SALEM, Ore. — The Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Salem.
They approved funding for two Access and Habitat projects, including a new East Lane TMA on property from the former Wendling TMA and adding additional acreage. This area will offer hunter access on about 40,000 acres of private timberland in the McKenzie and Indigo Units beginning in fall 2019.
Commissioners also approved funding for several Restoration and Enhancement Projects including repair of the Pine Hollow boat ramp in Wasco County and acquisition of Peterson Point property in Tillamook County. Both projects will improve public access to fisheries.
Commissioners re-appointed William Bronson of Eugene as Landowner Representative to the Statewide A&H Board and appointed Kristin Bishop of McMinnville, co-founder of Reel Women of Fishing NW and an avid angler, to the Fish Screening Task Force representing fishing/fish conservation.
Commissioners were briefed on the Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s (PFMC) planning for 2019 ocean salmon fishery seasons. Several alternatives for ocean salmon seasons starting May 1 are currently available for public review and comment. The recreational ocean salmon fishery starting today through the end of April was adopted with last year’s regulations. A PFMC public hearing has been scheduled for March 25 in Coos Bay to discuss 2019 fisheries options. The final ocean salmon seasons and quotas as adopted by the PFMC in April will be presented to the Commission at their April 19 meeting in St. Helens.
Finally, Commissioners discussed their recent joint meetings with several Washington Fish and Wildlife Commissioners and that state’s recent changes to Columbia River fishery policy. Oregon’s commissioners agreed to consider any rulemaking changes to Columbia River fishery policy at the June 6-7 meeting, which has been moved from Gold Beach to Salem.
