A North American porcupine has up to 30,000 nose fins. This is one of Oregon’s 35 mammals in greatest conservation need.
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Hundreds of Oregon’s endangered species will have a better chance of survival thanks to a new tax expected to raise millions in conservation-only revenue.
Starting Jan. 1, a share of the state’s transient lodging tax is expected to generate $37 million annually to support the state’s wildlife, including pelicans, bats, turtles, hummingbirds and butterflies
Governor Tina Kotek was established Parliamentary Bill 4134 on April 7 to increase the occupancy tax by 1.25% to 2.75% to provide special funding to conserve the state’s endangered species and wildlife habitat.
“Oregon’s long-term prosperity depends on the health of our fish and wildlife populations and the natural environment that supports our tourism economy. By directing stable funding, this bill helps ensure that Oregon has resilient natural resources capable of supporting strong communities and a vibrant economy for generations to come,” noted Kotek as he introduced the legislation.
Generating revenue for wildlife
Kit foxes are mostly nocturnal, use dens year-round, and have long tails about 40% of their body length. They are among the animals in Oregon most in need of conservation.
Phillip Milburnm, ODFW
The money from the tax will be allocated to:
- Invasive species control,
- Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement,
- Creation of wildlife connectivity projects such as motorway crossings,
- Wildlife Management Grant Funding.
A school of northern anchovies, identified in Oregon as a species in greatest conservation need.
NOAA Fisheries
Until this new law, Oregon (like most states) relied on payments for hunting and fishing licenses to raise funds for wildlife conservation. However, non-prey species such as songbirds, reptiles and insects do not have income streams of profit.
A pallid bat, which is one of Oregon’s species most in need of conservation.
Ann Froschauer/USFWS
THE Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership noted that the bill was spearheaded by state Reps. Ken Helm (D), Mark Owens (R) and Sen. Todd Nash (R).
“Prior to passage of this bill, the agency had zero dedicated funding to implement the Oregon State Wildlife Action Plan, the science plan that identifies 321 species with the greatest conservation needs and 11 habitat types requiring proactive restoration,” TRCP said.
A model for a new funding approach
The Crater Lake Newt was once abundant in Crater Lake, the only place it lives, but is declining and in need of conservation.
ODFW
The Oregon Wildlife Action Plan guides efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats threatened by pollution, climate change, invasive species and development.
“Oregon is home to some of the nation’s most remarkable wildlife – from secretive desert reptiles to colorful ocean invertebrates. But more than 300 species in the state are at risk,” said Debbie Colbert, director of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. famous April 10 when announcing federal approval of the action plan.
HB 4134 received bipartisan support and was co-sponsored by more than 85 organizations.
“The passage of this legislation represents historic progress for the conservation of endangered species in Oregon,” said Colbert. “We are grateful to everyone who came out to support this bill.”
THE National Wildlife Federation praised the new legislation, calling it “a decisive victory for wildlife and a watershed moment for conservation”. The NWF noted that the funds will help a variety of wildlife, including the Pacific lamprey, the Olympia oyster and the Columbia gorge.
The harlequin duck in Oregon is among 63 birds that have been recognized as a species in need of greater protection.
Peter Pearsall/USFWS
Similarly, the American Bird Conservancy praised the historic law.
“Conservation funding from regular government sources has become increasingly competitive and birds are being wiped out,” said Lindsay Adrean, ABC’s Pacific Northwest Programme.
A wide range of birds will benefit from the expected revenue stream, including marbled murrelets, western prairie birds and California condors, according to alphabet.
Macfarlane’s 4-hour factories are under threat in Oregon.
Oregon Department of Agriculture
This step taken in Oregon can be a model for other states to emulate to increase revenue for species, especially songbirds and other species that do not generate money from hunting and fishing licenses.
