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February 23, 2015
THE DALLES, Ore.—In collaboration with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), ODFW is considering acquiring about 10,000 acres in the Lower Deschutes River Canyon in north central Oregon (Wasco County).
Learn more at a public meeting being held this Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. at The Dalles ODFW Screen Shop, 3561 Klindt Drive.
The property is known as the Lower Deschutes River Ranch. Its purchase by ODFW would add to the existing 8,000-acre Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area and create 25,000 acres of contiguous wildlife habitat and public access on the west side of the Deschutes River.
The parcel contains several key Oregon Conservation Strategy habitats, including the easternmost remnant stand of oak woodlands left in Oregon. ODFW would work to protect and restore these habitats while also providing hunting, wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities to the public.
ODFW staff are working with TPL establish a purchase and sale agreement for ODFW to purchase the land from TPL. A final agreement will require ODFW completion of state due diligence requirements, Fish and Wildlife Commission approval and legislative budget approval.
Funds for the purchase have been obtained through the TPL and multiple outside grant sources. ODFW would also use internal mitigation funds and Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program funds administered by US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Members of the public may come to the meeting on Feb. 26 to learn more and provide comment. Comments can also be emailed to odfw.comments@state.or.us, faxed to 541-298-4993 or mailed to ODFW , 3701 W 13th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058
For more information please contact Jeremy Thompson at 541-296-4628.
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