Commission Chair Marla Rae and ODFW Director Roy Elicker

Holly Michael

Dr. Josh Lawler, U of W

Tentative

Dr. Bill Peterson, NOAA Oceanography

Speakers invited to lunch with Commissioners and ODFW Leadership

Nicole DeCrappeo, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center USGS

Sara O’ Brien, Defenders of Wildlife

Carol Schuler, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, USGS

Dr. Allison Aldous, The Nature Conservancy

Sara O’ Brien, Defenders of Wildlife

Field Reports

Staff: Bruce Eddy, Chip Dale, Chris Wheaton, Steve Denney, Walt Markee, Roger Fuhrman, Holly Michael

Mule Deer Action Plan

Staff: Roy Elicker, Director

Expenditure Report

Staff: Tom Ruddiman, Deputy Director for Administration

Adopt Temporary Rules

Staff: Roy Elicker Director

635-041-0075
Treaty Indian Fall Salmon Seasons On the Columbia River and Tributaries
Adopted September 18, 2008; effective September 22, 2008 through October 31, 2008.  Amended rule extended the Tribal Indian fall commercial gill net salmon season in the Columbia River and tributaries by 4.5 days (108 hours) beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, September 22 and ending at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2008.  Modifications were consistent with action taken September 18, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington in concert with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

635-004-0016
Commercial Directed Sardine Fishery Closed Until January 1, 2009
Adopted September 22, 2008; effective September 22, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Amended rule adopts management measures for the 2008 commercial sardine fishery that are consistent with federal regulations, as approved by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in November 2007 and closes the commercial directed fishery for Pacific sardines until January 1, 2009.

635-023-0130
Columbia River Recreational Chinook Salmon Daily Limit Increased in Area from Warrior Rock to Bonneville Dam
Adopted September 23, 2008; effective September 25, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Amended rule allows retention of two adult Chinook salmon, beginning September 25, 2008 and until further notice, in the mainstem Columbia River recreational fishery from the warrior Rock-Bachelor Island line (located above the mouth of the Lewis River) upstream to Bonneville Dam.  The area from the Warrior Rock-Bachelor Island line downstream to the Tongue Point-Rocky Point line remained closed to retention of Chinook.  The combined bag limit for adult salmon and/or steelhead remained at two fish, of which both may be a Chinook.  Modifications were consistent with action taken September 23, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington.

635-042-0060
Late Fall Commercial Chinook Salmon Gill Net Season In the Columbia River Extended
Adopted September 23, 2008; effective September 24, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Amended rule adds seven new fishing periods to the late fall Columbia River commercial gill net Chinook salmon season in Zones 4 & 5 beginning September 24, 2008.  Revisions were consistent with action taken September 23, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington.

635-039-0085
Sport Pacific Halibut All-depth Fishery Reopened from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain
Adopted September 25, 2008; effective September 27, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Amended rule re-opened  the Pacific halibut recreational all-depth fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain, Oregon from 12:01 a.m. through  11:59 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008 with a daily bag limit of one fish.  Revisions are consistent with regulations implemented by the federal government and the International Pacific Halibut Commission for the 2008 Oregon recreational fishery for Pacific halibut.

635-041-0075
Treaty Indian Fall Salmon Season In the Columbia River and Tributaries Extended
Adopted September 29, 2008; effective September 29, 2008 through October 31, 2008.  Amended rule extended the Tribal Indian fall commercial gill net salmon season in the Columbia River and tributaries by 3.5 days (84 hours) beginning at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30 and ending at 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2008.  Modifications were consistent with action taken September 29, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington in concert with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

635-004-0033
Nearshore Species Cumulative Trip Limits for the Commercial Nearshore Fishery Revised
Adopted September 30, 2008; effective October 2, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Amended rule adjusts the cumulative trip limits for Black/Blue Rockfish permitted vessels, with or without a Nearshore Limited Entry endorsement, downward from 1200 to 1000 pounds with a 15 pound daily trip limit beginning October 2, 2008; and in fishing period six (November through December) from 800 to 200 pounds with a daily trip limit of 15 pounds in an effort to immediately impact Black/Blue rockfish harvest rates. Projections based on previously established harvest rates indicated a possible early attainment of commercial harvest caps and possible early closure of the entire Nearshore fishery.

