[ODFW-News] Fish and Wildlife Commission meets March 18-19 in Gold Beach

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	

For Immediate Release	Thursday, March 11, 2004

Fish and Wildlife Commission to meet in Gold Beach March 18-19 to discuss ocean fishing and black-tailed deer seasons
Thursday evening public reception to be held


GOLD BEACH - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, March 19, at the Gold Beach Convention Center to provide guidance on future rules for 2004 ocean salmon fisheries and 2005 black-tailed deer hunting seasons.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. The meeting will occur at the Gold Beach Resort and Condominiums Convention Center, 29232 S. Ellensburg, Gold Beach. 

In conjunction with the official meeting, the Commission will tour several sites in the lower Rogue River area starting at 8 a.m., Thursday, March 18. The all-day tour will include overviews of issues related to bear damage, green sturgeon research, spring chinook conservation, commercial crabbing, seal and sea lion prey research, and the harvest and sale of live fish. Members of the public also may attend the tour using their own transportation. Persons seeking driving directions may contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director's Office at 503-947-6044.

In addition, the Commission will host an informal reception for members of the public 7-9 p.m., Thursday, March 18, at the Gold Beach Resort and Condominiums Convention Center. Both Commission members and staff from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be available to answer questions related to fish and wildlife management.  

The official meeting of the Commission will begin at 8 a.m., Friday, March 19, and proceed through the agenda in order. The following items are scheduled:

·	Director's report on regional ODFW activities, Columbia River commercial fishery, oversize sturgeon sport fishing rules, 2005-2007 budget development and temporary rules approved in February;
·	Revenue and expenditure report;
·	Awarding of an annual steward award for forest land management;
·	Informational briefing on black-tailed deer regulation proposals for 2005;
·	Approval of project funding under the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program;
·	Rulemaking for hagfish fishery permits;
·	Appointment of member to the Developmental Fisheries Board;
·	Approval of incidental take permits for lower Columbia River coho salmon listed under the Oregon Endangered Species Act;
·	Informational briefing on preliminary 2004 ocean fishing options that will be considered by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in April; and
·	Informational briefing on recommendations and findings by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

Public testimony will be taken on each agenda item. For all agenda items, sign-up sheets to testify will be provided at the meeting. Agenda item exhibits may be requested by calling the ODFW Director's Office at 503-947-6044. Some agenda items will be posted to ODFW's Web site at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/Comm/schedule.htm before the meeting.

Persons seeking to testify for up to five minutes on other issues not on the formal agenda may do so by making arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. "Unscheduled testimony" must be arranged by calling Katie Thiel, ODFW Director's Office, at 503-947-6044. Unscheduled testimony will occur around 1 p.m. and is limited to about six speakers. Currently, three speakers are expected. 


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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002