Wyden, Merkley: More than $1 Million to Oregon for Conservation Efforts and to Protect Vulnerable Wildlife

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced Oregon has earned more than $1 million for conservation and protection of vulnerable wildlife from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“From preserving the habitats of the Western pond turtle to mapping wildlife connectivity corridors, I am gratified to see more federal dollars go toward the conservation of some of the animals, plants and insects that inhabit Oregon’s world-renowned natural treasures,” Wyden said. “These investments are crucial to protect what makes our state’s outdoors unique and to be a responsible steward of nature so future generations of Oregonians can always have these special places to enjoy.”

“As Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds these important efforts, I understand how integral it is to protect lands and waters so the vibrant ecosystems that support countless species and enhance our lives are there for future generations,” said Merkley. “Human actions are threatening the permanent loss of plants and animals that have defined Oregon, from vulnerable salmon species to the beloved Western Monarch butterfly. We have to save these and other species, and I’m pleased these federal funds will be used to protect Oregon’s precious legacy and to conserve and restore critical habitats and ecosystems around the state.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has distributed $56 million to state wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program to support natural resource stewardship efforts and to conserve imperiled wildlife and their habitats. These funds benefit species of greatest conservation need based on factors such as habitat loss and fragmentation, competition from non-native species, and stressors related to climate change. 

The $1.04 million for Oregon and all the funds are granted to states and territories based on population size and geographic area. Conservation is carried out through partnerships among universities, industry, non-profit conservation organizations and private landowners.