The lagoon made dredging easier for RISG and diverted water west of the islands, where it deepened a shipping channel.

[4] In 2007, the owner of RISG, Robert B. Pamplin, Jr., donated 45 acres (18 ha) of the island to the city of Portland, which plans to manage the property as a natural area.

[5] The islands, which retain remnants of forested riparian zones, are used by at least 50 species of birds including ospreys, eagles, and herons.

[4] The gift was accepted long after transfer negotiations stalled in 2002 over questions of liability for the islands' restoration and cleanup.

[1] Because it contains toxic fill dirt, the Ross-Hardtack lagoon is listed for cleanup by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.