One Percent for Wildlife, a Promising Solution

ONE PERCENT FOR WILDLIFE BILL. Write your legislators in support of this bill to fund conservation for imperiled wildlife and their habitats. This bill would raise the hotel and vacation lodging tax by 1.25% – and Oregon’s rate would still be among the lowest in the country! More information

Find your legislator.

Join us for a Rally and Lobby Day in Salem on February 11th.  Many of Oregon’s iconic species, including Gray Whales, Chinook Salmon, Tufted Puffins, and American Pika are in decline, and need our help. 1% for Wildlife is a bill with massive potential for boosting wildlife conservation, and we are pushing hard to get it passed.

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The problem: This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission identified 321 species and 11 habitats of “Greatest Conservation Need” in Oregon. Yet only a very small percentage of its budget is dedicated to providing the needed conservation actions. As in many states, ODFW relies heavily on hunting and fishing license sales to fund its work, and most of its service is dedicated to conserving game species. But in Oregon, 88% of species aren’t hunted or fished. Only about 2.75% of ODFW’s current budget helps to implement Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan to allow recovery of wildlife like songbirds and their habitats.

The solution: A little funding could go a long way. A promising solution, the One Precent for Wildlife Bill, HB 2977, almost passed in the 2025 legislative session, but despite bipartisan support and an easy pass in the Oregon House of Representatives, the bill was squashed through a procedural method in the Senate. More than 50 organizations supported this bill, and we are determined to help pass it when the legislature meets for its short session this February.

Where does the funding come from?

The bill is actually a 1.25% increase in the lodging tax on hotels and vacation homes. The statewide transient lodging tax would go from 1.5% to 2.75%, still one of the lowest lodging tax rates in the country. Not to mention that the lack of a statewide sales tax makes vacationing in Oregon attractive. In fact, last year an independent economic review of the bill found that it would not cut down on visitation and would have no negative economic impact. Synergistically, Oregon’s incredible natural beauty draws visitors from all over, and the bill will provide much-needed funding to conserve that natural beauty. The costs are dispersed over many people, Oregon residents and visitors alike. Stay in some upmarket hotel room for $200 and the tax increase still amounts to less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The outdoor experiences that keep visitors coming back support a recreation economy of $15.6 billion and provide hundreds of thousands of jobs!

Where would the funding go?

• Helping to implement Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan
• Creating education programming to reduce wildlife conflict
• Managing anti-poaching and invasive species curtailment
• Adding to the Wolf Compensation fund
• Funding for the Oregon Conservation Recreation Fund
• Funding for wildlife connectivity
• Establishing grant programs for Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

What can we do?

We almost crossed the finish line last year, and now we need everyone to remind their legislators of how vital this bill is for Oregon wildlife and habitats. Contact your legislators and voice your support. In your search engine, type in the key words: Oregon, find your legislators for the names and contact info.

The Oregon Wildlife Coalition is organizing a lobby day and rally on February 4. The group will set up the meetings and assist people as they meet with their legislators. The rally will be a fun and informative way to join with other supporters of Oregon wildlife. We will post information about lobby day registration here and social media so check back with CCBA in January to learn more.