Law Enforcement Program Keeps 300,000 Acres Open to Public Hunting

Photo courtesy: gameandfishmag.com

(NEWPORT) - Nearly 300,000 acres of private timberlands in Lincoln County will remain open to public hunting with help from a $20,000 Access and Habitat Program grant.

The funds will be used toward the cost of hiring a police deputy to conduct law enforcement patrols during the 2006-2007 hunting season.

Traditionally, forest landowners have allowed the public to hunt on their properties. But Lincoln County private forest landowners are experiencing high levels of garbage dumping, trespassing, vandalism and other violations on their land. Without law enforcement support to provide landowners with security, many would close their properties to the public.

The A&H grant, along with additional contributions from the Lincoln County Solid Waste District, Association of Concerned Landowners and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office, will allow continued law enforcement and public access on these lands.

The A&H Program is funded by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants to individual and corporate landowners, conservation organizations and others for cooperative wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects throughout the state.

For information on the A&H Program call program coordinator Nick Myatt, (503) 947-6087 or visit the Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us/AH/.