What coos watershed association does

Coos Watershed Association (CoosWA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization incorporated on April 14, 1994, and headquartered at 381 N 2nd St, Coos Bay, Oregon. It operates as one of Oregon's recognized watershed councils, serving a 610-square-mile basin that drains into the Coos estuary and the Pacific Ocean. The organization's core functions are watershed restoration (in-stream, riparian, and urban), long-term scientific monitoring of coho salmon and hydrological conditions, native plant propagation, noxious weed management, and community/youth education.

The technical core of the organization is a field-based ecological monitoring and restoration operation rather than a software platform. CoosWA runs a Coho Salmon Life Cycle Monitoring program (continuous since 2004) using rotary screw traps, seining, PIT tag tracking, and spawning surveys; 18 real-time stream gauging stations reporting every 15 minutes; Aquatic Inventory (AQI) surveys; and a native plant nursery established in 2005 on the 72-acre Matson Creek Wetland Preserve. There is no proprietary technology product; the technology stack is standard watershed science instrumentation.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through pass-through government grants (over 100 active grants per year, with $1.5M-$4M flowing through annually) from agencies including the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management, supplemented by individual donations, planned/estate giving, merchandise sales, and small community fundraising events such as the Coos Coho Run. The organization employs 16+ full-time staff plus seasonal workers and is governed by a 9-21 member Board of Directors designed to represent diverse watershed interests, including tribal governments, municipal agencies, private landowners, timber, port, and conservation constituencies.

Name

coos watershed association

Legal name

Coos Watershed Association

Website

https://cooswatershed.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Coos Watershed Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed council serving the 610-square-mile Coos basin in Oregon, delivering coho salmon restoration, long-term ecological monitoring, native plant propagation, and youth/community education funded primarily through federal and state grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Watershed Restoration Services

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

Keywords

• Watershed restoration
• Salmon monitoring
• Native plant nursery
• Habitat conservation
• Community education

Headquarters

HQ city

Coos Bay

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Community donations support programs and activities not fully funded by grants. Accepts online donations via PayPal, checks, and merchandise purchases (t-shirts, hoodies, hats). Fred Meyer Community Rewards program allows supporters to designate CoosWA as their non-profit of choice.
2. Planned and Estate Giving: Accepts unrestricted, tax-deductible bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts under IRS Code Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522. Federal Tax ID: 93-1146207.
3. Grants and Contracts: Primary funding source is grants from federal, state, and local agencies. Finance Manager oversees financial component of over 100 grants with $1.5 to $4 million flowing through annually. Major funders include Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Coos Watershed Association (CoosWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers science-based watershed restoration, hydrological and salmon life cycle monitoring, native plant production, and community education across the 610-square-mile Coos watershed. Core services include in-stream and riparian restoration, real-time stream gauging at nine stations, PIT-tag and rotary screw trap fish monitoring, noxious weed management, youth stewardship programs, and free public stream data and reports.

Product overview

Coos Watershed Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering watershed restoration, monitoring, and community engagement programs. The organization's core offerings include: watershed restoration services (in-stream, riparian, and urban restoration), salmon life cycle monitoring using scientific methods (spawning surveys, rotary screw traps, seining, PIT tags), water resource monitoring with real-time stream gauges at nine locations, habitat monitoring through Aquatic Inventory surveys, a native plant nursery at Matson Creek, noxious weeds management, youth science and stewardship programs, seasonal internships in fish biology and monitoring, and community events including the annual Mayfly Festival and Coos Coho Run. The association also provides public access to stream data and reports, and awards the Teddy Villers Natural Resource Scholarship to local students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Watershed Restoration Programs Comprehensive restoration services including in-stream restoration (large wood placements, channel reconfiguration, fish passage, sediment reduction), riparian restoration (native plant planting, streambank protection), and urban restoration (stormwater education, ecological landscaping, rain gardens and bioswales). Services are delivered to private landowners, public land managers, and partner agencies across the Coos watershed.
• Salmon Life Cycle Monitoring (LCM) Program Long-term scientific monitoring program for coho salmon using spawning surveys, rotary screw traps, seining, and PIT tag tracking to study abundance, survival, life histories, and habitat use. Data informs restoration design and regulatory decisions for Oregon Coast coho salmon recovery.
• Water Resource Monitoring Long-term hydrological, meteorological, and water quality monitoring through nine stream gauging stations on South Fork Coos, West and East Fork Millicoma, Tioga, Winchester, Tenmile, Eel, Whiskey Run, and Marlow. Stations collect stage, discharge, turbidity, water temperature, precipitation, barometric pressure, humidity, and wind data uploaded every 15 minutes.
• Habitat Monitoring (Aquatic Inventory Surveys) Aquatic Inventory (AQI) surveys conducted by the Fish Monitoring Team to characterize current stream function, identify limiting factors, and develop site-specific restoration project designs.
• Matson Creek Native Plant Nursery Native plant nursery on the 72-acre Matson Creek Wetland Preserve producing locally-adapted native plants for riparian restoration projects and supporting youth and volunteer stewardship programs.
• Noxious Weeds Program Program dedicated to identifying, reporting, and removing noxious weeds and invasive species that threaten native plant communities in the Coos watershed.
• Youth Science and Stewardship Programs Year-round and summer hands-on outdoor science and stewardship programs for local youth ages 16-24, delivered in partnership with Coos Bay and North Bend school districts, Oregon Youth Corps, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Coho Life Cycle Monitoring Internships Seasonal internships for high school and college students learning fish and wildlife biology and coho salmon monitoring methods, with $1,500 stipends available when funding permits.
• Coos Coho Run - Race to Restore Ticketed 5k/2k run/walk fundraising event at Millicoma Marsh supporting local ecosystem restoration efforts. Tickets $20 for adults, $10 for kids; first 20 kids registered race free.
• Stream Data and Reports Free public access to real-time and historical hydrological, meteorological, and water quality data from nine monitoring stations, plus downloadable data tables and reports.

