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 Announces $15 Million for the Opal Creek Promise

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that Business Oregon and the U.S. Forest Service have signed an agreement to fund the full $15 million Opal Creek Promise.   “This funding has been nearly thirty years in the making and is a major achievement for Marion County and

Merkley, Wyden Announce $1.3 Million for Migratory Bird Habitat 

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding Ducks Unlimited $1.3 million for habitat conservation for wetland migratory birds in the Lake County Closed Basin Project Area. Given its location as a stopover in the

Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Endangered Species Protections in Oregon 

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Oregon’s U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced today that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding $1 million for the Oregon Private Forest Accord Aquatic Species Habitat Conservation Plan.  “Endangered species are critical parts of Oregon’s

Wyden, Merkley: Eastern Oregon Regional Airport Receives $150,000 in Federal Aid

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton will receive $150,000 in federal aid for safety improvements. “Eastern Oregon residents and small businesses count on Pendleton’s airport to travel, transport goods and medical supplies, and contribute to their quality

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