ODFW release – SALEM, Ore.—The Fish and Wildlife Commission today approved funding for 23 projects approved by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee—including a grant to the Oregon Wildlife Foundation to explore potential wildlife crossings at several sites along I-5 between the Ashland and California border and a grant to The Klamath Tribes for habitat restoration. The projects will protect and enhance the species and habitats identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy and/or create new opportunities for wildlife watching, urban conservation, community science, and other wildlife-associated recreation. Funding comes from the state’s General Fund matched with donations from foundations and individuals. The Commission also: Amended the description of the Heppner Regulated Hunt Area: Part of the property has changed ownership and the new owner does not wish to continue participation in the program so the boundaries for this hunt area have been adjusted from 66 to 22 square miles. The change takes effect Feb. 1, 2022 and a new map of the area will be available on ODFW’s website by Feb. 1. Restoration and Enhancement (R and E) projects and appointed two board members: Approved funding for five projects recommended by the R and E Board (including adding a floating pier for launching nonmotorized watercraft and for fishing at Lake of the Woods); reappointed Dave Grosjacques as the Sport Fishing Representative and appointed Susan Chambers as the Commercial Salmon Representative to the R and E Bboard. Adopted schedule of damages for commercial fishing violations: Per ORS 506.720, the Commission established the average market value of each species of food fish for the year, which is used for the purpose of filing lawsuits for damages associated with unlawful taking of food fish. Appointed two members to the Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia: Appointed commercial fisherman Bob Kemp of Newport as the Fishing Representative and reappointed John Schaefer, longtime staff member of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, as the Tribal Council Representative. Tabled consideration of a fish passage exemption for 10 artificial barriers on Jump Creek in the Silvies Basin until a later date: The Commission asked for more time and information to support their consideration of the exemption request, which is part of a larger fish passage plan resulting from a Consent Agreement between Silvies Valley Ranch and the Oregon Department of State Lands. The Fish Passage Task Force recommended the exemption be approved based on a finding of no appreciable benefit to native migratory fish if passage was provided at the ten structures which span approximately 2.8 miles on Jump Creek. Staff will present the additional information for the Commission’s consideration at a future meeting. The next scheduled Commission meeting is Feb. 18.
