How did Spartina get Here?
Oyster growers unintentionally introduced Spartina in the 1890 s when it was used as a packing material for shipping oysters from the east coast. Although Spartina established itself in Willapa Bay soon thereafter, it was not until the 1950 s that concern was great enough to evaluate impacts to the estuary. At that time there were approximately 400 acres of Spartina. In 1999, state and federal agencies estimated Spartina covered anywhere from 5,000 to 25,000 acres of the Willapa estuary. Estimates vary widely depending upon the density of Spartina that is considered a patch or area. For example, the total area of Spartina meadows in Willapa Bay is considerably less than the total area considered “infested” with Spartina. This is because “infested” can be defined as anything from a few Spartina shoots per acre to a dense Spartina meadow. Where is Spartina Likely to be Found? Spartina typically grows at elevations from +1 to +2 m re. Mean lower low water (MLLW) in Willapa Bay. With the a
