The overall goal of the LMWA Additions mitigation project is to protect existing habitat values and restore degraded values that have occurred as a result of past and current land management practices on lands adjacent to or near the existing LMWA.  This Statement of Work (SOW) and associated budget address the maintenance and operation (O&M) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of enhancements on Wallender, Conley Lake, and Simonis properties. During the contract period of October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011, project activities will focus on water and vegetation management to maintain diverse habitats to the extent possible and to control non-native and invasive weeds as well as for enhancement of desirable native vegetation.  In project wetlands, emergent vegetation has increased in density, creating near monocultures in some areas.  Mechanical treatment will be used where necessary to create openings and improve wildlife habitat in such areas.  

Portions of the Wallender tract have been kept dry since 2006 as negotiations proceed regarding alleged damage to crop yields on neighboring property due to changes in ground water depth and resulting salts at the surface.  

Monitoring will continue in the project area to assess vegetation and wildlife response to the habitat restoration project.  Monitoring includes a variety of vegetation and wildlife surveys including photopoints, vegetation transects, bird surveys and documentation of incidental observations.

The Ladd Marsh project provides a unique opportunity for outreach and education due to its location near La Grande, Oregon.  Numerous schools, including Eastern Oregon University utilize Ladd Marsh as an outdoor classroom and the area is visited by numerous classes each year.  Many of the organizers of such visits request tours, talks or presentations by Ladd Marsh staff.  Local service organizations also frequently request presentations about Ladd Marsh in general or the project in particular.