Oregon Access and Habitat (A&H) Program Grants

Grants from ODFW's Access and Habitat Program for projects on private (preferred) or public land that improve wildlife habitat, increase public hunting access to private land, or solve a wildlife damage issue. Past projects include wetland development, noxious weed control, forage improvement, water development, riparian fencing, post-fire seeding and hunting leases. Individual landowners, groups of landowners, conservation organizations and agencies can apply through their ODFW regional coordinator. The program also pays landowners per acre for public hunting access.

• "To qualify for A&H funding, a project must improve wildlife habitat, increase public hunting access to private land or solve a wildlife damage issue."

• "Access & Habitat project applications (or project proposals) are submitted by individual landowners, groups of landowners, conservation organizations, and government agencies."

• "Projects may be on private or public lands, through preference is given to projects on private lands."

• Review criteria: "The primary factors of consideration are potential benefits to wildlife habitat and improvement of public hunting access."

Grant agreement required before work starts ("project implementation may not begin prior to the signing of a grant agreement"). Up to 90% can be advanced or reimbursed against invoices; "the remaining 10% of approved funding is paid to the Grantee" after the Project Completion Report. "The Board will pay particular attention to projects which reduce economic loss to landowners and which involve funding commitments from other organizations and agencies. In-kind contributions of labor, equipment and material are also very positive aspects of successful projects."

Published amounts: No minimum or maximum published. "Advance payment can be made for up to 90% of approved funding, or ODFW reimburses the grantee for project expenses as invoices are received with a completed Request for Fund Release Form, and according to the provisions in the agreement."

"Before filling out an Access & Habitat grant application, project applicants are asked to contact the ODFW Regional Coordinator in the vicinity of the proposed project." "Completed applications should be submitted to the Regional Coordinator." Applications are reviewed by a Regional Advisory Council, then the State A&H Board, then the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. "It typically takes about four (4) months for the project review and grant development processes to occur."

Deadline text on the page: Access & Habitat 2026 Grant Application Timelines: application deadlines 17-Nov-25, 9-Feb-26, 18-May-26, 24-Aug-26 (each followed by A&H Council review, Board meeting and Commission review). All 2026 deadlines have passed; the 2027 timeline is not yet posted.