January 18, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce $300,000 for Ecosystem Restoration in Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a $300,000 investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore habitat along Gilliam County’s Thirtymile Creek, a tributary of the John Day River in Oregon’s Prineville District. 

“Right now, there is a huge need to restore aquatic habitats and ecosystems in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “This investment builds upon many others to help reach that goal and fight climate change wherever it appears. Restoring aquatic habitats not only helps the fish and wildlife that depend on them to survive, but also helps local economies that depend on water and tourism as well.”

“Dynamic ecosystems have defined Oregon for ages, but intensifying climate chaos and other threats are putting Oregon’s wildlife and natural treasures at risk,” said Merkley. “Investing in the restoration of Oregon’s aquatic ecosystems—like those of the Thirtymile Creek—is critical to supporting the fish and wildlife that depend on these ecosystems, and to conserve and restore Oregon’s important habitats for the benefit of future generations.”

“I want to thank Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for helping to make these funds available for steelhead habitat restoration on ten miles of Thirtymile Creek.  This work is essential for steelhead recovery and wouldn't be possible without their support,” said Herb Winters, District Manager of Gilliam Soil and Water Conservation District.

The federal grant is provided by BLM using the Good Neighbor Authority, which allows federal land management agencies to create agreements with non-federal partners for projects on public lands.