Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

Jump to a topic:

• Agriculture

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• Climate

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• Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)

• Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC)

• Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF)

• Forestry (ODF)

• Hanford

• Land Use & Housing

• Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)

• Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. (OPRD)

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)

• Regional Solutions

• State Land Board

• Transportation

• Water

• Weather

• Wetlands

• Wildfire 

Intro 

The Feb. 4^th Forecast will be the legislature’s guidance.  See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. The Natural Resource agencies have been implementing legislation passed in 2025 and previous legislative sessions.  That means rulemaking where Oregonians can help clarify the intent of that legislation.  Then we are all grappling with those potential budget cuts as shared in the last Legislative Report. Lastly, we cover some of the information from the recent Interim Legislative Days (Jan. 13-15).  

The House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee: 1/13/2026 Meeting at 11:30 AM heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on her recent Executive Orders.  See more information about them and the proposed committee bills in the Meeting Materials.  A recording of the meeting is also available. The same is true of all the committees, so please use this information as a guide for checking in on other committees of interest.   

The Salem Reporter provided a  review of what to expect in 2026, including some areas of concern to the League related to permitting and land use.  We want a vibrant economy with good jobs for Oregonians while also respecting the values Oregonians have supported for years.   

AGRICULTURE

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) accepted public comments on proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. In an article  by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, it was noted: In comments shared with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Board of Agriculture shortly before the new year, farm groups opposed to the rules told regulators they go too far, while others contended they don’t go far enough. 

The Oregon Health Authority since 2024 found that at least 634 domestic drinking water wells in the area contain unsafe levels of nitrate, some with nearly 10 times the federal limit for safe drinking water, and more than 420 show elevated levels that could lead to long-term health problems.

BUDGETS/REVENUE

Peggy Lynch

Soon after the 2025-27 Oregon budget passed, Congress passed H.R.1 (see Summary), a collection of tax cuts and program cuts. (See the Revenue section for more detail.)  As we await the Feb. 4^th Revenue Forecast, agencies were directed to reduce their spending as well as to provide a list of potential cuts of up to 5% per agency per revenue source (General Fund, Lottery Fund, Other Funds) and to provide a list of any new programs that were approved since 2021—all due to reduced revenue forecasts, federal legislation and actions.

Here are the meeting materials submitted to the Legislative Fiscal Office by the 14 natural resource agencies. In the last few months, the Governor and legislators have been reviewing those lists and learning more about the impact of H.R. 1 on programs vital to Oregonians. Working in the natural resource world which is less than 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. 

See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information.  We encourage you to read ALL sections. 

CLIMATE

Claudia Keith and Team

See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report.  There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections.

COASTAL ISSUES

Christine Moffitt

The League of Women Voters of Coos County has been following the proposed Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project in Coos Bay. (See their public website.)  An article by the Oregon Journalism Project provides an outside review of the project: “For the past couple of months, the Oregon Journalism Project has examined the PCIP’s claims and its goals. That reporting, along with interviews of economists and transportation and supply chain experts, yields a starkly different conclusion than politicians have reached.  Coos Bay’s location and the highly competitive nature of transportation markets, experts say, make it unlikely the project can succeed.”

A presentation was allowed by advocates of the PCIP to the Senate Interim Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs on Jan. 14.  League members were disappointed that only one point of view was shared and we provided legislators with a response to an email sent earlier by advocates. 

The Ocean Policy Advisory Council will meet virtually on January 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A draft meeting agenda and materials will be posted online soon at https://oregonocean.info/.  Register for the meeting here or contact: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov

Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. 

The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on Seven Rocky Habitat Management Plans:  The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) are currently developing management plans for rocky habitats that were designated in 2024. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, and Port Orford. The new draft Plans can be found on the Oregon Ocean Information website. Please provide comments on or before February 2, 2026.  The League supported the creation of these Rocky Habitats.  

Email comments to: tsp.comments@dlcd.oregon.gov with the title of the plan in the subject line.

Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.

Read the Draft Plans: 

• Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

• Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan

• Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

• Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

• Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

• Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

• Cape Blanco Marine Conservation Area Management Plan

  
  

Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:

• Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies

• Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table

  
  

When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.

