John Kinnaman of Pendleton fishes for steelhead in March 2012 on the shore of the Umatilla River west of Pendleton. Oregon in 2023 is receiving more than $4.3 million in federal funding for future outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

WASHINGTON — Oregon will receive more than $4.3 million in federal funding for future outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

The funding will come from the U.S. Department of the Interior and be administered by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, according to an announcement from Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats.

“Oregon is home to some of the most treasured natural beauty in our nation where Oregonians and visitors from all over the world can experience the great outdoors,” according to Wyden. “Outdoor recreation creates jobs and supports rural economies all across the state. I’m gratified to see these dollars go into conserving Oregon’s public lands so families can enjoy them for generations to come, and small businesses in our rural communities can continue to benefit.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides grants to tribal, state and local governments to support the acquisition and development of land for public parks and other recreation sites. State and local governments typically provide matches for the grants.

Merkley is chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“By funding outdoor recreation and conservation projects, we can create more jobs, grow economies and keep our public lands accessible for years to come,” he stated.

Resources on how to apply for a grant can be found on the Land and Water Conservation Fund website, lwcf.tplgis.org.