Oregon Opens Millions In Grant Funding For Forest And Wildlife Conservation Projects

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Millions of dollars in grant funding are now available for conservation projects across Oregon, including potential projects in Douglas County, as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) opens its Fall 2026 Private Forest Accord Grant Program application period.

Applications opened Thursday, November 12, with funding available for projects that improve aquatic habitats, restore streams and support fish and wildlife species affected by forest management activities.

The program is expected to provide nearly $15 million annually in conservation grants statewide, creating opportunities for organizations and landowners working to improve the health of Oregon's forests and waterways.

For Douglas County, the funding could support eligible restoration efforts within the Umpqua River watershed and other areas where improving habitat and water quality can benefit native fish and aquatic wildlife.

Supporting Conservation Across Oregon

The Private Forest Accord Grant Program was established following a 2021 agreement between representatives of Oregon's timber industry, small woodland owners and conservation organizations.

The agreement led to changes in Oregon's forest management regulations intended to strengthen protections for fish and amphibians while providing greater regulatory certainty for the timber industry.

The grant program, administered by ODFW, helps fund conservation work that supports those goals.

Projects that may qualify for funding include stream habitat restoration, removing barriers that prevent fish from reaching spawning areas, protecting cold-water habitats, improving streamflows and restoring habitats influenced by beaver activity.

These improvements are particularly important for native fish and other aquatic species that depend on healthy streams and connected waterways.

ODFW says the grant program can provide up to $250 million in conservation funding over its lifetime.

Opportunities For Douglas County Projects

Douglas County is home to extensive forestlands and waterways that provide habitat for native fish and wildlife.

The North Umpqua, South Umpqua and other tributaries throughout the Umpqua Basin support aquatic ecosystems that could benefit from eligible conservation and restoration work.

Projects addressing stream conditions, fish passage and habitat protection could potentially qualify, depending on their location, conservation benefits and how closely they align with the program's priorities.

Funding is awarded through a competitive process, and applicants must demonstrate how their proposed work would provide meaningful conservation benefits for species covered by the Private Forest Accord Habitat Conservation Plan.

How To Apply

ODFW encourages prospective applicants to review the program's eligibility requirements, funding priorities and 2026 grant guidelines before submitting proposals.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2027.

Applicants can find program information, grant guidelines, eligibility details and examples of previously funded projects at www.PFAGrants.com.

The ODFW grant application webpage also provides information about the application process and access to the online grant management system. New applicants must register for an account before submitting an application.

Those interested in developing a proposal are encouraged to contact their regional PFA Stream Biologist for assistance with project planning and program requirements. ODFW provides a regional contact map through its application webpage.

Additional information about the program's history, conservation priorities and types of projects considered for funding is available on the ODFW Private Forest Accord Grant Program website.

Applicants with questions can also contact the PFA Grant Program directly at pfa.grants@odfw.oregon.gov.

The application period will remain open through January 8, giving prospective applicants an opportunity to develop projects that could help restore and protect Oregon's waterways and aquatic habitats.