Hundreds of Oregon’s endangered species will have better survival odds thanks to a new tax expected to raise millions in dedicated conservation revenue.
Starting Jan. 1, a share of a state transient lodging tax is expected to generate $37 million yearly to support the state’s wildlife, including pelicans, bats, turtles, abalone and butterflies
Gov. Tina Kotek enacted House Bill 4134 on April 7 to increase by 1.25% to 2.75% the lodging tax to provide dedicated funding for conservation of at-risk species and the state’s wildlife habitat.
“Oregon’s long-term prosperity depends on the health of our fish and wildlife populations and the natural environment that underpins 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,” Kotek noted when enacting the legislation.
Generating Revenue For Wildlife
Money from the tax will go toward:
- Controlling invasive species,
- Enforcing fish and wildlife laws,
- Creating wildlife connectivity projects such as highway crossings,
- Funding wildlife stewardship grants.
Until this new law, Oregon (like most states) relied on payments for hunting and fishing licenses to raise wildlife conservation funds. However non-game species such as song birds, reptiles and insects lack money-making revenue streams.
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership noted the bill was spearheaded by state Reps. Ken Helm (D), Mark Owens (R) and Sen. Todd Nash (R).
“Before this bill passed, the agency had zero dedicated funding for implementing Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the science-based blueprint that identifies 321 species of greatest conservation need and 11 habitat types requiring proactive restoration,” TRCP stated.
A Model For A New Funding Approach
Oregon’s State 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 most remarkable wildlife in the nation—from secretive desert reptiles to colorful ocean invertebrates. But more than 300 species in the state are at risk,” Debbie Colbert, director of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, noted April 10 when announcing action plan’s federal approval.
HB 4134 received bipartisan support and was backed by over 85 organizations.
“Passage of this legislation represents a historic advancement for conservation of at-risk species in Oregon,” Colbert said. “We are grateful to everyone who came out to support this bill.”
The National Wildlife Federation lauded the new legislation and called it “a decisive victory for wildlife and a landmark moment for conservation.” NWF noted the funds will help a diverse range of wildlife including the Pacific lamprey, the Olympia oyster and Columbia Gorge caddisfly.
Similarly, the American Bird Conservancy praised the historic law.
“Conservation funding from regular government sources has become increasingly competitive, and birds are being edged out,” said Lindsay Adrean, ABC’s Pacific Northwest Program Officer.
A wide range of birds will benefit from the anticipated revenue stream including marbled murrelets, western meadowlarks and California condors, according to ABC.
This step taken in Oregon can be a model for other states to emulate to raise revenue for species, especially the songbirds and other species that don’t generate money from hunting and fishing licenses.
