SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program advisory committee will receive reports on statewide STEP activities at their quarterly meeting in Newport Oct. 12-13.

The advisory committee will meet from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Gleason Room at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd. The meeting agenda includes a discussion of program and local fish management issues, review of grant proposals, staff and volunteer recognition and other committee business.

A tour of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and local STEP projects is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the tour department staff will discuss mid-coast STEP activities and fish management issues.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting and tour and provide comments on particular issues. Visitors attending Oct. 12 should check in at the front desk of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

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 labor.

The Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program’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 previous meeting agenda, July 19-21, is available online at www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP. For more information about STEP, please call Tom Friesen at (503) 947-6232.

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.