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State Land Board Awards

Established in 2004, the State Land Board Awards recognize exceptional projects and partners that protect and enhance Oregon's natural resources.

Meet the Land Board Award Recipients

The 18th Annual State Land Board Awards Ceremony took place on October 11, 2022 and the award recipients are: 

Wetland Award: Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Wetland Restoration. This project brought salmon back to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland by improving fish passage and water flow between the Willamette River and the refuge, creating and enhancing habitat for young fish, and removing invasives and reintroducing native plants. More about the Oaks Bottom project.

Wetland Award: Klamath Lake Wetland Mitigation Project. In this incredibly collaborative mitigation project, a degraded, contaminated 45-acre landscape on the shores of Klamath Lake was transformed into wetlands, channels, open water, and an innovative pond for reintroducing young fish of two endangered species that are a cultural pillar for the Klamath Tribes. More about the Klamath Lake project.

Stream Award: Three Rivers – Cedar Creek Hatchery Fish Passage Restoration Project. Part of the Salmon SuperHwy, a unique community partnership that seeks to restore access to nearly 180 miles of blocked habitat, this project opened travel for juvenile salmonids, lamprey, and other fish species by installing an inflatable weir and fish ladder to create a 14-mile migration corridor in Tillamook County. More about the Three Rivers-Cedar Creek project. 

Catalyst Award: Lieutenant Doug Asboe. The understanding and respect Lieutenant Asboe brings to working with people who are houseless has helped the Department of State Lands address camping along public waterways compassionately and effectively. Under his leadership, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Programs Engagement (HOPE) Team has partnered with DSL to connect people with shelter and resources and reduce waterway impacts. More about Lieutenant Asboe.

Partnership Award: Elliott State Research Forest Advisory Committee. A collection of stakeholders representing diverse perspectives, the Elliott State Research Forest Advisory Committee has worked tirelessly over the past four years to create a framework for the Elliott to become a publicly owned research forest. Note: this award will be presented at the December State Land Board meeting.

Award Information

Stream and Wetland Project Awards

Any stream or wetland project completed, or that completed monitoring, during the previous calendar year may be eligible for a Stream Project Award or Wetland Project Award. Past awards have gone to wetland mitigation banks, dam removals, wetland restorations, fish habitat improvement projects, and more.

Partnership Award
The Partnership Award recognizes organizations who have partnered with the Department of State Lands to advance our work through volunteer efforts.

The Catalyst Award
The Catalyst Award recognizes an individual partner whose work supports and inspires stewardship of state lands and waters.


Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible projects:

•  Completed construction, or completed monitoring required by DSL, in the previous calendar year
•   Met or exceeded all DSL permit conditions
•   Do not have an unresolved enforcement action​

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For stream and wetland projects, the selection committee considers the benefit to the resource, innovation and creativity, community involvement and partnerships, and avoidance and minimization in design. The nomination forms request information for each of these criteria.
 
For partnership and catalyst awards, the selection committee considers innovation and effort, consistent outstanding service, and the example set by the nominee.   ​

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Anyone and YES! Past nominations have come from landowners, consultants, funding partners, DSL staff, government agencies, watershed councils, local planners, businesses, organizations and more. If you have been a part of an exemplary project or partnership, please submit a nomination!​​​

DSL convenes a selection committee that typically includes staff, partner organizations, and representatives of other state agencies to review nominations. Generally, one award per category is presented each year. However, the committee may recommend that more than one award be given, or that no award will be given, in a specific category.​​

The Land Board Awards are presented by the Land Board – Oregon’s Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer – during the October board meeting. The award is a plaque featuring the artwork of glass artist Ann Cavanaugh. Award recipients are also highlighted in a news release, web features, and on social media.​
Winners from Past Years

Contact

Ali Ryan Hansen
Communications Director
503-510-6860
Ali.R.Hansen@DSL.oregon.gov

Nomination Forms

   Stream Award nomination form

   Wetland Award nomination form

   Partnership Award nomination form

   Catalyst Award nomination form