The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is a state agency that provides grants to help Oregonians take care of local streams, rivers, wetlands, and natural areas. Their mission is to help protect and restore healthy watersheds and natural habitats that support thriving communities and strong economies.
The grant program offers up to $1 million annually to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories, for the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. This encompasses the acquisition of real property interests in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems. Funded through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, it encourages state agencies approved by legislation to apply, with OWEB facilitating the distribution of these grants to local conservation and restoration partners since 2013. Eligible projects include acquiring lands from willing sellers for permanent protection and undertaking activities to restore, enhance, or manage these ecosystems.