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.

Wyden, Merkley: Klamath Tribes Earn $500,000 Federal Investment in Upgraded Broadband

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Klamath Tribes have secured a $500,000 federal grant to improve broadband service for its Tribal members in southern Oregon. “Tribal communities in Oregon and nationwide need and deserve reliable, modern broadband for educational and job opportunities,

Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Urge Immediate Action on Wildland Firefighter Pay Reform

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Senate colleagues this week called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to advance permanent, comprehensive pay reform for wildland firefighters in Oregon and nationwide as temporary pay increases are set to end. “Firefighters deserve fair pay, support for their

Merkley, Wyden Announce Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Bill Passes Senate Committee

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act cleared a major hurdle by passing out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The critical legislation would reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy’s (DRC) eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality and conservation projects—efforts critical

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

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