The Fish and Wildlife Commission has moved to hybrid meetings, meaning that you have the option to attend in-person or virtually. Those who would like to provide virtual testimony on an Exhibit scheduled on this agenda must REGISTER no less than 48 hours in advance to receive a testimony link to the meeting. To provide testimony on an agenda item in-person, registration will be available at the meeting.

To be added to August 9 agenda to provide testimony virtually or in-person during Public Forum you must contact the Director’s office no less than 48 hours advance of the meeting for approval.

This meeting will be live streamed to YouTube and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/IEODFW/videos

Attachments: (pdf)

• Aug 9 Field Report
  
  

EXPENDITURE REPORT

Ken Loffink, Interim Deputy Director of Administration

Attachments: (pdf)

• Commission Financial Report August 2024
  

ADAPTING TO CLIMATE AND OCEAN CHANGE REPORT

Balancing land use, energy siting, and species resiliency in Oregon

Sarah Reif, Habitat Division Administrator 
Jeremy Thompson, Energy Coordinator

Attachments: (pdf)

• Presentation-Climate_Working Lands_Land Use Energy Siting-8-9-24
  
  

Debbie Colbert, Director

Attachments: (pdf)

• Temporary Rules_6-15-24 to 8-6-24

1. 635-016-0500
Modify Wild Spring Chinook Regulations in Umpqua District
Adopted 6/17/2024: Effective 6/17/2024 through 6/30/2024.
This amended rule will prohibit retention of all wild Chinook on the Mainstem Umpqua River and on the North Umpqua River from February 1 through June 30 in accordance with the sliding scale established by the State's Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan (CMP).

2. 635-042-0160, 635-042-0170
Modify Hours for Commercial Select Area Summer Fisheries
Adopted 6/18/2024: Effective 6/19/2024 through 7/31/2024.
This amended rule will expand the open hours from 12 to 15 hours per period for previously-adopted summerseason commercial periods in Blind Slough/Knappa Slough and Tongue Point/South Channel Select Area fisheries.

3. 635-004-0355
Commercial Nearshore Fishery Limit Increases for Periods 4-6
Adopted 6/26/2024: Effective 7/5/2024 through 12/31/2024.
This amended rule will increase the commercial nearshore fishery two-month cumulative trip limits for black rockfish for period 4 (July-August 2024) and other nearshore rockfish, cabezon, and greenling management categories for periods 4-6 (July-December 2024).

4. 635-004-0375
Amend Rules for Commercial Pelagic Species Fisheries for consistency with federal regulations
Adopted 6/26/2024: Effective 7/1/2024 through 12/27/2024.
These amended rules will modify state regulations for commercial Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) fisheries in order to be consistent with federal regulations governing Pacific sardine harvest specifications and management measures for the July 2024-June 2025 fishing season. Federal rules recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) for the 2024-2025 season include a continued closure of the Pacific sardine directed commercial fishery along the entire West Coast due to low stock biomass, and limits on incidental sardine harvest in other commercial fisheries. Final federal rules have not published at the time of this filing but are expected to reflect PFMC recommendations and the proposed rule adopted by reference here.

5. 635-039-0085
Open additional Pacific halibut all-depth fishing days to the Central Oregon Coast subarea
Adopted 6/26/2024: effective 7/1/2024 through 12/27/2024.
This amended rule will authorize the back-up dates (seven days per week) specified in the Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan for the Central Oregon Coast subarea spring all-depth fishery, specifically July 1 through July 31.

6. 635-023-0128
Close sockeye salmon retention in mainstem Columbia River recreational fisheries
Adopted 6/27/2024: Effective 6/28/2024 through 7/31/2024.
This amended rule will close retention of sockeye salmon in Columbia River recreational fisheries from the AstoriaMegler Bridge upstream to the OR/WA border (upstream of McNary Dam) beginning June 28, 2024.

7. 635-041-0076
Authorize commercial sales for Columbia River Treaty Indian summer fisheries
Adopted 6/27/2024: Effective 6/28/2024 through 7/31/2024.
This amended rule authorizes the sale of fish caught in Zone 6 (between Bonneville and McNary dams) gillnet fisheries during periods from July 1 through July 4 and July 8 through July 10.

8. 635-017-0530
Close the McKenzie River to Chinook salmon angling
Adopted 7/3/2024: Effective 7/8/2024 through 12/31/2024.
This amended rule closes the McKenzie River from the mouth to Leaburg Dam for angling for and retention of Chinook salmon.

