Bend, OR – Oregon will receive more than $10 million in federal funding to support four key conservation and restoration projects aimed at enhancing the state’s ecosystems. The funding, announced by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, comes from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) America the Beautiful Challenge. The initiative is part of a broader effort to restore habitats, improve waterway health, and bolster wildlife resilience across the country.
Senator Merkley, who played a pivotal role in securing the funding as the Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, stressed the importance of protecting Oregon’s ecosystems in the face of climate change. “Our delicate ecosystems, waterways, and wildlife are the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest, and we need to do everything we can to protect them as climate chaos threatens permanent habitat loss,” he said.
Senator Wyden echoed these sentiments, underscoring the vital role of community-driven conservation efforts. “Protecting and restoring Oregon’s natural treasures doesn’t happen by osmosis – it happens with community commitment supported by federal investments just like these,” Wyden remarked. “I’m gratified that America’s most beautiful state bar none has earned these America the Beautiful resources that will help our waterways, watersheds, and wildlife to keep thriving while also aiding the fight against wildfires.”
The $10,105,326 in funding will be allocated to four projects across Oregon, including efforts to restore wetland habitats, support local species, and improve wildfire resilience. These projects are part of a larger $122.4 million initiative that funds 61 new conservation and restoration projects nationwide. The initiative, which has already generated $8.7 million in matching contributions, aims to create a total conservation impact of $131.2 million.
The specific projects in Oregon include:
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: This project will receive $4.5 million to restore 2,171 acres of oak and prairie habitat in the Willamette River Basin. The effort will involve Tribal, private, and public lands, integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and enhancing access for Tribal members to culturally significant areas.
- Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District: A $3.5 million grant will support the restoration of sagebrush ecosystems across 13,000 acres, benefiting species such as sage-grouse and pronghorn. The project will involve removing invasive species, such as western juniper and annual grasses, and improving grazing management to minimize environmental impact.
- McKenzie Watershed Alliance: With a $1.5 million grant, this project will restore 335 acres of floodplain and wetland habitat along the South Fork McKenzie River. The restoration will provide critical habitat for at-risk species, including spring Chinook salmon, bull trout, and Pacific lamprey.
- Heart of Oregon Corps: This $605,326 grant will fund youth-led conservation efforts in the Deschutes Basin. Local youth crews will engage in projects aimed at improving watershed health and reducing wildfire risks in the region.
These efforts reflect the broader goals of the America the Beautiful Challenge, which is designed to support locally led conservation projects that benefit communities across the nation. White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting, “The America the Beautiful Challenge is advancing President Biden’s ongoing commitment to conserve our lands and waters by supporting locally led conservation and restoration projects in communities across the country.”
The projects in Oregon will not only restore critical ecosystems but also contribute to the broader national effort to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and enhance natural resilience. By combining federal funding with local expertise and community engagement, these initiatives aim to ensure that Oregon’s natural landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come.
