We have been monitoring wildlife activity before and after the construction of the Kinsman Road extension using trail cameras for the City of Wilsonville. Our goal is to explore the differences between pre- and post-construction data to inform an understanding of how effective the crossing structures have been in maintaining the presence, persistence, and movement capabilities of local wildlife. This project also includes the continuation of a long term wildlife monitoring project started in 2009 by Leslie Bliss-Ketchum under Boeckman Bridge using sand tracking. This method documents wildlife movement through an underpass built for wildlife as they pass under a high traffic road through important wetland habitat. Click here to learn more about the Kinsman Road camera monitoring project and click here to learn more about the Boeckman Bridge sand tracking project.

Samara Group was hired by the City of Wilsonville to develop a strategy to share information about the diversity and abundance of Wilsonville’s wildlife, support partnerships with local K-12 schools and other community members, and engage with community members who are inspired to do more to support local wildlife. As part of this effort, we have installed six wildlife monitoring cameras throughout the city of Wilsonville. These photos are being used to develop media content based on a summary of wildlife photos collected within the City of Wilsonville. Additionally, we are developing a project logo and style guide, designed to complement the look and feel of the current City of Wilsonville branding. Click here to learn more about this project.

Samara Group worked with Washington County to provide wildlife passage analysis of a riparian area in Beaverton, where a bridge is due for replacement. After an initial site visit, we began pre-construction wildlife monitoring to observe and document current wildlife activity. Our final report included design recommendations based on documented use of the structure by wildlife.

Samara Group has shown exceptional ability to work with a diverse group of partners and incite involvement among public and private landowners. Samara Group has facilitated the partnership through various challenging organizational exercises and has ensured the partnership’s strategic plan moved forward. Some of the responsibilities of holding this position include effective communication (newsletters, outreach materials, website maintenance, social media, etc.), facilitation of productive meetings and all associated follow-up processes, fundraising, data collection and research, and general organizational capacity building. Visit the West Willamette Restoration Partnership Website.

Samara Group is contracted to lead coordination of a multi-agency Council involved in protecting the state from invasive species. In addition to coordination of Council activities, Samara Group facilitated the development of a 10-year strategic plan and accompanying action plan. We used a collaborative stakeholder approach in combination with milestone tracking to ensure a finished, on-time product with stakeholder buy-in. We coordinated a working group to lead the process and multiple advisory meetings with council members, advisory members, and committees, culminating in a summit with a wide range of invasive species professionals, agency heads, and policy makers attending to shape the plan. The final product is a user-friendly, visually appealing plan that also serves as an outreach tool for invasive species education as well as a reference for 10-year planning. An accompanying 2-year action plan was developed as a working document to allow for edits over time from those who are working to protect Oregon from invasive species.

Samara Group was hired to support the update of the 2001 Oregon ANS Management Plan for the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University. Samara Group created a three-part engagement plan to guide the revision process and capture significant changes in management authorities and increased participation in aquatic invasive species (AIS) management by local and regional entities. We conducted scoping exercises, facilitated stakeholder engagement and input, presented updates to the Oregon Invasive Species Council, and will be seeking and incorporating public comment before submitting a final draft for approval. Upon final approval, the revised plan will serve as a comprehensive document reflecting a broad spectrum of current AIS management objectives.