Hundreds of wildlife and habitat advocates from across the state gathered in Salem on February in support of HB 4134, the “1.25% for Wildlife” legislation. HB 4134 garnered broad, bipartisan support from a diverse coalition of hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, rural and urban communities, and over 100 businesses from across the state. It passed both the House and Senate and the Governor signed the bill on Thursday, April 9th, giving us all a real chance to celebrate our commitment to wildlife and conservation activism.
“We applaud Oregon lawmakers for their efforts and recognize that this was not an easy vote for many. But it was the right vote,” said Danielle Moser, Wildlife Program Manager for Oregon Wild. “With 1.25% for Wildlife, we are investing in our fish and wildlife, in the landscapes and communities that sustain us, in our drinking water, health, and safety. While HB 4134 is focused on wildlife and their habitats, it is really a commitment to future generations: that the Oregon we know and love today is the one we are determined to pass along to those who come next.”
Through a modest increase in the statewide lodging tax, HB 4134 will fund wildlife and habitat conservation, primarily the implementation of the state’s Wildlife Action Plan, which has identified over 300 species as having the greatest conservation need.
Some of our masks went to the Capitol in February, thanks to ECC member and Sierra Club Coastal Organizer, Richie Scott. They were worn by staff from the Sierra Club and two Bend-based organizations: The Environmental Center and Oregon Natural Desert Association.
The masks of charismatic mega-fauna (and Monte the vociferous protest beagle) meant EVERYONE wanted to take a photo with us and learn about the amazing work of Liz Fox and the rest of the mask-making ECC crew. What an effective tool to raise awareness and make connections in the community! What animal should we make next?
