SALEM, Ore. – The Access and Habitat Deschutes/Klamath Council is seeking volunteers to fill one landowner and one hunter position soon to be vacant on the council. Council members review and recommend project proposals to improve wildlife habitat or provide hunting access on private land.

To apply, fill out an online application and follow the directions on where to mail it or contact Heather Thomas, (503) 947-6314 to receive an application by mail. The deadline to apply is March 13, 2009. 

Applicants should live in central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Sherman, Wasco counties). Ideal candidates for the landowner position own land or represent landowners and have an interest and experience in forestry, farming, and/or ranching. Ideal candidates for the hunter position have extensive experience hunting big and/or small game in Oregon. All candidates should have a strong interest in wildlife and habitat conservation.

These are volunteer positions for four-year terms. Duties include participation in about four public meetings per year to review A&H project proposals and conduct other council business. Meetings may require some travel to various central Oregon communities. Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively with landowners, sportsmen's groups, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, and representatives of other government agencies to facilitate the A&H Program.

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1993, the A&H Program is funded primarily by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants awarded to individual and corporate landowners, conservation organizations, and others to cooperatively fund wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects in the state.

There are six regional A&H advisory councils within Oregon that serve as the initial review body for A&H grant proposals submitted within their region. The state A&H Board provides the next level of review, taking into account the advisory council’s recommendations. Approved projects are then forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for final review and funding approval. Each advisory council is composed of seven members, including three landowner representatives, three hunter representatives and one public-at-large representative, who also serves as the council chair.

For additional information on the A&H Program visit the website www.dfw.state.or.us/AH

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