Field Reports – in written form only

Expenditure Report

Staff: Cameron Smith, Budget Manager

17-19 Projected Budget and Policy Option Package Overview

Staff: Cameron Smith, Budget Manager

Briefing on Cougar Biology/Ecology and Cougar Plan Overview

Staff: Derek Broman, Carnivore and Furbearer Coordinator
DeWaine Jackson, Wildlife Research Project Leader

The Commission will be given a briefing on cougar biology/ecology and an overview of
the Cougar Plan.

Cougar Plan Review - Invited Guests Panel 1

Oregon Hunters Association
Oregon Outdoor Council
Oregon Farm Bureau
Oregon Wool Growers Association

Cougar Plan Review - Invited Guest Panel 2

Humane Society of the United States
Predator Defense Institute
Cascadia Wildlands

Adopt Temporary Rules

Curt Melcher, Director

Attachments: (pdf)

• Field Report
• Financial Report
• Director's Report-April 2016 Budget Presentation
• Director's Report: Cougar Biology/Ecology and Cougar Plan Overview
• Director's Report: Cougar Briefing Updated 03Apr16
• Director's Report: Cougar Plan Review Panel 1
• Director's Report: Cougar Plan Review Panel 2

1. 635-018-0090
   2016 Spring Chinook Seasons on the Lower Deschutes and Hood Rivers
   Adopted March 11, 2016: effective April 15, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   This amended rule allows the sport harvest of hatchery spring Chinook salmon in the Lower Deschutes River from May 1 through July 31, 2016; and sport harvest of hatchery spring Chinook salmon in the Hood River from April 15 through June 30, 2016. The Deschutes River open area extends from the mouth at the I-84 Bridge upstream to Sherars Falls. The Hood River open area extends from the mouth to the mainstem confluence with the East Fork; and the West Fork from the confluence with the mainstem upstream to the angling deadline 200 feet downstream of Punchbowl Falls. The daily bag limit for the Lower Deschutes River is one (1) adult hatchery salmon and five (5) hatchery jack salmon per day. The daily bag limit for the Hood River is two (2) adult hatchery salmon per day; and five (5) hatchery jack salmon per day. All wild Chinook salmon must be released unharmed.
   
   
2. 635-042-0145
   Youngs Bay Select Area Commercial Salmon and Shad Fishery Modified
   Adopted March 24, 2016: effective March 28, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   This amended rule reduces the size of the area previously authorized for commercial salmon fishing in the Youngs Bay Select Area of the Columbia River during the period from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2016. The new area boundaries are from the first powerlines downstream of the Walluski River upstream to the confluence of the Youngs and Klaskanine rivers (Walluski Area). Rule revisions are consistent with action taken March 24, 2016 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
   
   
3. 635-065-0001
   Amend Rules to Correct 2016 Oregon Big Game Regulations Adopted by Reference
   Adopted: March 25, 2016. Effective Dates: March 25, 2016 through September 20, 2016.
   This amendment is needed to correct two errors in the 2016 Oregon Big Game Regulations which are adopted by reference.
   1. The cost of a Uniformed Service Buck Deer Tag should be $26.50 (not $24.50 as listed on page 6 of 2016 Oregon Big Game Regulations)
   2. No person younger than 14 years of age shall hunt with a firearm or bow and arrow unless person is accompanied by an adult, or is hunting on land owned by the parent or legal guardian of the person (not 11 years of age as stated on page 8 of the 2016 Oregon Big Game Regulations.)
      
      
4. 635-011-0100, 635-014-0090, 635-016-0090, 635-017-0090, 635-021-0090, 635-039-0090
   Sport Fishing Regulation Corrections and Changes Statewide for 2016
   Adopted March 18, 2016: effective April 1, 2016 through September 27, 2016.
   These amended rules correct errors in the published version of the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Corrections include season date adjustments, gear restriction clarifications, location and deadline clarifications, and updates to statewide regulations and definitions. Modifications allow the use of two fishing rods while fishing for salmon, steelhead, trout, and warmwater species in areas of the Willamette River and its tributaries, including flowing waters that are open to angling for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead, trout, or warmwater gamefish.
   
