Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission To meet on March 18

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss the state’s Wolf Plan, Columbia River non-tribal fishery reform policy and proposed changes to rules governing the holding of non-game wildlife at a meeting tomorrow, March 18 in Salem.

The meeting will start at 8 a.m.  

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) staff will begin the meeting with an overview of the 2015 Wolf Report, followed by a panel on the Wolf Plan featuring representatives of organizations that have consistently worked with the state on wolf management. The commision will then hear from organizations with an interest in the Columbia River, who will discuss a plan to promote recreational fisheries on the river and move commercial fishing operations away from gillnets. The meeting will also review proposed changes to Division 44 Protected Wildlife, Holding and Propagation Rules, which would develop regulations around the holding of non-game, non-threatened species.

The commission will also hear about several other matters, such as the 2016 ocean salmon seasons and potential regulations on commercial sea urchin fisheries.

The commission will not be accepting public comments on the Wolf Plan or the Columbia River fishery rules, but the ODFW is currently accepting comments submitted via email for the Wolf Plan. Those wishing to comment on issues not on the agenda must notify the ODFW Director’s Office.