The sun rises over the mountains on the Minam River. 

LA GRANDE — The completion of Phase 2 of the Minam River Wildlife Area is now within reach, thanks to the promised funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Legacy Program and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Minam River Acquisition project is set to conclude later this year, resulting in the inclusion of six miles of the historic Minam River Trail. Nearly 99% of the Minam River will be under permanent conservation status or public ownership upon the project’s completion. Furthermore, the wildlife area shares a 2.5-mile boundary with the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Together with the surrounding national forestland, it forms a substantial block of public land dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation and recreational access.

“The significance of this acquisition cannot be overstated,” Curt Melcher, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, said. “An opportunity to protect such a large swath of diverse habitat does not come along very often. ODFW has pursued opportunities to permanently protect this property since the 1960s. This acquisition would not have been possible without the leadership and funding from the USDA Forest Legacy Program and RMEF, as well as a strong partnership with Manulife.”

The USDA Forest Legacy Program has generously contributed $9.7 million to the project, known as the Minam Conservation & Connectivity Project. RMEF has also made significant donations to both phases of the initiative. The Forest Legacy Program, administered by the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry, aims to protect privately-owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases, ensuring the preservation of public benefits like hunting, fishing, camping, clean water sources, fish and wildlife habitats, as well as timber and other forest products.

Situated approximately 30 miles northeast of La Grande in Wallowa and Union counties, the Minam River Wildlife Area will safeguard and provide public access to 15,573 acres along the Minam River. It will permanently protect crucial winter range for elk and deer, while also offering habitat for salmon, bull trout and various species identified under the Oregon Conservation Strategy, including the white-headed woodpecker, Rocky Mountain tailed frog, and several priority bat species.

Recreational opportunities on the property will encompass hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, kayaking and other activities. A proposed trailhead for the Minam River will be established at the border shared with the Minam State Recreation Area and the wildlife area. The consideration of a footbridge over the river aims to enhance public access to the historic Minam River Trail, connecting outdoor enthusiasts to the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness in the neighboring National Forest.

“This commitment of Forest Legacy funding is a vital step toward completion of a landmark conservation project that will conserve and protect habitat for elk, mule deer, fish, birds and other wildlife, while also providing access for hunters, anglers and others,” said Kyle Weaver, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president and chief executive officer. “We would like to recognize our partners at Manulife, ODFW and the U.S. Forest Service as well as support from elected officials, both locally and in Congress, for making this conservation victory possible.”