Quantifiable outcome

• $31,015,114 invested in watershed restoration since 1994
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cape Arago Audubon SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Annual partner for Mayfly Festival, providing birding expertise and volunteer support for the free all-ages celebration of watershed ecology.
• City of Coos BaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Key municipal partner co-hosting Mayfly Festival and Summer Science Movies in the Park. Collaborates on community events and urban restoration projects.
• Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw IndianscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Tribal partner represented on Board of Directors. Collaborates on watershed restoration and cultural resource protection.
• Coquille Indian TribecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Tribal partner represented on Board of Directors through Kristopher Murphy of Natural Resource Department. Collaborates on salmon monitoring and restoration projects.
• Coquille Watershed AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Regional watershed partner collaborating on Mayfly Festival and shared watershed stewardship goals.
• Oregon Department of Fish and WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026State agency partner providing technical guidance, funding for salmon monitoring programs, and collaboration on life cycle monitoring (LCM) projects. Randy Smith represents ODF on Board of Directors.
• Oregon Sea GrantcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 May 2026Research and education partner providing funding and scientific expertise. Sponsors Mayfly Festival and supports coastal education initiatives.
• South Slough Reserve (NOAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Federal research reserve partner. Rebecca Muse from South Slough Reserve serves on Board of Directors. Collaborates on coastal education and research.
• Southwestern Oregon Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Educational partner with Amy Burgess (Professor of Biology) serving as Vice President on Board of Directors. Collaborates on youth programs and Mayfly Festival.
• Marshfield High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Local school partnership for youth programs and Mayfly Festival participation.
• North Bend High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Local school partnership for youth programs and Mayfly Festival participation.
• Coos Art MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Cultural partner contributing art programming to Mayfly Festival celebrations.
• Coos Bay Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Public library partnership for Mayfly Festival and educational programming.
• North Bend Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Public library partnership for Mayfly Festival and educational programming.
• Coos Head Food Co-OpminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Local co-op partner contributing to Mayfly Festival as community supporter.
• Rogue ClimateminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Environmental advocacy partner contributing to Mayfly Festival awareness raising.
• Stillwater Natives NurseryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Native plant supplier partner for restoration projects and Mayfly Festival.
• Wild Rivers Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Land trust partner contributing to Mayfly Festival and watershed conservation efforts.
• Sunset Bay State Park (OPRD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Oregon Parks and Recreation Department partner for community events.
• U of O Charleston Marine Life CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026University partner contributing marine education expertise to Mayfly Festival.
• Creek KidsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Local environmental education organization participating in Mayfly Festival.
• Coos Bay Cub Scouts Pack 9minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026Local youth organization participating in Mayfly Festival activities.
• Oregon Youth CorpscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 May 2026State youth employment program partner providing funding and support for summer youth crew positions ages 16-20 in natural resource work.
• Bureau of Land ManagementcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 May 2026Federal land management agency partner collaborating on summer youth crew programs and restoration projects on public lands.
• Coos Bay School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Local school district partner for youth programs since 2011, providing watershed education and stewardship opportunities for students.
• North Bend School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Local school district partner for youth programs since 2011, providing watershed education and stewardship opportunities for students.
• The Wetlands ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Land conservation organization that holds property title for Matson Creek Wetland Preserve while CoosWA manages the preserve. Partnership established in 2000.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Siuslaw Watershed Council: Oregon coastal watershed council with comparable restoration, monitoring, and education programs; cited in CoosWA staff career histories, indicating direct labor market and program overlap.
• Wild Rivers Land Trust: Local land trust serving the southern Oregon coast; partners with CoosWA on the Mayfly Festival and shares overlapping watershed conservation and stewardship mission in the same geography.
• Coquille Watershed Association: Neighboring Oregon watershed council covering the Coquille basin; shares identical nonprofit, grant-funded, multi-stakeholder governance model and similar salmon-focused restoration and monitoring programs. Already a Mayfly Festival partner.
• Nestucca, Neskowin and Sand Lake Watersheds Council: Oregon coastal watershed council where CoosWA's current Executive Director Haley Lutz previously served as Coordinator; direct pipeline for staff and governance practices.
• Umpqua Basin Watershed Council: Southern Oregon watershed council operating across the Umpqua basin; direct peer for restoration project design, salmonid habitat work, and Oregon grant-funded operating model.
• MidCoast Watersheds Council: Mid-coast Oregon watershed council delivering restoration, monitoring, and stewardship across multiple small basins; comparable scale, funding mix, and mission focus.

Broad incumbents

• Trout Unlimited: National coldwater conservation nonprofit with strong Pacific Northwest presence focused on salmonid habitat restoration; comparable funding sources (federal/state grants, donations) and project types but operating at a much larger scale.
• The Nature Conservancy (Oregon): National environmental nonprofit with major Oregon operations focused on land conservation and watershed protection; overlaps with CoosWA's Matson Creek-style preserve stewardship and broader restoration mission at significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Pacific Rivers Council: Pacific Northwest nonprofit focused on river and salmonid protection through advocacy, science, and on-the-ground restoration; thematic overlap with CoosWA's watershed and salmon recovery work though more advocacy-oriented.

Regional players

• Columbia Land Trust: Pacific Northwest land conservation nonprofit with watershed restoration and stewardship programs; comparable nonprofit structure and conservation mission, though primarily operating in the lower Columbia region rather than the southern Oregon coast.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAzhm6gVUPJ_1WAOzk7bKCw?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/cooswa
• Instagraminstagram.com/cooswa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coos-watershed-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about coos watershed association