ORTWS is committed to promoting the conservation of Oregon's wildlife, and to supporting current and future generations of wildlife biologists.  We believe the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF, aka HB2829) is a huge step forward for both of these goals.  The OCRF was passed in 2019 and directs State General Funds to ODFW based on criteria designed to address under-supported conservation priorities.  Specifically, an advisory committee will approve projects and funds that are focused on the goals of the Oregon Conservation Strategy and Nearshore Strategy. In addition, the OCRF 1) prioritizes non-game related programs and monitoring; 2) is intended to focus more resources toward  "non-consumptive" recreation programs and constituents, and 3) seeks to engage demographics that may have been under-served by traditional outreach programs. 

The OCRF is currently in a 'proving up" process. If partners like us can raise $1 million in private funds by December 2020, the bill will be submitted for an amendment, and reinstate a dedicated $13-15 million from the general fund toward wildlife conservation every biennium thereafter. Supporting the OCRF is not about raising $1 million, it's about  proving up a permanent shift in how the state prioritizes General Fund money toward conservation in Oregon.    

That's why the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society has committed $5,000 in matching funds towards the OCRF.  If you donate to the OCRF through our fundraising campaign here, your donation will be directly matched by ORTWS!