|
In 1993, the Oregon Legislature created the Access and Habitat Program. The new law created an incentive-based program to improve public hunting access and wildlife habitat on private lands in Oregon. Access & Habitat Program Brochure (pdf)
The program’s motto, “Landowners & Hunters Together for Wildlife,” conveys the program’s basic mission to foster partnerships between landowners and hunters for the benefit of the wildlife they value. The program also seeks to recognize and encourage the important contributions made by landowners to the state’s wildlife resource.
Hot Topics
Funding for the Access and Habitat Program comes from:
- A $4 surcharge on all hunting licenses,
- The annual auction and raffle of 10 deer and 10 elk tags, and
- Funding from the Green Forage and Deer Enhancement and Restoration Program.
A 7-member citizen board provides oversight of the Access and Habitat Program. Appointed by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, the board consists of 3 members representing agriculture and timber landowner interests, 3 members representing hunter interests, and 1 chair who represents the general public. Six, 7-member councils throughout the state act as advisory councils to the State Access and Habitat Board.
Access and Habitat activities are designed to be grass roots in nature. Individual landowners are encouraged to submit proposals for evaluation and possible funding. Contact your local ODFW wildlife biologist for assistance in drafting a proposal. The biologist will also put you in touch with our Regional Access and Habitat Coordinator. If you are interested in serving on the Access and Habitat Board or a Regional Advisory Council, contact the Access and Habitat Program Coordinator. More Information
The Access and Habitat Program was reauthorized by the Legislature in 2009, extending its benefits to Oregon’s citizens and wildlife resources through December of 2019. During the past 17 years, the Access and Habitat Program has funded 399 access and/or habitat projects. These projects have provided over 7 million acres of public access and improved more than 1 million acres of wildlife habitat on private land.
|
