2019 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 14 - Drugs and Alcohol, Fire Protection, Natural Resources
Chapter 496 - Application, Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Laws
Section 496.272 - Wildlife Corridor Action Plan.
(1) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall collect, analyze and develop the best available science and data regarding the connectivity of wildlife habitat areas. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, shall use the data to develop a plan, to be known as the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, to preserve long-term habitat connectivity for wildlife as defined in ORS 496.004. The plan shall provide guidance for all state agencies to develop benchmarks for the designation and protection of wildlife corridors in Oregon.
(2) The Wildlife Corridor Action Plan shall, at a minimum, include:
(a) Identification of species of concern that are at risk from habitat fragmentation or barriers to species movement.
(b) Identification of the known migration and dispersal corridors for species identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(c) A description of the potential effects of climate change on the movement of species identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(d) Identification of known and potential human-caused barriers in Oregon that negatively affect wildlife habitat connectivity.
(e) A contemporary map showing existing and potential wildlife corridors and core high quality habitat areas.
(f) A list of areas for which designation of wildlife corridors, land acquisition or other agency actions are of high priority to protect wildlife movement or habitat connectivity. The bases for identification of the high priority areas shall include but not be limited to a designation of a species by the federal government or the State Fish and Wildlife Commission as an endangered species or threatened species.
(3) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall review and update the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan every five years. Prior to final adoption of the plan or of a plan update the department shall:
(a) Post the plan or update on the department website and provide an opportunity for public comment; and
(b) Deliver a copy of the plan or update to Senate and House interim or regular committees relating to natural resources.
(4) Prior to final adoption of a proposed update, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall prepare a report on implementation of the update, including but not limited to information concerning changes in the number of high priority wildlife corridors established or planned. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall post the report on the department website and deliver the report to Senate and House interim or regular committees relating to natural resources. [2019 c.272 §1]
Note: 496.272 and 496.273 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
