Governor Kotek: Support 1.25% for Wildlife!

© USFWS

Tell Governor Kotek: Support 1.25% (HB 4134) for Wildlife

UPDATE: 1.25% for Wildlife has passed and now awaits Governor Kotek’s signature.

The bad news: for many years, Oregon has not adequately funded conservation and recovery of imperiled wildlife and habitats. Our recently updated State Wildlife Action Plan now lists over 300 species, a significant uptick indicating our state’s wildlife is increasingly at risk. Year after year, the legislature prioritizes other uses of general funds, giving wildlife short shrift. The Trump Administration’s attacks on conservation programs and withdrawal of federal funds is making the situation even more dire.

The good news: we have a solution! 1.25% for Wildlife HB 4134, a bill that will be introduced in the upcoming 2026 legislative session will generate sustained, reliable funding for wildlife habitat conservation and recovery. By increasing the Oregon tourism tax from 1.5% to 2.75% we can ensure long-term dedicated funding for our most imperiled wildlife and fish species, safeguard essential habitats, and improve ecosystem resiliency in the face of the twin biodiversity and climate crises. 

Thank you for supporting 1.25% for Wildlife!

Dear Governor Kotek,

Oregon’s wildlife and their habitat are one of Oregon’s greatest treasures – drawing tourists to visit our state and beloved by those of us who are lucky enough to call Oregon home. I write to ask you to support 1.25% for Wildlife (HB 4134) in the 2026 legislative session to ensure that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has the necessary resources to safeguard and recover our state’s most imperiled wildlife and fish species and their habitats.

Our State Wildlife Action Plan now identifies over 300 species as being at risk. Between state funding shortfalls and Trump administration attacks on the laws and programs safeguarding wildlife and withdrawal of federal funds, we are not adequately funding conservation. Thankfully, we have a solution: 1.25% for Wildlife. This bipartisan bill will generate long-term reliable funding for ODFW’s conservation efforts. By increasing the Oregon tourism tax from 1.5% to 2.75% we can ensure long-term dedicated funding for our most imperiled wildlife and fish species, safeguard essential habitats, and improve ecosystem resiliency in the face of the twin biodiversity and climate crises.

Please support 1.25% for Wildlife and ensure Oregon’s natural legacy is safeguarded for generations to come.

Thank you.