ODFW extends comment period for coastal multi-species plan, Feb. 7

Members of the public will now have until March 10 to comment on a draft management plan for six coastal salmon and trout species. The comment period was scheduled to close Feb. 10. The extension comes after ODFW hosted a series of six public meetings to solicit comment on the Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan. According to Kevin Goodson, ODFW Conservation Planning Coordinator, the public has offered lots of input at these meetings and in writing, including requests for more time to review and comment on the plan. Once the public comment period closes, ODFW will revise the public draft to address comments received and submit the revised plan to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for its consideration this spring or early summer. The draft Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan describes the conservation status of six salmon, steelhead and trout species, and outlines a suite of actions related to harvest and hatchery programs, predators, and habitat to sustain these species and improve overall fishing. The species and area for the plan include spring and fall chinook, chum salmon, winter and summer steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout along much of the Oregon coast (from Cape Blanco to Seaside). Members of the public will find the draft plan on the ODFW website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/CRP/coastal_multispecies.asp, and can send written comments to ODFW.CoastalPlan@state.or.usor to ODFW, Attn: CMP Comments, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97302 by March 10, 2014.