PORTLAND, OR – The Oregon State Legislature has officially referred a significant bond measure, the ‘Oregon Climate Resilience and Public Lands Bond Act’, to the statewide ballot. Designated as Measure 99-187, this proposal seeks voter authorization to issue $300 million in state bonds specifically earmarked for critical infrastructure and conservation projects across Oregon’s valuable natural landscapes.
The measure will appear before voters on November 4, 2025, presenting Oregonians with a choice on how to fund efforts aimed at protecting public lands against increasing environmental challenges, notably those exacerbated by climate change, while simultaneously enhancing public access and recreational opportunities.
Understanding the Proposed Investments
If approved, the $300 million in state bonds would fund a portfolio of projects deemed essential by proponents for their ecological benefits and their support of Oregon’s robust outdoor recreation economy. The funds are allocated to specific areas requiring urgent attention:
* Coastal Erosion Defenses: Investment is planned for enhancing defenses along Oregon’s sensitive coastline. Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns contribute to accelerated erosion, threatening infrastructure, ecosystems, and public access points. Funds would support projects designed to mitigate these impacts and protect coastal resources.
* Forest Health Treatments and Wildfire Mitigation: A significant portion of the bond revenue is targeted towards forest health treatments, particularly in popular recreation areas. These treatments often involve thinning dense stands, removing underbrush, and conducting controlled burns to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. As wildfire seasons have become more severe and prolonged, especially impacting areas vital for tourism and recreation, these investments are framed as crucial for ecological health and public safety.
* Trail System Upgrades: The measure includes substantial funding for upgrading and maintaining trail systems within key public land sites. Specific mention is made of enhancements to trails in state parks such as Silver Falls and Ecola, two highly visited natural attractions. Additionally, funds would be directed towards improving trail infrastructure within key national forest sites across the state, improving accessibility and sustainability for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Arguments For the Measure
Advocates for Measure 99-187, including the Oregon Conservation Coalition and prominent political figures like State Senator Jane Doe, argue that the $300 million investment is not only necessary but vital for safeguarding Oregon’s natural heritage against the growing impacts of climate change. They emphasize that funding for coastal resilience, forest health, and trail maintenance has lagged behind the need, leading to deteriorating conditions and increased risks.
Proponents contend that the state’s outdoor recreation economy, which generates billions annually and supports numerous jobs, is directly dependent on the health and accessibility of public lands. Investments proposed by Measure 99-187 are seen as critical to maintaining the quality of these resources, ensuring their continued contribution to the state’s economic vitality and the well-being of its residents and visitors. State Senator Jane Doe has reportedly highlighted the measure as a forward-thinking approach to climate adaptation and sustainable resource management.
Concerns Over Potential Debt
While the conservation and recreation benefits are central to the proponents’ case, the measure has drawn scrutiny from groups focused on fiscal responsibility, such as Oregon Fiscal Watchdog. Their primary concern revolves around the mechanism by which the projects would be funded: the issuance of $300 million in state bonds.
Bond measures represent a form of borrowing, where the state issues debt that must be repaid, typically with interest, over many years. Critics like Oregon Fiscal Watchdog express concerns that adding $300 million to the state’s outstanding debt could place a significant long-term burden on taxpayers. They argue that while the projects may be meritorious, the method of funding should be carefully considered against other state financial obligations and potential future economic uncertainties.
The debate centers on balancing the immediate and long-term needs of conservation and recreation infrastructure against the state’s fiscal health and the potential implications of increased public debt.
The Path to the Ballot
The referral of the ‘Oregon Climate Resilience and Public Lands Bond Act’, Measure 99-187, by the Oregon State Legislature follows legislative debate and negotiation. The decision places the power directly into the hands of Oregon’s voters, who will weigh the arguments for and against the measure in the general election on November 4, 2025. The campaign leading up to the vote is expected to involve robust discussions about environmental stewardship, climate preparedness, the value of public lands, and state fiscal policy.
The outcome of the vote will determine whether Oregon moves forward with this substantial investment in its natural infrastructure, setting a course for how the state addresses key environmental challenges and supports its outdoor economy in the coming years.
