October 20, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: Nearly $200,000 to Grant County to Curb Unauthorized Livestock Grazing

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Grant County will receive nearly $198,000 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for riparian fencing to control unauthorized livestock grazing.


“These funds will go a long way to help Grant County landowners maintain effective and appropriate grazing practices that enable their family businesses to continue growing and creating jobs in rural communities,” Wyden said. “Fencing is crucial to combat invasive species, prevent overgrazing, and preserve our state’s public landscapes for generations to come. And I’m glad the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I fought to pass has produced this investment in Grant County.”


“Healthy riparian habitats are valuable not only for wildlife but also water quality and quantity,” said Merkley. “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds headed to Grant County will help repair and improve fencing around miles of public land, which will help protect Oregon’s ecosystems while supporting continued livestock grazing for the benefit of local communities and rural economies.” 


The North Fork John Day Riparian Fence Maintenance project will repair or rebuild about 18 miles of riparian fencing to control unauthorized livestock grazing. This project is a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC).


These funds are a part of a $10 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 17 project sites to address legacy pollution and conserve ecosystems.


 “At the Department of the Interior, we are using every tool at our disposal to support multiple programs to clean up these legacy environmental hazards, advance environmental justice, support good paying jobs, and safeguard our lands for future generations,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.


"The North Fork John Day Riparian Fence Maintenance project will repair or rebuild approximately 18 miles of riparian fencing along the wild and scenic North Fork John Day River,” said Kristen Walz, Executive Director of the North Fork John Day Watershed Council. “Our organization supports broad interests and diverse land use and ownership; well-maintained fences are integral to a multi-use landscape. This project aims to improve grazing management, to promote native plant and wildlife species, and encourage collaboration between the people who live, work, and recreate in the North Fork John Day River. The NFJDWC is excited to be working with the Bureau of Land Management  (BLM) and local contractors to protect this high priority watershed.”