The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) has initiated a public comment period on proposed revisions to its rules governing several key programs. These revisions are intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs in achieving their goals of protecting and restoring Oregon's water resources.
The specific programs affected by the proposed rule changes are:
- Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program (OAHP): This program supports farming and ranching practices that protect and enhance water quality and wildlife habitat. The proposed revisions aim to streamline the grant application and review process, as well as clarify eligibility criteria.
- Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) Grants: The FIP program supports collaborative partnerships that implement landscape-scale restoration and conservation projects. The proposed revisions seek to improve the program's flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions.
- Monitoring and Engagement Grants: These grants support monitoring activities and public outreach efforts related to water resource projects. The proposed revisions aim to update the program's guidelines to reflect current best practices.
How to Provide Input:
The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed rule revisions through OWEB's online public comment form. Additionally, OWEB will host virtual public hearings to provide opportunities for oral comments.
By participating in this public comment process, individuals and organizations can help shape the future direction of these important water resource programs. The public comment period for the proposed rule revisions will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, January 3, 2025. Written comments should be submitted through OWEB's online public comment form.
