ROSEBURG, Ore. – The first meeting of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists and a public advisory committee to develop a conservation plan for fall chinook salmon is set for Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Chetco Community Public Library, 405 Alder Street, Brookings. The proceedings are open to the public with comments accepted at the end of the meeting.

The current public advisory committee represents conservation and angling groups, commercial fishers, fishing guides and local government. The committee and ODFW expect to meet monthly to develop the plan, and technical advisors from state and federal agencies will provide guidance.

The conservation plan will cover populations of fall chinook salmon that inhabit Oregon streams in the area between Euchre Creek and the California border and the Rogue River. Using guidelines established in ODFW’s Native Fish Conservation Policy, the plan will identify desired and conservation status and develop management strategies to reach these goals. The strategies will complement those already developed for Rogue River spring chinook salmon.

Agenda items for the meeting are primarily focused on committee orientation to the conservation planning process and the process the committee will use to make group decisions. The public will have 10 minutes for comments at the end of the meeting.

Persons needing accessibility assistance should contact Meghan Collins at (541) 440-3353.

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