Conservation Management Plan Grant applications will be evaluated on:

1. (1) The significance of the agricultural, natural resource, and related social values of the working land subject to the Conservation Management Plan(s), including:

   1. (a) The potential viability of the property for agriculture, including but not limited to soil types, suitability for producing different types of crops, and water availability;
   2. (b) The land’s contribution to long-term conservation of the region’s agricultural land base;
   3. (c) The regional significance of the agricultural operation based on location, its associated infrastructure, and other relevant factors including supporting agricultural values important to the region; and
   4. (d) Supporting implementation of local, regional, state, federal or Tribal priorities and plans that support fish or wildlife habitat, water quality or other natural resource values.
2. (2) The extent to which implementation of the plan(s) would protect, maintain, or enhance farming or ranching on working land, including how implementation of the plan(s) would:
   (a) Maintain or improve the economic viability of the operation; and
   (b) Reduce the potential for future conversion or fragmentation of the property and surrounding working land.

3. (3) The extent to which implementation of the plan would protect, maintain, or enhance significant fish or wildlife habitat, water quality, or other natural resource values including:
   (a) Protecting, maintaining, or improving the quality and connectivity of plant or wildlife habitat on and around the working land; and

   1. (b) Utilizing land stewardship practices that maintain or enhance soil health.
4. (4) The extent to which the Conservation Management Plan would protect agricultural outcomes or benefits that have resulted from other related investments.
5. (5) The capacity and competence of the prospective Conservation Management Plan holder to enter into and (if implementation funding is awarded) monitor and carry out implementation of a Conservation Management Plan, including:
   (a) The financial capability to manage the plan(s) over time; and
   (b) The demonstrated relevant commitment, expertise, and track record to successfully develop, implement, carry out, and monitor plan(s).
6. (6) The extent to which the benefit to the state may be maximized, based on:
   (a) The ability to leverage grant moneys from other funding sources; and
   (b) The duration and extent of the Conservation Management Plan.
7. (7) The extent and nature of the plan impacts on owners or operators of neighboring lands.
8. (8) The extent to which the project will benefit the local area, as evidenced by engagement with and support from the local community and Tribes.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 541.984, ORS 541.988 & ORS 541.989

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 541.977-541.989

History

OAHP 3-2025, minor correction filed 04/07/2025, effective 04/07/2025
OAHP 1-2025, amend filed 01/31/2025, effective 01/31/2025
OAHP 1-2019, adopt filed 01/28/2019, effective 02/01/2019