Two Oregon Forest Projects Awarded Over $9 Million

Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden say more than $9 million in federal funding is headed to two forest conservation projects in Oregon.  The U.S. Forest Service is awarding $3.7 million dollars to the Lostine Forest project in Wallowa County, and $5.6 million to the Madrone Ridge Forest project in Jackson County.

The funding comes through the Forest Legacy Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.  Officials say the projects will help conserve nearly 12,000 acres of working forestland, improve wildfire resilience, protect wildlife habitat, and expand public recreation access.

“Oregon’s forests must be conserved to ensure our lands remain healthy, well-managed, and accessible to Tribes, rural communities, visitors, and future generations,” said Merkley. “I’ve long championed the Forest Legacy Program to support vital efforts like the Lostine Forest and Madrone Ridge Forest projects, and I will keep pushing the federal government to do its part in protecting healthy, resilient forests across Oregon and the nation.” 

“Preserving our beautiful outdoor spaces is practically in the DNA of every Oregonian, and the federal government needs to mirror this stewardship,” Wyden said. “This federal award to conserve Lostine and Madrone Ridge will support wildfire prevention, protect ecosystems and ensure everyone can enjoy Oregon’s scenic working forests. I will continue to advocate for more projects like these to support public access and forest management across Oregon.” 

Through its Forest Legacy Program, the USFS partners with states, Tribes, and local organizations to conserve privately owned working forestlands through conservation easements and land acquisitions. These two awards in Oregon are part of a larger $80 million investment provided by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act to support 15 projects conserving more than 34,000 acres of working forests in 11 states.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides $900 million annually for federal land acquisition and financial assistance to states. These funds are critical for improving recreational access to our public lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks, open spaces and working forests, and providing farmers and ranchers with easements which allow them to continue to steward their privately-owned lands while simultaneously investing in conservation for the benefit of future generations.

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