World Wetlands Day 2025: highlighting wetlands projects
World Wetlands Day this week (February 2nd) is a reminder of the vital role wetlands play in our environment. As part of our environmental planning services, we specialize in wetland delineation, helping public and private clients navigate complex regulations to balance development and conservation.
Wetland impacts are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL), and local stormwater agencies. When wetlands exist on a development site, a wetland delineation is often required. Our certified wetland scientists prepare delineations and assist with permitting, ensuring compliance and streamlining the development process.
Below are some representative wetlands projects:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Corvallis)
Winterbrook prepared a comprehensive delineation of 12 wetlands and 3 streams for the 29-acre Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Corvallis. Winterbrook’s wetland delineation report and mapping was approved by Oregon Department of State Lands. Winterbrook then prepared documentation for state and federal permitting for the project.
Force Avenue Pump Station
Winterbrook led the land use and environmental tasks for this pump station improvement project. One of countless projects we’ve done for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Winterbrook conducted wetland delineations and obtained DSL concurrence for two sites near NE Force Avenue in Portland. The existing pump station was decommissioned, and was restored to wetlands. A new pump station was built outside of wetlands and environmental overlay zones. Winterbrook helped resolve land use issues related to future development and land acquisition of the new site.
Forest Park Nature Center (Portland)
Portland Parks & Recreation is creating a new gateway to Forest Park, with a new trailhead, interpretive facilities, parking and school bus drop-off. Winterbrook led the land use and environmental planning for the project, which included wetland delineations and assessments, local environmental reviews, and state and federal permitting. The new park entrance was envisioned as part of the Forest Park Natural Resources Management Plan, co-authored by Winterbrook co-founder Tim Brooks.
Clear Lake (Eugene)
Winterbrook prepared an analysis of the economic, social, environmental and energy consequences of three regulatory options for protecting significant wetlands and riparian corridors within the Clear Lake Road Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Area east of the Eugene Airport. The ESEE Analysis is required by Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Natural Resources) and Goal 14 (Urbanization) and serves as the basis for adoption of a locally tailored program to resolve conflicts between planned urban development and protection of significant resource sites. The Clear Lake Road UGB expansion area provides large, suitable sites for an elementary school, Golden Gardens Park, and future employment identified in the Eugene Economic Opportunities Analysis.
Periodic Review (Pendleton)
Winterbrook prepared a citywide inventory of Statewide Planning Goal 5 natural resources (wetlands, riparian corridors and wildlife habitat) and Goal 7 natural hazards (floodplains, slopes, geology). As part of the Goal 5 documentation, Winterbrook prepared a draft Local Wetland Inventory (LWI) for the City, the result of extensive fieldwork, mapping, and public meetings. Winterbrook worked with ESA to update the LWI, which was approved by the Department of State Lands. To address Goal 7, Winterbrook prepared new flash flood hazard maps, slope and geologic (high bedrock) studies. Winterbrook drafted Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement Goal 5 and 7 studies, which were adopted by the City Council.
Local Wetland Inventory (Junction City)
Winterbrook prepared a Local Wetlands Inventory (LWI) for Junction City, Oregon. The work was completed in two phases: a planning phase (wetland data and map review, aerial photo interpretation, GIS base mapping) and a field inventory phase (landowner outreach, public meetings, on-site wetland documentation and assessments, wetland mapping). Wetlands within the City UGB ranged from one-half to 231 acres in size. Winterbrook prepared a LWI report summarizing wetland inventory methods and findings, functional assessments, and significance determinations. Junction City’s LWI report and maps were approved by the Department of State Lands.