ODFW Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund Background Information

HB 2402 Task Force Final Report

Oregonians have a long history of conservation leadership. From the earliest days of statehood, we’ve tried to balance the use and the protection of our natural resources. Thanks to the foresight, passion and commitment of previous generations, Oregon remains a place of incredible beauty and tremendous recreational opportunity.

A diverse group of Oregonians worked on a legislatively appointed task force in 2015 to identify solutions to ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience the clean, clear rivers, deep forests, high desert sagebrush, dramatic coastlines, and the outdoor recreation and abundant fish and wildlife that we enjoy today. The Task Force reviewed approaches in other states, explored ways to leverage current funding, and identified creation of the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund as a critical first step.

Read the Task Force Report (pdf)

Oregon’s 80th Legislative Assembly passed HB 2829 and Governor Kate Brown signed it in to law on July 16, 2019.

1. Creates the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund

  • Directs ODFW to use the fund to carry out activities that serve to protect, maintain or enhance fish and wildlife resources in Oregon
  • Allows the fund to consist of moneys appropriated to ODFW by the legislature and gifts, grants, contributions or other donations

2. Establishes the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee

  • The committee will advise ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission regarding use of the Fund
  • Membership number and geographic representation determined by the commission
  • Members appointed by the governor

3. Appropriates $1 million to the OCRF after the Department deposits at least $1 million from non-state and nonfederal sources in the Fund

According to H.B. 2829, the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund is dedicated to:

  • Conserving and protecting Oregon’s native wildlife through implementation of the Oregon Conservation and Nearshore Strategies.
  • Expanding outdoor recreation opportunities consistent with healthy fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
  • Investing in science and research to increase our understanding of the natural world to make sound, informed decisions regarding fish, wildlife and habitat.
  • Restoring healthy ecosystems to benefit Oregon’s fish and wildlife and improve the health of our environment for future generations.
  • Connecting youth, families, diverse and underserved communities to the outdoors.
  • Helping all Oregonians take voluntary, proactive steps to conserve and protect fish, wildlife and habitat for future generations.
  • Improving fishing and hunting and reducing license fees that currently fund most conservation efforts.
  • Recognizing Oregon’s diversity by encouraging all Oregonians to enjoy our rich outdoor heritage

ODFW Intends to Continue to Engage Oregonians to Implement the Oregon Conservation and Nearshore Strategy

The Oregon Conservation and Nearshore Strategy is a comprehensive, science-based plan that helps government agencies, landowners, conservation groups, hunting and fishing organizations and other partners coordinate their efforts to improve fish, wildlife and their habitats in Oregon’s terrestrial, aquatic and nearshore ecosystems. The goals of the Conservation Strategy are to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations by maintaining and restoring functioning habitats, preventing declines of at-risk species, and reversing declines in these resources where possible.

The Conservation Strategy emphasizes proactively conserving declining species and habitats to reduce the possibility of future federal or state listings. It is not a regulatory document but instead presents issues, opportunities, and recommended voluntary actions that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation in Oregon.

2019 Presentation to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission