habitat and create a buffer between developed upland areas and the region’s critical estuary ecosystems.
What to Expect
Construction equipment will be onsite through the summer and early fall, and access to the marsh will be closed during construction. We’re looking forward to multiple years of revegetation and monitoring, and hosting planting work parties on site. Project updates will be posted on this website and on LNCT’s social media channels.
Contact Emily Akdedian at emilyakdedian@nehalemtrust.org for questions.
Thank you to our partners and funders! Technical Team:With Support From:
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the Wild Salmon Center with funding from the NOAA Coastal Resilience Grants Program, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
