The PFA Grant Program, administered by ODFW, funded its first-ever round of habitat restoration projects awarding more than $10 million to 25 projects throughout Oregon.
Visit the PFA Grants website at PFAGrants.com to view a list of recently funded projects.
This year's PFA grant funding prioritized projects that improve stream and wetland conditions for fish and wildlife. The projects will restore critical spawning grounds, fish passage, and other important aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife with a focus on the recovery of native salmon, trout and select amphibians. They will also improve water quality, remove invasive species, and restore native plant communities.
These carefully selected projects represent a strategic investment in Oregon's aquatic habitats and align with the PFA Grant Program's conservation goals.
"This is a good day for all Oregonians," said Chad Washington, Chair of the PFA Grant Advisory Committee. "The projects to be funded represent the culmination of many volunteer hours by the PFA Grant Advisory Committee working with state and federal agencies and other partners. They demonstrate the conservation benefit that can be achieved by focusing on shared goals and objectives."
One of the projects, located in Umatilla County, will support efforts in the North Fork Walla Walla River to improve fish habitat across a 5.2-mile stretch of the river. This project with the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council will restore the river's natural features, like pools, meanders, and woody debris, making it a healthier home for many fish species, including steelhead, redband trout, bull trout, Chinook salmon, and mountain whitefish.
In Douglas County, funding was awarded to the South Umpqua Rural Community Partnership to restore 17 miles of critical spawning and rearing habitat for coho salmon in the Cow Creek watershed. By improving fish passage, the project will benefit salmon migration and overall water quality for coho and Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and giant salamanders.
"These PFA grants demonstrate the important strides Oregonians can make in our efforts to recover and sustain sensitive species by working collaboratively and finding common ground," said Chrysten Rivard, Vice-chair of the PFA Grant Advisory Committee.
The Private Forest Accord Grant Program was established in the 2022 Legislative Session as an outcome of the landmark agreement between timber and conservation groups to recommend changes to the Forest Practices Act. The PFA Grant Program's purpose is to fund projects that benefit aquatic species and habitats that may be affected by ongoing forest practices on private lands.
PFA grant funds come from the state's General Fund and timber harvest tax revenues. For most projects, these funds are then matched with funds from partners like nonprofits, Watershed Councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Tribes.
"This $10 million investment is a critical step forward in conserving our state's fish and wildlife resources," said Sarah Reif, ODFW Habitat Division Administrator. "By supporting these diverse conservation projects, we ensure a healthy environment for these species and for generations to come."
The next opportunity to apply for a PFA grant is planned for Fall 2024 and will award millions more in funding.
Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife