SEASIDE, Ore. – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission established a process for reviewing the Oregon Administrative Rules for elk ranch licensing during its monthly meeting today.
The commission heard testimony from several elk breeders that operate ranches around the state and from a representative f Oregon Wild, a conservation group.
The commission directed ODFW staff to form an advisory group of stakeholders including representatives from the elk ranching industry, Oregon Hunters Association, MAD-Elk Coalition, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau. At the suggestion of one of the elk ranchers who offered testimony, the commission also directed that the group include other members of conservation groups.
The advisory group will review the rules governing elk ranches and make recommendations to ODFW staff, who will develop rule options for the commission to consider in December.
The commission also heard a resolution passed by the Cannon Beach City Council asking that commercial azor clam digging not be allowed in Clatsop County south of Tillamook Head. Cannon Beach resident Rex Amos also presented a petition from a group of Cannon Beach residents asking that commercial digging not be allowed on area beaches. The commission directed staff to conduct a public process about the proposal and make recommendations for the commission to consider at future meetings.
Following the commission’s direction for a public process, Amos withdrew the petition, hich allows the commission more time to consider the issue.
In other business, the commission:
- Re-adopted the rules limiting the number of crab pots in the commercial ocean Dungeness crab fishery.
- Adopted permanent rules identical to those adopted in July 2006 to set gear and harvest restrictions for the razor clam fishery in order to reduce wastage.
- Set recreational and commercial chinook, shad and sturgeon seasons and regulations in the Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam.
The commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in Oregon. The seven-member panel meets monthly and will next meet March 16 at ODFW headquarters in Salem. Agenda item exhibits may be requested by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044, or found on the ODFW’s website at www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/
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 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ |
Receive News Release Updates by E-mail