Oregon Governor Recognizes 75 th Anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program.

At the request of the NW Steelheaders, Governor Kotek signed a proclamation recognizing Augst 9th as the 75th anniversary of the Sportfishing Restoration Act, acknowledging the vital role recreational anglers play in recovering and protecting our fisheries.

Since the Act was passed, recreational anglers have proudly contributed $12 billion for the conservation and restoration of sport fish species and their habitats. These funds also support connecting people with nature through outdoor recreational opportunities and aquatic resources education programs.

The Sport Fish Restoration program provides funds to fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. It was created in 1950, with the passing of the Sport Fish Restoration Act (a.k.a., the Dingell-Johnson Act). Modeled after the successful Wildlife Restoration Act, the Sport Fish Restoration Act dedicated permanent funding for fishery conservation.

Revenue comes from manufacturers’ excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and the portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats.

The program will bring $9,134,695.00 to Oregon in 2025 alone.

The NW Steelheaders appreciate Governor Kotek’s recognition of the recreational fishing community’s dedication to the conservation of game fish species through this federal program, and the local on the ground efforts of groups like NW Steelheaders.