SALEM, Ore.—The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, Jan. 14 beginning at 8 a.m. online via Zoom.
View an agenda of the meeting and watch a livestream of the meeting at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/22/01_Jan/index.asp To testify on one of the agenda items, register by Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__rK6dt3DQDSx3zu1vDynkg Additional instructions on how to testify during the Zoom meeting are available on the last page of the meeting agenda. Comments about agenda items can also be emailed to odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov The meeting agenda items are: Amend 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 will be adjusted (from 66 to 22 square miles). Approve Conservation and Recreation Fund projects: The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee is recommending funding for 23 projects that 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. Commissioners will be asked to approve funding for these projects; funding comes from the state’s General Fund matched with donations from foundations and individuals. Approve Restoration and Enhancement (R and E) projects and appoint two board members: The R and E Board recommends the Commission approve funding for five projects recommended by the Board (including adding a floating pier for launching nonmotorized watercraft and for fishing at Lake of the Woods) and appoint a Sport Fishing and Commercial Salmon Representative to the board. Adopt schedule of damages for commercial fishing violations: Per ORS 506.720, the Commission shall establish 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. Appoint/reappoint two members to the Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia: A Fishing and Tribal Government Representative will be appointed to this Council which provides recommendations and guidance for the State of Oregon on how to respond to ocean acidification and hypoxia. Approve fish passage exemptions for ten artificial barriers on Jump Creek in the Silvies Basin: These exemption requests were 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 delayed making a recommendation after first receiving a request in 2019, asking for additional information. Staff documented that there are currently no fish in Jump Creek and that current conditions prevent fish from accessing the area. 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. Commissioners will also hold a public forum for people to comment on topics not on the agenda on Friday morning after the Director’s report. To participate in the public forum, call the ODFW Director’s office at (503) 947-6044 or email ODFW.Commission@odfw.oregon.gov by Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. (48 hours prior to the meeting).