   
5. 635-042-0022, 635-042-0160, 635-042-0180
   Columbia River Commercial Spring Chinook Drift Net Fishery Set for March 29, 2016
   Adopted March 28, 2016: effective March 28, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   These amended rules allow a non-Indian commercial spring Chinook fishery in the mainstem Columbia River in an area from the mouth of the Columbia River upstream to Beacon Rock (Zones 1 thru 5). The authorized fishing period begins Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 12:00 noon and runs through 9:00 p.m. (9 hours). Retention and sales of non-adipose fin-clipped Chinook salmon caught between 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight March 29, 2016, from the Deep River and Blind/Knappa sloughs select areas is prohibited. Rule modifications are consistent with action taken March 28, 2016 by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife in a meeting of the Columbia River Compact.
   
   
6. 635-042-0145
   Youngs Bay Select Area Commercial Salmon and Shad Fishery Modified
   Adopted April 4, 2016: effective April 6, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   This amended rule authorizes four new 4-hour commercial fishing periods for salmon and shad in the Youngs Bay Select Area of the Columbia River. The first new 4-hour fishing period begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2016. The fishing area boundaries are from the first powerlines downstream of the Walluski River upstream to the confluence of the Youngs and Klaskanine rivers (Walluski Area). Rule revisions are consistent with action taken April 4, 2016 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at a meeting of the Columbia River Compact.
   
   
7. 635-042-0022
   Columbia River Commercial Spring Chinook Drift Net Fishery Set for April 5, 2016
   Adopted April 4, 2016: effective April 5, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   This amended rule allows a non-Indian commercial spring Chinook fishery in the mainstem Columbia River in an area from the mouth of the Columbia River upstream to Beacon Rock (Zones 1 thru 5). The authorized fishing period begins Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. and runs through 8:00 p.m. (10 hours). Rule modifications are consistent with action taken April 5, 2016 by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife in a meeting of the Columbia River Compact.
   
   
8. 635-023-0134
   Open Spring Chinook Sport Fishery on the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam
   Adopted April 4, 2016: effective April 5, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
   This amended rule opens a spring Chinook fishery on the Snake River from Dug Bar Boat Ramp upstream to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam beginning on April 23, 2016 to coincide with the State of Idaho's regulations for this fishery.
   
   
9. 635-023-0125
   Columbia River Spring Recreational Season for Salmon, Steelhead and Shad Closed
   Adopted April 7, 2016: effective April 8, 2016 through June 15, 2016.
   This amended rule closes the season for recreational spring Chinook, steelhead and shad on the Columbia River mainstem downstream of Bonneville Dam beginning at 11:59 pm Friday, April 8, 2016. All other regulations as published in the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet remain in effect. Modifications are consistent with action taken by the Departments of Fish and Wildlife for the States of Oregon and Washington on April 7, 2016.
   
   
10. 635-042-0145, 635-042-0160, 635-042-0170, 635-042-0180
    Columbia River Commercial Spring Select Area Fisheries Modified
    Adopted April 19, 2016; effective April 21, 2016 through July 31, 2016.
    These amended rules modify the spring commercial fisheries in the Columbia River Select Areas. Several previously authorized fishing periods are being rescinded and others were shortened due to lower than expected numbers of Chinook salmon in the current run. Rule revisions are consistent with action taken April 19, 2016 by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife at a meeting of the Columbia River Compact.
    
    

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.

Conservation and Management Plan implementation in Elk River

Mary Wahl – Wild Rivers Land Trust
Ann Vileisis – Kalmiopsis Audobon Society

The Commission will be asked to approve the draft November 9, 2015 Commission minutes.

Attachments: (pdf)

• Draft November 9, 2015 Minutes
  
  

The Commission will be asked to adopt a rule that would allow ceremonial salmon and steelhead harvest using traditional methods at Willamette Falls by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon to support the Tribes annual "First Salmon Ceremony".

Staff: Steve Marx, West Region Manager;
Jeff Boechler, North Willamette Watershed District Manager;

Public Testimony:
Kelly Dirksen, Fish Wildlife Manager for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Hearing, Notice, FIS
• Attachment 3 Draft OARs
• Attachment 4 Aerial Photo of Proposed Ceremonial Fishing Area
• Attachment 5 Public Correspondence
• PPT CTGR Ceremonial Fishery at Willamette Falls
  
  

The Commission will be asked to adopt the game bird season regulations for 2016-2017.

Staff: Dave Budeau, Upland Game Bird Program Coordinator;
Brandon Reishus, Migratory Game Program Coordinator

Public Testimony

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and FIS
• Attachment 3 2016-2017 Draft Oregon Game Bird Regulations Program Recommendations
• Attachment 4 Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
  • Addendum to Attachment 4
• Attachment 5 Public Correspondence
  • Supplemental Correspondence 4-20-16
• 2016 Upland Game Bird Presentation
• 2016 Migratory Game Bird Presentation
  
  

The Commission will be asked to approve rules for Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Plan.

