February 15, 2022 3:00 a.m.

On Monday, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that Oregon will receive more than $35 million in federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grants.

Wyden said, “This partnership with hunters, anglers and others builds even stronger recreational opportunities while also protecting sustainable resources. Our state’s world-renowned natural treasures generate recreation jobs and the ability for everybody to enjoy the outdoors”. Wyden said he is glad the grant program was reauthorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He said the funds will help Oregon to preserve, “… what makes our state such a special place”.

Merkley said the state’s land and waters are integral to the futures of countless fish and wildlife, as well as Oregonians quality of life and livelihoods. Merkley said, “These ecosystems must be protected, but we can’t do that without sufficient conservation programs. I am grateful for this federal investment from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the on-the-ground local youth conservation programs these funds will create and support”.

A release said the WSFR program, through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts was reauthorized in November as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supported by both Wyden and Merkley.