ODFW Commission meeting, March 18

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, March 18 in Salem. The meeting starts at 8 a.m. and the agenda can be found online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/16/03_march/index.asp During the Director’s report at the beginning of the meeting, ODFW staff will provide an overview of the 2015 annual Wolf Report and hear input on the Wolf Plan review from panelists who have been invited to participate. The panelists were selected from organizations that have been actively engaged in Oregon wolf management over the last 10 years—Cascadia Wildlands, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Oregon Wild, Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Hunters Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The Commission will also hear an update on research, evaluation and implementation of the Columbia River non-tribal fishery reform policy. This is an ongoing effort to prioritize recreational fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River, move gillnets to off-channel areas and transition commercial fisheries on the mainstem to alternative gear while still maintaining their economic viability. Panelists from Salmon for All, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, Northwest Steelheaders, Northwest Guides and Anglers and Coastal Conservation Association have been invited to participate in a panel discussion about the transition period. No other public testimony will be taken on this issue during the March 18 meeting. In other business, the Commission will: Be briefed on planning for the 2016 ocean salmon seasons which begin May 1. Consider funding for Access and Habitat and Restoration and Enhancement projects to improve wildlife habitat and hunting access or increase recreational fisheries and improve commercial salmon fisheries. Consider rules modifying the commercial sea urchin fishery, including reducing the number of permits to 12 before the lottery and prohibiting enriched air diving in order to maintain current harvest levels.