Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species
TLDR SECTION:
Oregon has a diverse and abundant variety of flora and fauna, but some species face increasing challenges that put their futures at risk. To address this, Oregon developed the State Wildlife Action Plan in 2005 which identified 294 species in need of conservation and 11 native habitats in need of restoration. To implement these strategies, ODFW estimates that it would cost $25 million per year. To fund this work, the Recovering Oregon Wildlife Fund proposes a 1.5% increase in the state’s transient accommodation tax. This would still maintain the State of Oregon as one of the lowest State Transient Housing Taxes in the country while providing a steady and sustainable source of funds to ODFW to help offset the increasing impacts of tourism and other impacts on Oregon’s fish, wildlife and habitats. This increase is supported by Oregon’s conservation and business interests as it would benefit the state’s outdoor economy and help protect and enhance its precious natural heritage.
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FULL ARTICLE BELOW:
Oregonians, businesses, and conservationists are united in their support for long-term, dedicated funding to protect Oregon’s threatened fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats. HB 3159, the Reclaiming Oregon’s Wildlife Fund, is a bold solution that will ensure sustainable and dedicated funding for the implementation of Oregon’s Near Coastal and Conservation Strategy. By increasing the state’s transient lodging tax by just 1.5%, the Recovering Oregon Wildlife Fund will generate approximately $30 million a year to offset the impacts of tourism and other natural and man-made impacts on Oregon’s landscapes, wildlife, and fish.
Oregon is home to a vast array of diverse and abundant flora and fauna, but many species are facing increasing challenges that put their futures at risk. The Oregon Conservation Strategy and the Near Coast Strategy were developed in 2005 to assess the health of Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and habitat and create a roadmap of conservation actions needed to sustain them. At least 294 species in greatest conservation need and 11 native habitats have been identified as needing proactive restoration actions.
Unfortunately, the funds available to implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy and the Nearshore Strategy are only a small fraction of what is required to restore our state’s most at-risk fish and wildlife. ODFW estimates that it would cost $25 million per year to implement only 50% of the conservation actions identified. That’s why the Recovering Oregon Wildlife Fund is such a crucial solution.
Oregon’s outdoor recreation economy is a major contributor to the state’s economy, generating $15.6 billion in total consumer spending, supporting 224,000 full- and part-time Oregon jobs with $9.3 billion in wages. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing account for $1.2 billion in spending, and these activities depend on healthy wildlife, fish populations, and landscapes.
The Recovering Oregon Wildlife Fund is a smart, proactive solution that will directly help at-risk species while still maintaining the State of Oregon as one of the lowest state transient housing taxes in the country. We, the undersigned, support the Oregon Wildlife Recovery Fund for the implementation of the Oregon Coastal and Conservation Strategy to protect and enhance Oregon’s precious natural heritage.
Oregon is home to a wide variety of imperiled species, including the Oregon silverspot butterfly, the Oregon spotted frog, and the western pond turtle. In recent years, Oregon business and conservation interests have come together to support the Oregon Endangered Species Act, which provides dedicated funding for species protection and recovery.
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature allocated $3.3 million for the Oregon Endangered Species Act, with $2.2 million coming from the state’s general fund and the remaining $1.1 million coming from the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund. This funding is used to support recovery efforts for Oregon’s imperiled species, including habitat protection, research, and monitoring.
In addition to the Oregon Endangered Species Act, Oregon businesses and conservation organizations have also come together to support the Oregon Wildlife Conservation Fund, which provides additional funding for species recovery and habitat protection. In 2018, the fund was allocated $2.5 million, with $1.5 million coming from the state’s general fund and the remaining $1 million coming from Oregon businesses and conservation groups.
Overall, Oregon businesses and conservation interests have come together to support dedicated funding for Oregon’s imperiled species, helping to ensure that these species can continue to thrive in the state.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species?
Answer: Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species is a coalition of businesses, conservation groups, and other organizations that are committed to securing dedicated funding sources to support Oregon’s imperiled species.
2. How can I support Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species?
Answer: You can support Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species by signing up for updates, donating to the cause, and joining the coalition.
3. What are the benefits of dedicated funding for Oregon’s imperiled species?
Answer: Dedicated funding for Oregon’s imperiled species can help to protect species from extinction, restore and protect habitat, and create jobs in the conservation field. It can also help to protect Oregon’s natural heritage, which is an important part of Oregon’s economy.
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