April 28, 2022 10:50 a.m.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that Oregon has earned more than $1 million for conservation and protection of vulnerable wildlife, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Wyden said “From preserving the habitats of the Western pond turtle to mapping wildlife connectivity corridors, I am gratified to see more federal dollars go towards the conservation of some of the animals, plants and insects that inhabit Oregon’s world-renowned natural treasures”. Wyden said the investments are crucial to protect what makes the state’s outdoors unique and to be a responsible steward of nature, so “…future generations of Oregonians can always have these special places to enjoy”
Merkley said, “As Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds these important efforts, I understand how integral it is to protect lands and waters so the vibrant ecosystems that support countless species and enhance our lives are there for future generations”. Merkley said human actions are threatening the permanent loss of plants and animals that have defined Oregon, from salmon species to the Western Monarch Butterfly. Merkley said he is pleased the federal funds will be used, “…to protect Oregon’s precious legacy and to conserve and restore critical habitats and ecosystems around the state”.
The release said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has distributed $56 million to state wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grant Program to support natural resource stewardship efforts and to conserve imperiled wildlife and their habitats. The Senators said the funds benefit the species of greatest conservation need based on factors such as habitat loss and fragmentation, competition from non-native species and stressors related to climate change.
The $1.04 million for Oregon and all the funds are granted to states and territories based on population size and geographic area. Conservation is carried out through partnerships among universities, industry, non-profit conservation organizations and private landowners.