635-017-0090
Chinook Salmon Retention in the Willamette River and Tributaries Allowed
Adopted October 1, 2008; effective October 2, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Amended rule removed the temporary closure to retention of sport caught Chinook salmon in the Willamette River and tributaries upon acquiring adequate broodstock from hatchery returns.  Permanent regulations are once again in effect.

635-013-0007
Chetco River Special South Coast Salmon Season Amended to Include October 11, 2008.
Adopted October 2, 2008; effective October 2, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Amended rule extends the open season dates for Chinook salmon sport angling to include October 11, 2008 in the Chetco River area south of the north shore of Twin Rocks (42º05'36" N. Lat.) to the Oregon/California border (42º00'00" N. Lat.) and seaward three nautical miles offshore.

635-041-0075
Treaty Indian Fall Salmon Season In the Columbia River and Tributaries Extended
Adopted October 6, 2008; effective October 7, 2008 through October 31, 2008.
Amended rule extended the Tribal Indian fall commercial gill net salmon season in the Columbia River and tributaries by 3.5 days (84 hours) beginning at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 7 and ending at 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2008.  Modifications were consistent with action taken October 6, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington in concert with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

635-060-0046
Reinstating Preference Points under Certain Circumstances
Adopted October 6, 2008; effective October 6, 2008 through April 7, 2009.
Amended rule allows reinstating preference points under certain circumstances.  The Director may reinstate the preference points of a person who the Director determines did not or will not participate in a controlled hunt because of circumstances beyond the person’s control; or tragic personal circumstances.

635-042-0060
Columbia River Late Fall Commercial Gill Net Chinook Salmon Fishery Extended
Adopted October 7, 2008; effective October 8, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Amended rule implements two new fishing periods in the Columbia River for the commercial gill net harvest, retention and sales of Chinook salmon and white sturgeon in Zones 4 & 5 beginning October 8, 2008.  Modifications were consistent with action taken October 7, 2008 by the Columbia River Compact agencies of Oregon and Washington.

Note: This part of the agenda is for comments on topics not scheduled elsewhere on the agenda. Please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of the Director at least 24 hours prior to the meeting to be included in the public forum. If you bring written summaries or other materials to the meeting please provide the Commission Assistant with 20 copies prior to your testimony. The Commission is unable to take action on items brought to their attention in this forum.

Approve September 19, 2008 Commission minutes.

Action: Approval

• September 19, 2008 Minutes

The Commission will adopt administrative rules for 2009 Oregon Big Game Regulations.

Staff:   Tom Thornton, Game Program Manager
            Don Whittaker, Species Coordinator
            Pete Test, Deer and Elk Coordinator
Public Testimony
Action:  Rulemaking

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Hearing Notice, Statement of Need, Economic Impact Statement (pdf)
• Staff Proposals (pdf)
• Oregon Administrative Rules (pdf)
• Public Correspondence (pdf)

The Commission will consider adoption of the goals and objectives of the 2008 E.E. Wilson, and Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plans, and amend goals and objectives in Oregon Administrative Rules.

Staff:  Nancy Breuner, Habitat Biologist
Public Testimony
Action:  Approval, Rulemaking

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Hearing Notice, Statement of Need, Economic Impact Statement (pdf)
• Staff Summary (pdf)
• Summary of Draft Plan Revisions (pdf)
• Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plan Final Draft (pdf)
• E.E. Wilson Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plan Final Draft (pdf)
• Oregon Administrative Rules (pdf)
• Summary of Public Comments (pdf)
• Public Correspondence (pdf)

The Commission will be briefed on the Wildlife Area Plan draft review.

Staff:   Nancy Breuner, Habitat Biologist
            Mark Nebeker, Wildlife Area Manager
Public Testimony
Action:  Informational Briefing

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Staff Summary (pdf)

The Commission will be asked to amend and adopt rules regarding the Landowner Preference Program (LOP).

Staff:   Tom Thornton, Game Program Manager
            Steve Denney, Southwest Region Manager
Public Testimony
Action: Rulemaking

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Hearing Notice, Statement of Need, Economic Impact Statement (pdf)
• Summary Commission Action Options (pdf)
• Proposed Oregon Administrative Rules (pdf)
• Public Correspondence (pdf)

The Commission will be asked to approve the Eugene Water and Electric Board’s (EWEB) request to implement alternative mitigation in lieu of fish passage on its Smith Dam on a tributary to the McKenzie River.

