The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission said Friday that no formal action
will be taken next month on the future management of wolves because of the abundant
questions raised during 15 town hall meetings held since November. However, a staff
report will be presented Feb. 7 that summarizes the oral and written public comments
received and provides a thorough legal review of current laws related to wolf
management.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is the rule-making body for the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife. The seven-member panel meets monthly to adopt
administrative rules and fish and wildlife policies for implementation by ODFW.
“We’re not in a position to say ‘go this direction’,” said Commissioner Marla Rae of
Salem. “We still need more information. We have more work to do.”
The Commission’s statements came during a question and answer period following the
informational Director’s Report. Northeast Regional Manager Craig Ely reported that
nearly 2,000 people attended 15 town hall meetings in November, December and
January. During those meetings, attendees provided more than 1,600 statements and
asked 400 questions. Ely’s preliminary review has found most of the statements and
questions fall into 12 to 15 broad themes. In addition, more than 1,400 written
statements have been received.
More information can be found on the ODFW Web site at:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrWild/gray_wolf/wolf_main.htm .
2003 Columbia River Spring Chinook Forecast Promises Good Fishing Opportunities
Salmon program manager Steve King told the Commission Friday that 2003 will provide
excellent fishing opportunities for Columbia River and Willamette River spring
chinook, though the runs will be smaller from the record runs of the past two years.
A longtime ODFW employee, King reported that 145,400 spring chinook are expected in
the upper Columbia River, down from 2002′s near record run of 295,100 fish. In
addition, 109,800 spring chinook are expected to enter the Willamette River,
compared to the third largest return of 121,700 fish in 2002.
King called the forecasts “a dandy return.”
“There will be some really good fishing opportunities,” he said.
New Damage Schedule Approved for Commercial Fishing Violations
The Commission approved Friday a new schedule of damages to be used for commercial
fishing violations. The schedule, as required by state statute, must be based on the
average market value of each food fish species harvested. The new schedule will be
used when lawsuits are filed related to the unlawful taking of food fish.
Commission Denies Permit Renewal for Sardine Harvest
The Commission voted 5-2 Friday to overturn a hearing officer’s recommendation and
deny renewal of a sardine fisherman’s permit because the panel did not find that the
facts of the case showed that events were beyond the control of the fisherman.
Fisherman Andy Babich of Gig Harbor, Wash., was hindered from making the required
5,000 pounds in landings because he chose not to fish his permit until late in the
2001 season. Babich did not enter Oregon to fish sardines until the last three weeks
of the four- month season. By that time, the events of Sept. 11 and bad weather
limited his ability to obtain spotting plane services.
ODFW to Trap Nuisance Turkeys in Roseburg
The Commission approved a temporary rule Friday to allow the trapping of nuisance
wild turkeys within the City of Roseburg. ODFW cannot trap nuisance animals within
city boundaries unless the appropriate governmental body takes action to allow it
and the Commission also adopts a temporary rule. The City of Roseburg recently
adopted a resolution to request the ODFW action.
Commission Hears Testimony on Rabbit Hunt
The Commission heard testimony Friday from 20 people in support of and opposed to an
ODFW-sponsored event to teach novice hunters about rabbit hunting. The event,
originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed. No decision was made, but the
Commission expressed its support for hunting.
However, the Mary’s Peak Hound Club, co-sponsor of the event with the department,
said it planned to teach rabbit hunting tomorrow at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area near
Corvallis.

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