This work is the result of a multi-year proposal and planning effort to designate new rocky habitats on the Oregon Coast. Marine Gardens are any intertidal and subtidal area that the State designates to protect ocean resources through public enjoyment, learning opportunities, public access, and by supporting ecological integrity. Marine Conservation Areas are sites designated to conserve the ecological integrity of the habitat. Marine Research Areas are sites designated to support scientific research, preserve natural ecosystems, and limit the collection of marine plants and animals.

Please reach out to Andy Lanier, Marine Affairs Coordinator, Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov with questions. More information is available at OregonOcean.Info/RockyHabitats. 

DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI)

The latest on the Grassy Mt. Gold Mine Project per the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Director's Report: Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project:  DEQ prepared four draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project, a proposed gold mine located in Malheur County approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Vale. Mining will be sub-surface, and gold will be extracted from the ore using a cyanide extraction process. DEQ permits regulate potential releases of contaminants to air, land, and water. DEQ has been working closely with the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and other state agencies to develop draft permits, following a consolidated permitting process that is unique to chemical process mining. DEQ is currently working with DOGAMI on draft permit conditions related to the protection of groundwater resources and solid waste management in response to preliminary comments from the applicant. DEQ expects to make draft permits available for public comment in early January 2026.

DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain gold mine project and will hold a public hearing for the draft permits on January 29 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PST (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm MST) at the Vale Senior Citizens Center, 100 Longfellow St S, Vale, OR 97918. People can make comments in person at the hearing or submit written comments prior to February 6. DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice, including related documents.  The League has followed this project—the first chemical processing gold mine proposed for Oregon. A new streamlined permitting process has been used for this application.  OPB provided an article. More information can be found here.

OPB also covered exploration of a lithium mine in Southeast Oregon. 

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC)

Sandra U. Bishop

The League has a standing seat on DWAC.  Interactive GIS Maps for water system and source water protection have been improved. These maps are available to the public as well as water system operators and are maintained by the Oregon DEQ’s Drinking Water Protection group and may be accessed via the Drinking Water Services website.  The next DWAC meeting is January 21.

ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)

The Board had a 3-day retreat on Nov.  12-14. And a meeting on Jan. 14.  The next meeting is set for March 11.   

FORESTRY (ODF)

Josie Koehne

Public comment period on the proposed rule-making for the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan opened on Nov. 1 and will close at midnight on the Jan.31st. “The mission of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP) and Implementation Plans (IP) project is to implement the social, economic and environmental values required of state forests. The comment period will include written comments as well as comments collected from Rule-making hearings.

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The League submitted comments on December 24. 

ODF is reviewing obligations under the Governor’s Executive Order 25-26 related to climate resilience.  

HANFORD

For those who follow the activities at Hanford, here is a US Dept. of Energy newsletter with multiple articles.  The League has positions on Hanford and has had volunteers covering this important facility. 

LAND USE & HOUSING

Peggy Lynch

LCDC Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rules adopted at the LCDC Dec. 4^th mtg. They were statutorily due by Jan. 1, 2026. “These rules shift Oregon’s housing planning framework from a narrow focus on land capacity toward a comprehensive system that emphasizes local actions to promote housing production, affordability, and choice.”  These rules are among the most significant changes in Goal 10, Housing, and Goal 14, Urbanization since the program’s inception.  On Jan. 15, the Dept. of Administrative Services released OHNA Targets for 2026.  

The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is scheduling a webinar on Jan. 28 from 1 - 2pm on the Local Residential Development Process Improvement Study. You can access the project website here and the meeting here. 

On Jan. 14, the House Housing Committee included Housing Legislative Concepts (LCs) (to become bills) and presentations on other bill proposals.  Another LC of interest in the land use area is LC 205 as a result of a SB 1537 (2024) Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Workgroup and the Governor’s LC 94 to provide expansion for senior housing and manufactured home parks.  LC 222 is the Governor's Omnibus Housing bill with sections of interest to land use and to social policy.  

Included in Sen. Sollman’s Oregon Jobs Act (LC 237) as presented to the Senate Interim Committee On Commerce and General Government on Jan. 13, are many elements of concern to the League, including a substantial expansion of Hillsboro’s UGB.  See the Meeting Materials for more expansive information on this LC and others. There is also tax policy and required rules and permit processing changes that could reduce revenue and place a substantial burden on Natural Resource agencies.  

