Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023
Laura Tesler (503) 947-6259
Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM, Ore.—A fish propagation project that rears juvenile fall chinook salmon for release into the lower Rogue River Basin will be reviewed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee at its Jan. 19 meeting in Clackamas.

The Advisory Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 19 at the ODFW Northwest Region Headquarters Office, 17330 SE Evelyn St., building 16. The review of the Indian Creek fish propagation project is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Also on the meeting agenda are informational presentations, discussion of program and other fish management issues, review of grant proposals, reports on STEP activities throughout the state, and other committee business.

A tour is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to visit potential STEP project sites. During the tour there will be opportunities o discuss STEP involvement with fish management in the lower Willamette River Basin.

The public is welcomed to attend the meeting and the tour, and may provide comment on a particular issue at the Jan. 19 meeting.

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 ccommodations 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 on - STEP please call Laura Tesler at (503) 947-6259.

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.