Dear John,

Like so many Oregonians, many of my family’s best memories have been made exploring Oregon’s shores, forests, and deserts. Especially during this difficult year, I’m thankful for any opportunity to get outside and enjoy the peaceful nature and beautiful scenery that makes our state so special. That’s why it’s so important that we be good stewards of our natural treasures, so that future generations of fishermen, hikers, hunters, campers, and other outdoor recreationists can make their own memories on our public lands, too. 

Last week, we made progress on the mission to turn that vision into a reality, and I’m excited to share some big news: $40 million in federal funding through the Great American Outdoors Act -- which I, with Senator Ron Wyden, cosponsored and championed -- is headed to the Pacific Northwest to improve the health of our national forests and support our local recreation economies. 

This funding will go to projects aimed at maintaining and repairing dozens of pedestrian bridges and more than 1,500 miles of forest trials; improving fish passage and habitat for threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead; upgrading outdated water and waste management systems; making forest roads safer; and making visitor centers and historic buildings more accessible.

When our lands and waters thrive, Oregonians thrive. I’m going to keep doing all that I can -- including using my new position as Chair of the Senate Appropriations committee that funds the U.S. Department of Interior, which overseas America’s public lands -- to support our natural treasures and the families that rely on them.

All my best,
Jeff