The Commission met Friday, March 18, in Salem for a briefing on the 2015 Annual Wolf Report and to hear from panelists about the five-year review of the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. 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. Panelists discussed some of their concerns about the current Wolf Plan and changes they would ask for during the review process. Commissioner Buckmaster noted the strong positions on both sides and asked groups to go into the process in the spirt of compromise. “I want to see a revised plan that has the same elements of reasonableness and achievability as the current plan and that we can rest our hats on,” he said. “Go in with an open mind.” The Commission also heard an update on research, evaluation and implementation of the Columbia River non-tribal fishery reform policy. This is the third year of a four-year transition period for management of fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River. Panelists from Salmon for All, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, Northwest Steelheaders, Northwest Guides and Anglers and Coastal Conservation Association then participated in a panel discussion about the transition period. The Commission requested that agency staff try to provide additional information prior to the comprehensive evaluation of the full transition period scheduled for the end of the year. In other business, the Commission: Was briefed on planning for the 2016 ocean salmon seasons which begin May 1. Adopted an amendment to administrative rules for fish and wildlife habitat, which makes a temporary rule permanent for mitigating impacts from development actions in sage-grouse habitat (Division 415 section 0025). Approved funding for Access and Habitat projects to improve wildlife habitat and hunting access in the state. Modified rules for the commercial sea urchin fishery which reduce the number of permits to 12 before the lottery and prohibit enriched air diving in order to maintain current harvest levels. The Commission is the fish and wildlife policy-making body in Oregon. Its next meeting is April 22 in Bandon.
