Commission meets Dec. 6 in Portland to set groundfish regulations

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Dec. 6 in Portland to set groundfish regulations.  The meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, Mt Saint Helens Room, 8235 NE Airport Way in Portland and follows this agenda.  The Commission’s business on Friday includes:  •The harvest specifications and season structure for recreational groundfish and commercial nearshore species. Seasons should be very similar to last year.  •Funding approval for two Access and Habitat projects, which improve wildlife habitat or hunting access on private land.  •Briefing on the Cougar Management Plan and a summary of actions implemented since it was first adopted in 2005.  •Adoption of rule language related to passage of HB 2252, which will enable non-resident member of the Uniformed Services to purchase licenses, tags, and permits at resident rates beginning in the 2014 season.  The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. Public testimony before the Commission is held Friday morning immediately following the expenditure report. Persons seeking to testify on issues not on the formal agenda may do so by making arrangements with the ODFW Director’s Office, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.