Oregon Wildlife Act Passes

The passage of the "1.25 Percent for Wildlife" Act, officially known as HB 4134, marks the conclusion of a decade-long advocacy effort by a diverse coalition. This group included conservation organizations, hunting and fishing groups, farmers, ranchers, and over 125 businesses from across Oregon. The bill, which now awaits the governor's signature, received bipartisan support in the legislature. The new law is projected to generate approximately $38 million annually for conservation efforts. This revenue will come from an increase in Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax, which will rise by 1.25 percentage points. The tax increase is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. A significant portion of the new funds, about $27.4 million per year, will be directed to the newly renamed Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount. This funding is designated for the implementation of the state's Wildlife Action Plan, which has identified over 300 species in greatest need of conservation. These include species such as the northern red-legged frog, western pond turtle, and tufted puffin. Historically, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has faced funding shortfalls, leading to cuts in anti-poaching campaigns, fish research, and hatchery operations. The new, stable funding source is considered transformative for an agency that has been grappling with inadequate resources to manage non-game species and their habitats. The act also provides resources for detecting and preventing the spread of harmful invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels. The legislative effort was championed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Representatives Ken Helm (D–Beaverton) and Mark Owens (R–Crane), and Senator Todd Nash (R-Joseph). Public support for the measure was substantial, with approximately 85% of the 2,360 written comments submitted to the legislature in favor of HB 4134.