The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) selected Malheur Watershed Council to receive a grant of $131,869 at the April 22-23, 2025, board meeting in Independence.

The Hog Wild Thinning Phase II project will expand the thinning of invasive juniper to enhance watershed resiliency against wildfire and changes in climate, protect stands of mahogany for wildlife habitat, and improve the function of ephemeral streams by removing invasive juniper.

“These projects are a wonderful investment of Oregon Lottery funds. They help to restore lands hit by wildfire with native plant communities, and improve habitat for many different fish and wildlife species including sage-grouse,” says Sara O’Brien, OWEB’s Executive Director.

At its April 2015 meeting, the OWEB Board adopted a policy to make available at least $10 million through its granting programs over the next 10 years in support of projects located in Oregon’s sage steppe ecosystem directed to improve habitat. Total funding awarded to sage-grouse projects since 2015 has surpassed the $10,000,000 goal with $18,419,579, including the recent grant awards made this April.

OWEB awarded 66 grants to local organizations totaling $18,585,210 statewide. These grants support projects in restoration, technical assistance, engagement, water acquisition, and drinking water source protection. Funding for these grants comes from the Oregon Lottery and other state sources, along with federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A listing of all awarded grants from the April 22-23, 2025, board meeting is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/oweb/Documents/2025-Apr-Board-Awards.pdf