ODFW staff are working to update the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for the Salmon & Trout Enhancement Program (STEP). They hosted a public webinar to discuss these proposed changes on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.
The OARs for STEP were last updated in 1986 and revisions are necessary for STEP to adapt to listings under the Endangered Species Act, which were not in place at the time the original OARs were written. New policies and plans that govern the management of fisheries resources in Oregon have also been adopted by ODFW since the original OARs were written.
The process to revise the STEP OARs has been ongoing since November of 2020, and this public webinar gives interested individuals and stakeholders an additional opportunity to have questions answered about the OAR revision process.
For more information on the draft revisions to the STEP OAR's, see the documents below
Recognizing that volunteers could play an important role in the restoration of native stocks of salmon and trout, the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program in 1981.
Since that time thousands of volunteers have assisted Oregon’s fisheries through their involvement in STEP. They have donated money, materials, equipment, and countless hours of time and labor. STEP volunteers have completed stream habitat restoration work, conducted surveys, helped with education projects, and hatched and reared several million salmon and trout eggs—all because they care about fish and fish habitat.
STEP’s goals include:
Rehabilitate and improve natural habitat and native fish stocks.
Insure that harvest does not exceed fish population’s reproductive capability.
Provide for citizen volunteer participation in achieving the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish management objectives.
Support public education programs.
The Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee (STAC) made up of 9 Oregon citizens are appointed by the governor to provide recommendations concerning the implementation of salmon and trout enhancement projects. STAC members are appointed to represent the various districts throughout Oregon.
In addition to the advisory committee, 11 Oregon Department of Fish and wildlife STEP Biologists work closely with the numerous STEP affiliated Oregon fishing organizations, providing technical expertise as well as organizing and overseeing the efforts of these dedicated volunteers.
Find out more
How and where to volunteer – many exciting opportunities exist across the state. Activities range from ongoing technical or skilled projects to fun one day events that are perfect for a family outing.
Education Resources – STEP provides valuable tools, resources, and support to provide education opportunities in and outside the classroom as well as in the community. One of our most popular programs is “Fish Eggs to Fry” where salmon or trout eggs are raised in a classroom incubator.
Mini-Grants – These grants of up to $2,000 are available to support the STEP related activities of organizations, volunteer projects, and educators.
FishWorks – A quarterly publication of the Fish Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) and Salmon and Trout Enhancement Programs (STEP) that provides updates and overviews of the programs and includes information on various fish management projects.
STAC – The Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee (STAC) is a citizen advisory board that is appointed to represent you. They meet quarterly and provide financial support through a mini-grant program. A current schedule of meetings is located below.
STEP Biologists – 11 local ODFW biologists area available to work with you. They routinely work closely with the numerous STEP affiliated organizations, organize and oversee the efforts of volunteers, and providing technical expertise to educators and watershed partners. Contact your local biologist to find an opportunity in your area.
Mini-Grant Deadlines and STAC Meeting Schedules
STAC meets quarterly in various communities throughout the state to conduct STEP business and tour local STEP projects. The public is welcome to attend the meeting and may provide comment on particular issues.
Dates and locations subject to change. Please call the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) at (503) 947-6232 or (503) 947-6211 for additional information.
STAC Meeting Archives | Dates subject to change. | Please call the STEP Program at (503) 947-6232 or (503) 947-6211 for details.
Annual Progress Reports (pdfs)
The STEP program annually reports to the legislature on the accomplishments from the previous year. The reports provide both general program summaries and detailed breakdowns of various projects and activities. Annual reports cover from October 1 through September 30 of the year identified (e.g. the 2010 report covers October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010).
This program receives federal financial assistance in Sport Fish Restoration and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against as described above in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please contact ADA Coordinator, Oregon Fish and Wildlife, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97302, 503-947-6200, or write Office for Human Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. This material will be furnished in alternate format for people with disabilities if needed. Please call 503-947-6000 to request such materials.
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE :: Salem, OR 97302 :: Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW [6339]
Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov
Share your opinion or comments on a Fish and Wildlife Commission issue at: odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov
Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? Contact 503-947-6000 or click here.
The Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP)