Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023
Contact: Rhine Messmer (503) 947-6214
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009   

SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) advisory committee will attend the Warrenton High School Fisheries and Facility dedication ceremony as part of their meeting April 27 and 28 in Astoria.

The Advisory Committee will meet from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 27 and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 28 at the Duncan Law Seafood Center, 2021 Marine Drive, Suite 200. In addition to attending the dedication ceremony, the meeting agenda includes an informational presentation on the Oregon Conservation Strategy; discussion of program and other fish management issue; review of grant proposals; reports on STEP activities throughout the state; and other committee business.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting and the tour and may provide comment on particular issues at the April 27 meeting.

A tour of current STEP project sites is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the tour there will be opportunities to discuss STEP involvement with fish managers in the Astoria area.

The Oregon Legislature created STEP in 1981 to provide a way for volunteers to participate in the restoration of native stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout. Since then, thousands of volunteers have assisted Oregon's fisheries through their involvement in the program, donating money, materials, equipment, and countless hours of time and labor.

STEP’s advisory committee makes recommendations to ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission on issues regarding its programs. The committee’s 13 members are appointed by the Governor and represent all areas of Oregon. 

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the Information and Education Division at (800) 720-6339 or (503) 947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

The January agenda is available on the Web at www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP. For more information about STEP, please call Rhine Messmer at (503) 947-6214.

About ODFW:

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.