Dan Van Dyke (541) 826-8774
Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG, Ore. –The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting two public meetings to collect comments on the Draft Rogue River Spring Chinook Conservation Plan, officials announced today.

A meeting is planned for Jan. 23 at the Gold Beach City Council chambers, 29592 Ellensburg Ave. and Jan. 30 at the Jackson County Auditorium, 400 Antelope Ave. Both meetings are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and public comments will be taken.

The draft conservation plan, developed under guidance from ODFW’s Native Fish Conservation Policy, identifies desired status and conservation status for Rogue River spring chinook, and outlines nine alternatives to reach these goals. The population of these fish has dramatically declined since Lost Creek Dam was built in the late 1970s. 

ODFW developed the plan in collaboration with an Advisory Committee that has been meeting since May 2004. The committee includes representatives of state and federal agencies and various fishing interest groups.

Copies of the draft plan are available at ODFW’s Gold Beach and Central Point offices as well as on the Web at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/nfcp/rogue_river/

Public comments can be sent to Rogue.SpringChinook@state.or.us or to the ODFW Gold Beach office at PO Box 642, 29907 Airport Way, Gold Beach OR 97444 or to ODFW, 1495 East Gregory Road, Central Point OR 97503. The comment period ends Feb. 9, 2007.

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.