Funding the Salmon SuperHwy – Reinvesting in Oregon

Currently, we invest roughly $2+ million a year on fish passage projects across the six-river landscape that drains into Tillamook and Nestucca bays, most of that from a variety of state and federal grant programs. At that rate of investment, it would take 70 years and $140 million to fix all 270+ barriers to fish passage in the Tillamook-Nestucca watersheds. Instead, through strategic and targeted investments, the Salmon SuperHwy Project aims to expedite that job at a fraction of the cost, with nearly the same overall benefit to fish. Local Tillamook-Nestucca partners are doing a fantastic job and are hard at work. However, to meet our goal, we need your help. Our goal is to match current funding with new sources – corporate, individual, foundations – and get something truly historic done for Oregon, together.

Through a scientifically rigorous process grounded in local expertise and experience, we’ve identified the 93 projects that will provide the maximum conservation return on investment. The result: Regained access for over 30 populations across six fish species to 95% of their historical habitat throughout a six-river landscape known as having some of the richest Pacific salmon and steelhead recovery potential in the lower 48.

By utilizing our strategic project prioritization list, the net savings over time allows us to funnel precious resources toward the region’s other needed improvements. The results will set a stage for even greater conservation achievements in the future. But it’s even bigger than habitat gains for fish. Local roads will see much-needed repairs as local economies see an influx of jobs and capital. It’s all proof, once again, the Salmon SuperHwy brings communities, interests, individuals and constituencies together around a common goal – getting something remarkable done for fish and for people.