January 30, 2026

5:00 - 6:00 PM: There will be an informative session, speaking against Senator Sollman's bill, featuring brief introductions, individual presentations, and Q&A. 

Address: United Church of Christ, 2032 College Way, Forest Grove

RSVP: https://www.friendsofsmartgrowth.org/rsvp 

6:30 PM: Senator Sollman's Joint Town Hall (across the street)Senator Janeen Sollman hosts Reps McLain, Sosa, and AG Rayfield.

Address: Pacific University’s McCready Hall (in the Taylor‑Meade Performing Arts Center), 2043 College Way, Forest Grove

The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24.  There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing bill annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development.  See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency.  

See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report.

OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW)

Melanie Moon

A new state transient lodging tax (TLT), HB 2977, was introduced in 2025 to ensure regular and robust funding for wildlife conservation programs. The bill passed the House floor, but did not make it out of the Senate.  HB 4134 will be introduced in 2026, now titled the 1.25% for Wildlife bill. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support.  OPB provides an article on the legislation. Currently these are the bill’s sponsors:  Chief Sponsors: Rep Helm, Owens, McLain, Walters; Sen Golden, Prozanski, Gorsek, Nash, Frederick

Regular sponsors: Rep Grayber, Marsh, B Levy, Gamba, Munoz, Chotzen, Hai Pham, Finger McDonald, Nosse, Andersen, Fragala, Nelson; Sen Jama, Neron Misslin, Gelser-Blouin, Pham, Weber

OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD)

Peggy Lynch

The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD.  Oregonlive provided an article on ways they are nibbling around the edges.  But OPRD is responsible  not only for our wonderful state parks, but also for historical sites.  Many need infrastructure repairs.  There is a conversation around getting some amount of bonding to help with this maintenance, but also setting up a Task Force to study new long term operational funding options.  The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998:  Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs)  Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs).

OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB)

The Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC) held a virtual meeting on January 22. The agenda and meeting materials are available on OERC’s website.  The state of Oregon has secured a historic $698 million dollar settlement against Monsanto for long term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. In 2024, Governor Kotek signed Senate Bill 1561 into law, creating the Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund (OERF or Fund), which will invest the proceeds of the settlement in projects and purposes that benefit Oregon’s environment and its communities. The Interim Ways and Means Committee approved an Other Funds expenditure limitation increase of $35 million to be included in the 2026 budget reconciliation bill.  

REGIONAL SOLUTIONS

The Regional Solutions Program: Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to this signup page.  The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person.  Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings.  Public Comment is usually scheduled.  Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: 

Regional Solutions:  

Metro (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties) January 30th from 11:00am-1:00pm

Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm

South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm

The Mid-Valley Regional Solutions RAC had a great set of presentations from a group of

natural resource agencies at their Jan. 8^th meeting.  See the meeting materials for Jan. 8 to see some of the presentations.   

STATE LAND BOARD

Peggy Lynch

The State Land Board met Dec. 3^rd (agenda and meeting materials).  The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership.  Included in the presentations as seen on YouTube were the  annual report on wetlands and a report on the Elliott State Research Forest.  

TRANSPORTATION (ODOT)

Movement between parties to solve the ODOT funding is happening per an article in Oregonlive on Jan. 17.  On Jan. 7, the Governor suggested reallocating current ODOT funds, repealing HB 3991 (passed in last Sept.’s special session and currently being sent to the voters in Nov. 2026 for repeal) in 2026 and work on long term funding in 2027:  

The Statesman Journal reported: The Oregon Department of Transportation faces a budget gap of $242 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. ODOT director Kris Strickler and incoming interim director Lisa Sumption wrote in an email to staff, "It’s a smaller gap, and while that’s good news, it’s still big enough to require service level cuts and future layoffs if we have to manage this on our own with existing revenue and within existing spending restrictions." 

A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports:  Impacts of Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating 570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees.  

The House Transportation Committee shared their Committee LCs and the Senate Transportation Committee did the same for the 2026 session.  KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance.    

WATER

Peggy Lynch

League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties (map).  Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. 

We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.”  Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab. The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms.