Staff:   Ken Homolka, Hydropower Program Leader
Public Testimony
Action: Approval

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• EWEB Fish Passage Waiver Application, August 29, 2008 (pdf)
• ODFW Staff Benefit Analysis, August 29, 2008 (pdf)
• Draft Fish Passage Waiver Agreement (pdf)
• Electronic Notice Soliciting Public Comment/ODFW News Release (pdf)
• Public Comment (pdf)

The Commission will be asked to review and approve for funding eight projects recommended by the R&E Board at their August 15, 2008 meeting.

Staff:   Laura Tesler, R&E Program Coordinator
Public Testimony
Action:  Approval

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Summary of Projects Recommended for Approval (pdf)
• Summary of Projects Recommended by the R&E Board (pdf)
• Summary Budget Information (pdf)
• Public Comments (pdf)

The Commission will be asked to amend and adopt rules related to department requirements for proof of residency.

Staff:   Tom Ruddiman, Deputy Director for Administration
Public Testimony
Action:  Rulemaking

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Hearing Notice, Statement of Need, Economic Impact Statement (pdf)
• Proposed Oregon Administrative Rules (pdf)
• Public Comments (pdf)

The Commission will be asked to amend and adopt rules related to License and Tags sales to allow for sales over the Internet.

Staff:   Tom Ruddiman, Deputy Director for Administration
Public Testimony
Action: Rulemaking

• Cover (pdf)
• Agenda Item Summary (pdf)
• Hearing Notice, Statement of Need, Economic Impact Statement (pdf)
• Proposed Oregon Administrative Rules (pdf)
• Public Comments (pdf)

The Commission will hold an executive session to review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the director of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife per ORS 192.660(1)(i).

November 14, 2008 – ODFW HQ, Salem

• Dungeness Crab Fishery Briefing
• Mid Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan Briefing
• Black-Tailed Deer Management Plan
• *Wildlife Area Planning Update – Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
• Cervid Disease Surveillance List

December 11 & 12, 2008 – Portland Airport Location
December 11, 2008 Joint Meeting with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Access and Habitat Projects
• Columbia River Sturgeon, Spring Chinook, and Summer Chinook Fisheries
• Annual Review of the Developmental Fishery Program
• Annual Regulation Adoption for Sardine, Groundfish and Nearshore Fisheries; Nearshore Logbook Report
• 25-year Angling Enhancement Plan

AGENDA

The Commission meeting will begin at 8:00 AM, and proceed chronologically through the agenda.  If you wish to receive written materials prepared for any of the agenda items, please contact the Director’s Office in Salem at 503.947.6044 to request a packet for those items, which interest you or see the agency’s website at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/.

A recess will be taken at 12:00 Noon, when the Commission will have lunch and may discuss matters of general interest.  The public is welcome to attend, and an announcement will be made of the location of the lunch. 

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

If you wish to give testimony on any item scheduled on this agenda, please sign up on the sheets provided the day of the meeting. You will be called to testify by the Commission Chair. The Commission places great value on information receive from the public, and wants to avoid arbitrary limits on the time or attention allocated to each witness. Therefore, persons desiring to testify or otherwise present information to the Commission are encouraged to:

1. Provide written summaries of information to the Commission twenty (20 sets);
2. Limit testimony to five (5) minutes, recognizing that substance, not length, determines the value of testimony or written information;
3. Endorse rather than repeat testimony of other witnesses; and
4. Groups or organizations wishing to testify should designate one spokesperson whenever possible.

PUBLIC FORUM

If you wish to give testimony on any item not scheduled elsewhere on the agenda, please contact the Director's Office, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 503-947-6044, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be called to testify by the Commission Chair immediately following the Commissioner Items portion of the agenda. Please provide 20 sets of written summaries or other materials to the Commission Assistant prior to your testimony. The Commission is unable to take action on items brought to thier attention in this forum.

Thank you for taking the time to present your views.

Materials delivered to the Director’s Office sufficiently in advance of the meeting can be copied and distributed to the Commission. If you bring written materials to the hearing, please provide twenty (20) copies. If you have questions regarding this Agenda, please contact the Director’s Office, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3406 Cherry Avenue, NE, Salem, OR 97303, 503.947.6044.