State monies available to help open private lands to hunting

Published: February 28, 2006

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Access and Habitat Program grants are currently available for projects that provide public hunting access to private lands, improve public hunting access to public lands, or enhance wildlife habitat.

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The application deadline for these grants is March 24.

Typical projects funded by A&H grants include public hunting leases, law enforcement patrols, travel management areas and increased access to public lands that are land-locked by private land. Wildlife forage seeding, water development, riparian protection, noxious weed control, meadow fertilization, and wetland restoration also are popular projects.

The A&H Program was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1993 to foster greater cooperation between hunters and private landowners and is funded by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses.

Over the last two years, the Access and Habitat Program has awarded more than $1.5 million in funding for qualifying projects throughout Oregon. These projects have improved more than 15,000 acres of wildlife habitat and 3.5 million acres of private land hunting access has been provided in cooperation with the program.

For more information about applying for an Access and Habitat Program grant or to download an application, see www.dfw.state.or.us.

The Web site includes examples of past projects, information on the application process, and other details on the program.

Grant information and an application packet may also be obtained by contacting the A&H Program Coordinator, Nick Myatt at (503) 947-6087 or nick.a.myatt@state.or.us.