Salem, Ore.—In preparation for Oregon’s 150th birthday celebration in 2009, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are seeking proposals to conserve Oregon’s symbolic fish and wildlife species—the western meadowlark, chinook salmon, Oregon swallowtail butterfly and American beaver—and the habitats on which they depend.

With key habitats that support these species in decline, OWEB has dedicated $1 million in Oregon Lottery funds for on-the-ground projects to aid in their conservation. The money will be made available through a conservation grant process. Projects will be selected by ODFW with agreement from OWEB. Funding will be administered by OWEB.

Proposed projects must focus on actions that address conservation of the four target species under priorities identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Application materials and additional information are available on ODFW’s website, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/oregon_150_grants.asp

“I’m confident that Oregonians will step up and get involved in this important project,” said Roy Elicker, director of ODFW. “Cooperative conservation is necessary to maintain healthy habitat to support fish and wildlife for all to enjoy.”

“Our state symbols are woven through our history, culture, economy and ecology,” said OWEB Executive Director Tom Byler. “We can’t think of a greater way to mark this milestone than to help sustain healthy fish, wildlife and habitats for future generations.&rdquo

About the Sesquicentennial

Governor Ted Kulongoski is honorary chair of Oregon 150 the non-profit agency planning the festivities for Oregon’s 2009 Oregon Sesquicentennial. A number of activities and projects are planned for the statewide celebration which kicks off in February 2009.

For more information:

Oregon Conservation Strategy, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, http://www.oregon.gov/OWEB/index.shtml

Oregon 150 “Sustain the Spirit,” http://www.oregon150.org/index.html