Major investments and policy gains mark a strong 2025 session for conservation, but work left on the table

As the Oregon Legislature adjourns Sine Die, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership celebrates a few key legislative victories that will strengthen habitat connectivity and bolster agency capacity.

“This session proved that conservation can unite diverse stakeholders when the focus is clear, the science is strong, and the outcomes benefit the public,” said Tristan Henry, TRCP’s Oregon field representative. “From corridors to core funding, conservation policy built broad, bipartisan coalitions.”

Wildlife Connectivity Policy Passed (HB 2978)

HB 2978 establishes formal coordination between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Transportation on wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. The law ensures a long-term, science-based strategy for planning and implementing wildlife crossing and corridor projects statewide.

Next Steps on Wildlife Crossing Funding

The legislature’s anticipated capstone for the 2025 session, a comprehensive transportation package that included funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure, fell short in the final hours of the session. While this outcome is disappointing, the inclusion of wildlife crossing investments in the proposal represents meaningful progress and growing recognition of the issue among state leaders. TRCP and our partners remain committed to advancing these provisions in the next available opportunity, whether during the 2025 short session or in a potential special session this fall.

Stable Agency Funding Secured

The Oregon Legislature passed HB 5009, which provides essential base budget allocations for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These funds will allow the agency to maintain staffing, monitoring, and habitat work critical to its mission. TRCP supported this bill to ensure that ODFW can continue at as close to current service levels as possible.

In tandem with this, HB 2342 will increase hunting and fishing license and tag fees to reflect inflation and support service-level stability. While no one in the sporting community welcomes higher costs, this user-based model remains foundational to fish and wildlife management in Oregon and partner organizations like the Oregon Hunters Association  provided key support to help safeguard the agency’s financial footing.

Effort to Fund Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan Falls Short

HB 2977 aimed to establish Oregon’s first dedicated, state-managed funding source for the State Wildlife Action Plan. The bill earned broad, bipartisan support and backing from a wide range of stakeholders. Despite this momentum, it was ultimately blocked through procedural maneuvering late in the session.

Advancing Aquatic Invasive Species Protections

Oregon has officially updated its aquatic invasive species (AIS) permitting system with the passage of HB 2982. This new law closes long-standing loopholes by requiring all watercraft, regardless of size, to carry an AIS permit, ensuring shared responsibility among all users of Oregon’s waterways.

TRCP played a key role in supporting this legislation, submitting multiple rounds of testimony and drawing on national findings from our Aquatic Invasive Species Commission. The law will strengthen inspection programs, bolster funding for early detection and response, and position Oregon to align with emerging federal guidance under the Explore Act.

Other Actions

Even in a contentious session, meaningful progress was made. Lawmakers approved HB 3940B, securing critical investments in wildfire preparedness and forest resilience. We commend our partners for leading this effort and helping ensure Oregon is better equipped for future fire seasons. Earlier in the session, HB 3846, a proposal to allow state leasing of the federally managed Ochoco National Forest, was stopped in committee. While the bill did not advance, it highlighted ongoing threats to foundational public land protections under NEPA, FLPMA, and the Wilderness Act.

TRCP will continue working alongside state and federal partners, private landowners, and fellow sporting organizations to ensure these wins are effectively implemented, and that Oregon’s public lands and wildlife remain protected for future generations.

“Our outdoor traditions and our economy all depend on healthy fish and wildlife populations,” said Henry. “Oregon took meaningful steps forward this session, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”

The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.