Land Acquisition Grants
Land Acquisition Grants support conservation organizations, Tribes, and local governments purchasing Oregon land interests to protect watersheds and native fish and wildlife habitat for the long term.
Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Pre-application consultation) | October 15, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: No maximum request; match of at least 25% of the amount requested from OWEB
Summary: Supports purchases of Oregon land interests from willing sellers to protect watersheds and native fish or wildlife habitat.
Key Information: Applicants must consult OWEB staff before applying.
Description
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) funds voluntary acquisitions that secure long-term protection for lands providing significant habitat for native fish and wildlife. Projects must purchase land interests from willing sellers to maintain or restore Oregon watersheds and habitat. OWEB identifies ecological priorities by basin across the state to provide context for proposed acquisitions.
Grants can support purchases of fee simple ownership or perpetual conservation easements, including reimbursement for qualifying purchases completed before the application deadline. OWEB-funded land interests must continue to serve the grant’s conservation purpose. For fee simple purchases, the recipient grants a perpetual conservation easement to the State of Oregon; purchased conservation easements must include OWEB’s required terms.
