Jon Bowers

This document outlines the engagement process for the revision of Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), previously known as the Oregon Conservation Strategy. The plan aims to achieve healthy fish and wildlife populations and functioning habitats by preventing and reversing species declines, while also guiding and prioritizing conservation efforts across the state. Key areas of focus for the revision include incorporating new scientific data and tools, addressing climate change, integrating the Oregon Nearshore strategy, recognizing pollution as a significant threat, enhancing public engagement through an improved conservation toolbox, re-evaluating the species list with updated criteria, and elevating the topic of beaver and beaver-modified habitats.

The meeting included several personal updates from attendees regarding legislative work, travel, and health matters, such as middle ear surgery and recovering from a cracked vertebrae. Key topics involved updates on legislative bills being reintroduced, such as the Wilderness for the Oahe bill and a Wild and Scenic River bill. Updates on fundraising showed that $378,710 had been raised to date, including a $25,000 unrestricted donation from the Oregon Zoo and a $25,000 restricted donation from Sustainable Northwest for the Holton Creek RNA project. Discussions covered the spectacular natural phenomena observed, including the massive migration of swans consuming barley crops, leading to increased raptor populations, and ideas for future conservation projects leveraging working farms to support waterfowl, inspired by similar efforts in Washington State. The approval of the February 5th, 2021 meeting minutes was also conducted.

The meeting commenced with technical announcements regarding potential delays on the YouTube stream. The commission discussed and ratified a temporary rule concerning the lifting of a closure on angling on the Sixes River due to high flow rates. The primary agenda item involved determining the role of state agencies that own or manage land in the conservation of the Marbled Murrelet, which was recently uplisted to 'endangered' status under the Oregon Endangered Species Act. A presentation outlined the requirements for state agencies with land holdings, noting that they must develop Endangered Species Management Plans within 18 months of uplisting and the Commission must approve them within 24 months (July 2023). The presentation identified 10 key state agencies with potential or known Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat on their lands, including the Department of Aviation and the Oregon Military Department. Furthermore, the process for non-land-owning state agencies to determine their conservation role and ensure their actions align with survival guidelines was reviewed.

This document outlines the revision process for Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), a guiding document for conservation efforts. The plan aims to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations, restore functioning habitats, and prevent declines of at-risk species. Key focus areas in the revision include updates to species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and species of greatest information need (SGIN), refinement of key habitats, and comprehensive review of key conservation issues (KCIs) and conservation opportunity areas (COAs). The plan emphasizes empowering Oregonians to engage in voluntary conservation actions and will be submitted for approval in 2025, with an anticipated rollout in 2026.

The event marked the formal launch of the OCRF Fundraising Campaign. Key discussions included the announcement of the first round of approved projects funded by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF), covering geography across Oregon from the eastern region to the coast. The committee is actively seeking to raise one million dollars to unlock a one-million-dollar state match. Discussion touched upon funding feasibility studies for the reintroduction of the Oregon Pond Turtle, monitoring rare carnivores like wolves and wolverines, expanding the Ochoco trail system sustainably, and an urban wildlife project in Portland with the Audubon Society. The history and genesis of the fund, originating from a 2015 legislative task force addressing ODFW funding, were reviewed, emphasizing strong collaboration between conservation, recreation, and traditional hunting/fishing communities. A significant focus was placed on efforts to entice communities of color to enjoy Oregon's outdoor heritage, addressing historical barriers to access.