In an Action Alert last week, we've detailed the three bills—two we support and one we oppose—that Tualatin Riverkeepers has been engaged in during the current legislative session. Although our focus on these respective bills came together independently, they collectively encapsulate why and how we do our work to protect and restore the Tualatin River watershed.
If passed, HB 4134, 1.25% for Wildlife, would raise up to $40 million annually toward imperiled fish, wildlife, and habitat recovery efforts. These species include at least 40 plants and animals found in the Tualatin River watershed that are considered species of concern under the State Wildlife Action Plan. The majority share of this lodging tax would be paid by out-of-state visitors who come to Oregon to experience the incredible outdoor places that funds from this bill will help protect.
While our mission is to protect and restore the Tualatin River watershed, we know that people protect what they love and our advocacy work is only possible by helping residents experience and care for the watershed. Our river rentals, guided trips, and habitat restoration projects engage nearly 5,000 residents annually, who quickly come to love and protect this watershed. Our ability to lead trips and support volunteers is at risk, however, without the passage of SB 1593, which would provide the same reasonable waiver protection afforded to organizations in every other western state. That’s why we’ve worked with our friends at the Oregon Trails Coalition to rally nonprofit recreation and conservation partners from around Oregon to support this important legislation.
Outdoor recreation accounts for $8.4 billion in annual revenue in Oregon, 2.6% of the state’s GDP, and it accounts for 3.6% of our state’s employees. Access to the Tualatin River, great hiking trails and cycling routes, and thriving farms make our watershed an important regional recreation destination. But that attractiveness is at risk if we continue to industrially develop our agricultural lands, rather than using the plentiful land that is currently available within the Urban Growth Boundary. We’re opposed to SB 1586, which would take 1700 acres of some of the world’s richest agricultural lands out of production, and cause irreparable harm to the wildlife and active restoration that HB 4134 and SB 1593, if passed, would protect and foster.
The current short session closes at the end of next week, making this a critical time for our work to accomplish our legislative agenda. Contact your state legislators today to help protect our natural resources!
