Contact: Meg Kenagy (503) 947-6021
Peg Boulay (503) 947-6316
Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM, Ore — Applications for Oregon Conservation Strategy Implementation Grants will be accepted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife from May 1 through June 15, 2007. To be eligible for a grant, proposed projects must focus on actions that benefit species and habitats as outlined in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Application materials are available on the Conservation Strategy section of the ODFW website.

Approximately $400,000 is available through the federal State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program. Individual grants will be awarded in amounts between $10,000 and $50,000. Private non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state and local agencies may apply. Federal agencies are not eligible.

For information on the grant application process, contact: Peg Boulay, ODFW conservation strategy coordinator, 503-947-6316; Audrey Hatch, ODFW conservation strategy monitoring coordinator, 541-757-4263 ext. 242; or Jim Gores, ODFW invasive species coordinator, 503-947-6308.

State Wildlife Grants were created by Congress to provide a proactive approach to conservation with the intent of preventing species from declining to the point of qualifying as threatened or endangered. The Oregon Conservation Strategy grew from congressional requirements to ensure that State Wildlife Grants were spent in a prioritized, strategic manner to increase effectiveness and efficiency of conservation efforts.

About the Oregon Conservation Strategy

The Oregon Conservation Strategycreates a broad vision for long-term conservation of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife. It identifies how all Oregonians can become involved through a non-regulatory, proactive, statewide approach to conservation. With ODFW’s leadership, the Conservation Strategy is currently being implemented by a wide range of landowners, biologists, conservationists, agency personnel, hunters, anglers and other interested citizens. For information on the Oregon Conservation Strategy, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ 

About ODFW

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.