SALEM – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the conclusion of a land exchange for the Riverside Wildlife Area last week.

The Riverside Wildlife Area, in southeast Oregon’s Malheur County, is bisected throughout its length by a privately owned rail service corridor. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife owns the land on either side of it. Acquisition of the corridor will improve public access to the wildlife area that includes habitats for rainbow trout, upland game birds (quail, chukars, and pheasants), bighorn sheep, deer and elk, according to ODFW.

”Acquiring the 11 segments of railroad corridor through the Riverside Wildlife Area will open up recreational access to the public, to include fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities,” said Virgil Moore, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife director.

The seven-member Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state.