As we prepare for the upcoming short session of the Oregon Legislature – which kicks off on February 2, 2026 – Native Fish Society is gearing up to advocate for the science-based policies and sustainable funding our wild fish and rivers deserve. Guided by Jennifer Fairbrother, our Legislative & Policy Director, we’ve outlined our key priorities to ensure that Oregon continues to move toward a future of wild fish abundance.

Here is what we are watching and working on this session:

Replicating Success: The Recipe for Abundance

Our top priority is encouraging legislators to look at the remarkable comeback of Oregon Coast Coho as a blueprint for statewide success. By following what we call the "Recipe for Abundance"—comprehensive habitat restoration, a focus on successful wild fish reproduction and rearing, and robust monitoring—Oregon has seen coho populations rebound to levels not seen since the 1960s. We are asking legislators to use this proven framework as a guiding lens for policy and monetary decisions related to our fish and rivers this session.

Defending Critical Agency Programs

With the legislature focused on potential budget cuts to stabilize a potential FY 2025–27 budget deficit, we are advocating to protect essential programs within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) that align with the Recipe for Abundance. We are particularly concerned about proposed reductions to native fish monitoring programs.

Monitoring is not optional; it provides the data required to maintain sustainable fisheries and meet legal obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Cutting these programs would force the state into either precautionary closures of fisheries or lead to potential population collapses by operating fisheries blindly. We are urging the legislature to prioritize these foundational monitoring programs.

And you can help!

A public hearing on proposed budget cuts is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 5-8pm.

Add your voice by signing up to testify or submitting written comments in support of maintaining ODFW's critical monitoring programs. Written comments will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday, February 5.

Securing Dedicated Funding for Wildlife

We are proudly supporting our partners' efforts to pass HB 4134, also known as "1.25% for Wildlife". This bill would:

• Increase the state transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% to create a sustainable and dedicated funding source for Oregon's most imperiled species.

• Fund the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which serves as Oregon's blueprint to protect over 300 vulnerable species and their habitats, including many of our native fish populations.

• Support critical initiatives like invasive species response, wildfire risk reduction through the Oregon Conservation Corps, and anti-poaching efforts.

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How to Take Action This Session

This short session moves at a sprint pace, lasting only 35 days. It will be critical for our members to engage early and often:

• Provide Testimony: It is vital that legislators hear from you. We anticipate committee hearings on key bills will occur within the first week or two of the session. You can provide written or verbal testimony through the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) once hearings are scheduled.

• Wildlife Day of Action: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 11, 2026! Join us and our partners at the State Capitol in Salem for a Wildlife Day of Action to send a clear message to the legislature: support Oregon's iconic wildlife by passing HB 4134.

Your voice is essential in ensuring our legislators prioritize restoring and conserving abundant wild fish and healthy rivers across Oregon!