Staff: Tim Walters, Umpqua Watershed District Manager;
Stuart Love, Charleston District Wildlife Biologist

Public Testimony

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing and FIS
• Attachment 3 Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Management Plan
• Attachment 4 Summary of Public Comments
• Attachment 5 Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
  • Supplemental Revised attachment 5
• Attachment 6 Public Correspondence
  • Supplemental correspondence 4-20-16
• CVWA Plan Presentation
• Public Comments 4-22-16
  
  

The Commission will be asked to approve rule amendments to Division 001, Wildlife Violator Compact.

Staff: Kevin Blakely, Wildlife Division Deputy Administrator

Public Testimony

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing and FIS
• Attachment 3 Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Attachment 4 Public Correspondence
• PowerPoint Wildlife Violator Compact KB
  
  

The Commission will be asked to adopt 2016 ocean salmon fishing seasons for Oregon state waters.

Staff: Chris Kern, Fish Division Deputy Administrator

Public Testimony

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Hearing, Notice, FIS
• Attachment 3 Draft OARs
  • Revised Attachment 3 Draft OARs
• Attachment 4 Ocean Salmon Management Measures and Impacts
  • Supplemental Attachment 4
• Attachment 5 Public Correspondence
  • Supplemental Public Correspondence 4-21-16
• PPT 2016 Ocean Salmon Regs for State Waters
• Public Comments 4-22-16
  
  

The Commission will be asked to adopt the 2016 regulations for recreational and commercial Pacific halibut fisheries.

Staff: Lynn Mattes, Project Leader - Groundfish and Pacific Halibut

Public Testimony

Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2 Hearing, Need, FIS
• Attachment 3 Draft OARs
• Attachment 4 IPHC News Release
• Attachment 5 2016 Halibut Com Regs
• Attachment 6 2016 Halibut 2A CSP and Sport Regs
• Attachment 7 ODFW Staff Rec Sport Regs & Seasons
  • Revised Attachment 7 Staff Recommendations
• Attachment 8 Public Correspondence
• 2016 Pacific Halibut Fisheries Presentation
  
  

* Written public comments for future Commission Topics can be submitted in writing prior to the meeting date at ODFW.Commission@odfw.oregon.gov or mailed to 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE Salem, OR 97302

May – No Meeting scheduled

June 9 & 10, 2016 – Salem
*Written public comment period will open April 15, 2016

• Shikar Safari Award - OSP
• 2016-2017 Big Game Season Tag Numbers and Season dates; Regulations and Tag
  Numbers for 2017 Big Game Hunting – Rulemaking
• Furbearer and Unprotected Mammal Regulations – Rulemaking
• 2017 Access and Habitat Auction Raffle Tag Allocations – Approval
• Access and Habitat Project Approval - Approval
• Wildlife Control Operators (Bats) – Rulemaking
• Mule Deer & Elk Management Objectives - Informational
• Protected Wildlife, Holding, and Propagating – Rulemaking
• Commercial Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries – Rulemaking
• 2015-17 Budget – Approval

July – No Meeting Scheduled

August 5, 2016 – Salem
*Written public comment period will open June 15, 2016

• Pride Award Recognitions
• Restoration & Enhancement Projects - Approval
• Mule Deer & Elk Management Objectives – Rulemaking
• Wolf Conservation and Management Plan Review – Informational
• 2017 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations

September 2, 2016 – Welches
*Written public comment period will open July 15, 2016

• Access & Habitat Projects – Approval

October 7, 2016 – La Grande
*Written public comment period will open August 15, 2016

• Cougar Management Plan Review – Informational
• Wolf Conservation and Management Plan – Rulemaking

November – No Meeting Scheduled

December 2, 2016 – Salem
*Written public comment period will open October 15, 2016

• Access & Habitat Projects – Approval
• Restoration & Enhancement Projects - Approval
• Cougar Management Plan - Rulemaking
  
  

PLEASE NOTE

AGENDA

The Commission meeting will begin at 8:00 AM April 22, 2016, 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/Comm/schedule.htm.

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. Lunch will not be provided to the public.

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 received 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 three (3) 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.

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, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97302, 503.947.6044.

PARKING

Parking is available to anyone who attends the Commission meeting.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES