Natural Resources and Rural Development

The Beaver State was built by Americans who relied on the land for their livelihood. Natural resource industries like farming, forestry, and salmon fishing remain integral to Oregon’s economy today.  Our state has also long been a destination for Americans looking to experience the great outdoors.  Oregon’s protected public lands provide valuable habitats, supply clean water, and generate jobs through sustainable harvests, recreation, and tourism. Preserving our natural resources and making smart decisions about economic development will help spur rural growth and ensure that future generations can enjoy Oregon’s wild places and public lands while putting people to work.

Merkley, Wyden Announce Collaborative Sagebrush Restoration Investments in Eastern Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded a total of $679,690 to five projects, primarily in Eastern Oregon, that boost habitat restoration and build community resilience to the impacts of climate change. The projects will support management of invasive grasses,

Wyden, Merkley and Hoyle Announce NOAA’s Support for Port Orford

NOAA identifies Port Orford in its strategic plan Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle, today announced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries included specific support for Port Orford’s local economy and job growth in its National Seafood Strategic

Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Mitigate Water Loss

Funding will improve the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s irrigation systems on the Walla Walla River  Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $350,000 for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to make improvements that will reduce

Merkley, Wyden Announce $1.6 Million for Smith Rock State Park Enhancements

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is receiving a Land and Water Conservation grant of $1,628,498 to help develop a new welcome center and make other improvements to boost the visitor experience at Smith Rock State

Merkley, Wyden: Nearly $43 Million for Natural Disaster Recovery in Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is sending a total of $42,736,663 to state and federal agencies in Oregon that repaired roads and other critical infrastructure that was deeply damaged during natural disasters. The federal funds will be used to reimburse the agencies for

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