FAQ
What kinds of work will the OCRF support?
The new Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund Advisory Committee will make recommendations for expenditures from the OCRF, including projects that implement the Oregon Conservation and Nearshore Strategies and that connect Oregonians to the outdoors.
In 2016, a legislative Task Force on Funding for Fish, Wildlife and Related Outdoor Recreation and Education identified significant need for investment in areas such as:
Community science, research, and monitoring projects that engage Oregon’s outdoor recreationists to fill data gaps related to Oregon Conservation Strategy species and habitats;
Efforts to restore ecosystems to resiliency;
State-wide investments in vital analyses and new tools for prioritizing where conservation projects will have the most impact;
New wildlife viewing opportunities and facilities.
How can I donate to the Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund?
It’s easy! There are three ways to donate:
Contribute online through the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund website at OregonIsAlive.org.
Send a check to:
Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund, c/o Oregon Wildlife Foundation, 2337 NW York St. #201C Portland, OR 97210.Add a donation to your purchase through ODFW’s Electronic Licensing System. A box to enter your donation amount will appear at the top of you checkout screen.
Why is now the time to become a contributor?
Supporters of fish and wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and improving access to nature for all people are being challenged by the state legislature to demonstrate their support with financial contributions. Now is the time for Oregonians to weigh in on an ongoing pursuit of more diverse and sustainable funding for Oregon’s fish and wildlife.
In 2015, the Oregon State Legislature created a Task Force on Funding for Fish, Wildlife and Related Outdoor Recreation and Education, charged with developing funding solutions for fish and wildlife conservation in Oregon, while also enhancing outdoor recreation and education opportunities.
The Task Force included individuals affiliated with a broad array of outdoor groups and interests. The first step recommended by the Task Force’s Report was to establish the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund. Representative Ken Helm introduced House Bill 2829 to create the OCRF, which subsequently passed in the spring of 2019. But, we are not finished. Financial contributions from a broad and diverse set of Oregonians will demonstrate to decision makers that conservation and recreation are top priorities for public investment!
Do my tax dollars already support fish and wildlife?
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s budget is only 10% funded by tax dollars. A majority of the Department’s revenue is from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. However, the threats to Oregon’s fish and wildlife have become more complex through time.
The OCRF recognizes that more resources are needed and all Oregonians should have a role in protecting the natural resources they use and enjoy. Standing up for the Conservation & Recreation Fund is a first step towards a more comprehensive approach to protecting and enhancing ALL of Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for ALL Oregonians.
Is there a state funding match associated with the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund?
When the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund through House Bill 2829 in 2019, it set aside $1 million in public funds for the OCRF, to be accessed if $1 million was also raised from private sources. When the global pandemic hit in 2020, the Legislature was forced into emergency budget cuts and rebalancing across all sectors, including repurposing the initial $1 million in tax dollars for OCRF to other urgent needs in public health and human services.
However, the Legislative Fiscal Office clarified in the public record that this is intended as a temporary reduction with plans to restore general fund dollars in 2021 and uphold the promise to match private donations that come in through the OCRF campaign. The OCRF Coalition is working to ensure that fundraising goals are met and that we maximize the opportunity for matching funds from the state.
Can my contribution support a specific project?
Yes, donations to the OCRF can include conditions that support specific projects or programs. Agreements for these donations should be made with the Advisory Committee.
Can organizations other than ODFW apply to access OCRF funds?
Yes! The majority of OCRF dollars are currently being distributed to local partners across the state that work to protect our wildlife and wild places, implement Oregon’s Conservation and Nearshore Strategies, and broaden access to Oregon’s outdoors. For more information on how to engage in the decision-making process or apply for project funding, please visit the OCRF Advisory Committee webpage.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
What is the Oregon Conservation & Recreation Advisory Committee (Committee)?
The Committee is a small group of Oregonians that will convene to advise the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on expenditures related to the OCRF. The Committee was created by the legislature in 2019 and members were appointed by the Governor in January 2020. There are three at-large members of the committee and six members representing Ecoregions around the state. One member of the Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation will participate as ex-officio members of the Committee.
What is the Committee’s role?
The Committee will:
Review ODFW policies on use of OCRF moneys.
Make recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and ODFW on use of OCRF moneys.
Submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly on expenditures of moneys deposited in the OCRF and the status of various activities funded by the moneys.
What is expected of Committee Members?
Committee members are expected to:
Attend a minimum of three in person meetings a year beginning in early 2020 and continuing through at least June 30, 2021. Meetings may be in various locations around the state.
Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials, considering project proposals, and considering potential recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Become familiar with the Oregon Conservation Strategy and the stakeholders of both the OCRF and ODFW.
Will Committee members be paid?
Members will not be compensated for their time and participation, but will be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.
What positions are available on the Committee?
The Committee has three Oregon-at-large members and six who live in and possess demonstrable scientific expertise related to the:
Nearshore or Coast Range Ecoregions
Willamette Valley Ecoregion
Klamath Mountains Ecoregion
Columbia Plateau or Blue Mountains Ecoregions
Northern Basin and Range Ecoregions
West Cascades or East Cascades Ecoregions
The Ecoregions referenced for the six specific positions are specific areas of the state defined in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. At-large positions shall have an interest in fish and wildlife conservation or outdoor recreation, especially wildlife-associated recreation such as wildlife viewing, nature photography, nature tourism, outdoor education, or community science.
What background, skills, or experience should members of the Advisory Committee possess?
Demonstrable scientific expertise related to one of the Ecoregions of the state of Oregon.
Interest in fish and wildlife conservation.
Interest in outdoor recreation, especially wildlife-associated recreation such as wildlife viewing, nature photography, nature tourism, outdoor education, or community science.
Experience engaging youth, underserved communities and diverse audiences, such as communities of color, tribes, and low-income communities in conservation and recreation activities.
Interest in the economic, social, and educational benefits of healthy ecosystems.
How can I learn more about the Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund or the Oregon Conservation & Recreation Advisory Committee?
Contact odfw.ocrf@state.or.us or visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/OCRF/