Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts May 4, 2026 Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $1,059,961 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to support state fish and wildlife agencies. This funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant program, which supports state agencies’ conservation efforts. “Our state’s lands and waters are integral to the futures of countless fish and wildlife, as well as many Oregonians’ quality of life and livelihoods,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat overseeing funding for the USFWS. “This new federal funding will strengthen conservation efforts and local restoration work, ensuring that Oregon’s ecosystems are protected for generations to come.” “Oregonians’ enjoyment of the outdoors is in our DNA, and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife is essential to ensuring our special relationship with nature continues now — and in the future,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal investments are coming to our state, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar resources for lands and water in Oregon.” The State Wildlife Grant program funds local fish and wildlife agencies to protect and manage species, promote the recovery of wildlife, and conserve habitats across the country. Since 2000, over $1.4 billion from the program has been distributed nationwide. ###