Protecting Oregon’s Future

 

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. We owe it to future generations to continue that tradition. The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund is an opportunity for all Oregonians to invest in a 21st century approach to conserving our living natural resources for present and future generations.

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2829 establishing the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF), along with an associated Advisory Committee to guide expenditures, and directing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to use the fund to carry out activities to protect, maintain or enhance fish and wildlife resources in Oregon.

The OCRF will prioritize projects that implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint for conserving Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats before they become more difficult to protect. The OCRF will also invest in outdoor recreation opportunities that connect Oregonians to the natural world and increase equity for underserved communities. The OCRF presents a unique opportunity for public-private partnership on funding for conservation and recreation priorities, and we hope you will join the OCRF Coalition in standing up for Oregon’s wildlife, wild places, and outdoor opportunities for all.