WEATHER

In a KOIN article: The days of La Niña are numbered. The climate phenomenon is expected to fade away in the next few months, making way for its counterpart to take over, national forecasters said on Thursday…   Over the next few weeks or months, La Niña is expected to fade away. We’ll then be in a state that climate scientists describe as “ENSO neutral.” It’s not La Niña, it’s not El Niño – it’s La Nada. Whether we’re in a La Niña year, El Niño year, or neither is determined by sea surface temperatures near the equator over the Pacific Ocean. The temperature of the water and air above it can shift the position of the jet stream, which in turn impacts the types of weather observed on land.

KLCC reports on our snowpack concerns: Nearly all of Oregon has less than 50% of its normal snowpack, with western and central Oregon having percentages largely in the 30s. That’s according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

December was the warmest on record in Oregon, Washington and California, while Idaho had its second-warmest December, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. 

WETLANDS

Peggy Lynch

Comments from Oregon state agencies were provided to the EPA and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed changes to the Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules. Upon reviewing this latest iteration of federal regulations proposing revisions to the definition of WOTUS, Oregon concludes this proposed rule is unnecessary and should be revoked. The existing “Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'; Conforming" that became effective on September 8, 2023, was revised to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Sackett v. EPA. The Conforming 2023 rule is consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision and should remain untouched.  

See the December 1, 2025 Legislative Report for details on one of the most significant changes in federal rules being considered relating to Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).  On Nov. 18^th, the EPA announced new proposed rules for implementing the Waters of the U.S., reducing 55 million acres of currently assumed wetlands—that protect drinking water and provide flood protection as well as giving a home to a variety of flora and fauna.

WILDFIRE

Carolyn Mayers

The Oregon Legislature kicked off the week of January 12th with meetings offering a preview of what we can expect when the 2026 Short Session begins in earnest on February 2.

The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire met January 14, and received updates from the Department of the State Fire Marshal (DFSM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Various officials recapped the 2025 wildfire season, relaying that while - from an acres burned perspective -  it was better than expected, it was much worse than an average year in terms of structure losses. It was emphasized that this aligns with increasing trends toward more fires burning close to and in communities, and an accompanying increased risk of urban conflagrations. This amplifies the need to address mitigation measures in these areas in particular.

At the January 14 meeting, DFSM officials emphasized progress on defensible space assistance for homeowners, noting that 357 inspectors have been trained to carry out defensible space inspections and make recommendations to mitigate risk to one’s residence. This work came as part of SB 762, the 2021 wildfire bill which created a path toward comprehensive community wildfire preparedness and resiliency. It was noted that a voluntary Oregon Defensible Space Code is under development, which can be adopted at the local level. That Code is expected to be rolled out later this year.

Other highlights of the meeting included a lengthy update on efforts between DFSM, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DBCS) and others following the passage of SB 85 during the 2025 session, aiming to tie homeowner and neighborhood level wildfire risk reduction work to factors insurance companies use to determine homeowner insurance rates. This Capital Chronicle article provides the details. This Legislative Concept, LC 182, is modeled after a similar bill passed by the Colorado Legislature in 2025.

In addition, Senator Sara Gelser-Blouin came before the committee to introduce her “Fire Hardened Homes Act”, LC 33, which would prohibit Homeowner’s Associations from preventing residents within their jurisdiction from taking home hardening measures, such as replacing fences and siding with fire-resistant materials.

Senator Golden appears to be poised to revisit the concept of a climate superfund bill, the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Act. This and similar bills in several other states aim to extract funds to help cover the losses suffered as a result of climate change driven catastrophic events such as wildfires and floods. 

In 2025 the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Wednesday decided not to advance a similar bill, SB 1187. 

Finally, the Governor’s Wildfire Program Advisory Committee, WPAC, met on Friday, January 16, and discussed most of the items described above and more. They also covered the new Consolidated Wildland Fire Service announced by the US Department of the Interior recently. The jury is out on whether this is a meaningful change, and there appears to be some concern in the wildfire community that it appears to be looking to focus on suppression at a time when it becomes ever more evident how important mitigation efforts are. More about this initiative may be found here.

Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency, Revenue, Governance, and Social Policy report sections.