Over the last decade, federal and state policy guiding natural resource
management in Oregon has transitioned towards restoration of federal and private
lands and streams throughout the state. This transition in work opportunities has
resulted in a different business environment for the contractors performing the work.
Interviews with 190 contractors provide the foundation for a discussion of contractors'
experiences with work opportunities in two different policy environments. The
discussion and findings show that when categorized into three groups: (1) federal, (2) nonfederal, and (3) contractors that work equally for both groups, all described declines
in federal work opportunities and increased opportunities with community-based
organizations. Other major themes include increased competition in the marketplace
coupled with fewer federal work opportunities. These themes demonstrate the
increasing role community-based organizations play in providing work opportunities for
contractors throughout the state and reinforce other research showing declines at the
federal level.
