Groundfish seasons set for Oregon, Dec. 9

The Fish and Wildlife Commission met Friday, Dec. 6, in Portland and completed the following business: •Set harvest specifications and season structure for recreational groundfish and commercial nearshore species. Seasons will be very similar to last year. The recreational cabezon season is scheduled to be open July 1 – Dec. 31 or until quota is met. •Approved funding for two Access and Habitat projects, which improve wildlife habitat or hunting access on private land. •Heard a briefing on the Cougar Management Plan and a summary of actions implemented since it was first adopted in 2005. •Adopted additional 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 and usually meets every month. The next meeting is Jan. 10 in Salem.