The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is a state agency led by a 17-member policy oversight board. The Board fosters the collaboration of citizens, agencies, and local interests.

OWEB programs support Oregon's efforts to restore salmon runs, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems that are critical to healthy watersheds and sustainable communities. OWEB administers a grant program funded from the Oregon Lottery, as a result of a citizen initiative in 1998, federal funds and salmon license plate dollars. The grant program supports voluntary efforts by Oregonians seeking to create and maintain healthy watersheds.

As a granting agency with close connections to local partners, OWEB is working with partners to develop lists of shovel-ready projects that may be eligible for funding through different federal processes. In the coming weeks, OWEB anticipates submitting federal grant applications for projects through competitive solicitations from federal grant opportunities on behalf of our partners.

In September 2007, the OWEB Board allocated $1 million for a joint effort with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to fund projects that will benefit Oregon's symbolic species.