9. 635-041-0076
Authorize commercial sales for Columbia River Treaty Indian summer fisheries
Adopted 7/10/2024: Effective 7/15/2024 through 7/31/2024.
This amended rule authorizes the sale of fish caught in Zone 6 (between Bonneville and McNary dams) treaty gillnet fisheries during a fishing period from July 15 through July 17.

10. 635-068-0000, 635-070-0000, 635-073-0000
Clarify 2024 season dates for western Oregon elk hunt and two western Oregon deer hunts.
Adopted: July 18, 2024 – Effective 7/18/2024 through 1/13/2025.
Oregon Administrative Rules establishing seasons and tag numbers for 2024 controlled western Oregon deer seasons, western Oregon elk seasons, and special interest season hunts were adopted September 15, 2023. Season dates for one western Oregon antlerless deer controlled hunt, bag limit restriction dates for one western Oregon elk controlled hunt, and season dates for one eastern Oregon deer bow controlled hunt were incorrect in the 2024 hunt tables adopted by the Commission. These rule amendments are needed to clarify the season dates that are accurately published in the referenced Big Game Regulations and shown on the tags issued for these hunts.

11. 635-041-0076
Authorize Sales for Columbia River Treaty Commercial Summer Fisheries
Adopted 7/19/2024: Effective 7/22/2024 through 7/31/2024.
This amended rule authorizes the sale of fish caught in Zone 6 treaty gillnet fisheries during a fishing period from July 22 through July 24.

12. 635-039-0085
Modify Pacific halibut all-depth fishing days to the Central Oregon Coast subarea
Adopted 7/26/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/27/2024.
This amended rule will authorize opening the Columbia River subarea from August 22 through September 3 and September 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, and 29. The rule will also authorize opening seven days per week for the Central Oregon Coast subarea summer all-depth fishery, specifically August 1 through October 31, as allowed by the Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan. If the quota is attained prior to the season end date, that subarea may close early if other subareas are projected to reach or exceed their allocation.

13. 635-004-0275
Federal Actions and Management Measures Implemented for Commercial Groundfish Fisheries
Adopted 7/31/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
This amended rule adopts in-season actions previously adopted by the federal government for 2024 Pacific Coast Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access commercial groundfish fisheries, including, but not limited to, increases in sablefish, widow rockfish, and yellowtail rockfish trip limits.

14. 635-023-0130
Set Recreational Fall-Season Fisheries and Thermal Angling Sanctuaries in the Columbia River
Adopted 7/31/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
This amended rule sets the Columbia River recreational salmon/steelhead fisheries from August 1 through December 31. This rule also closes angling in portions of the mainstem Columbia River adjacent to the mouths of Eagle Creek and the Deschutes River, and that portion of Herman Creek and Lagoon within the Columbia River Zone through September 15.

15. 635-014-0510
Adds two tributaries to the Siletz River, to areas open for retention of wild coho
Adopted 7/31/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
This amended rule will add Drift Creek and Schooner Creek, tributaries to the Siletz River, to salmon regulations established for fall 2024 coastal rivers fisheries for the Siletz Basin.

16. 635-041-0045, 635-041-0075
Authorize sales for Columbia River Treaty commercial fall fisheries
Adopted 8/1/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
These amended rules authorize the sales of fish caught in treaty fisheries.
• Platform hook and line fisheries in Zone 6 (above Bonneville Dam) from August 1 through December 31.
• Platform and hook-and-line fisheries downstream from Bonneville Dam from August 1 through October 31.
• Yakama Nation tributary fisheries from August 1 through December 31.

17. 635-042-0010, 635-042-0031, 635-042-0145, 635-042-0160, 635-042-0170, 635-042-0180
Set mainstem Columbia River and Select Area commercial fisheries
Adopted 8/1/2024: Effective 8/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
These rules implement 2024 fall Columbia River mainstem (early-fall gillnet and seine) and Select Area commercial fisheries. The following fisheries are addressed by these rules: Columbia River Early Fall (Zones 4-5), fall-season seine alternative gear (Zones 1-3), Blind/Knappa Slough, Tongue Point/South Channel, Youngs Bay, and Deep River.

18. 635-053-0000
Amend Rules to Modify Controlled Hunt Permit Numbers for 2024 Oregon Sage-Grouse Hunting Season
Adopted: August 2, 2024 – Effective Dates: 8/2/2024 through 1/28/2025
Oregon Administrative Rules establishing seasons and permit numbers for 2024 controlled sage-grouse hunts were adopted by the Commission on April 19, 2024. Permit numbers adopted at that time did not account for on-going sagegrouse population surveys that were not yet complete or the reduction in habitat that has occurred due to wildfire since those permit numbers were adopted. This rule amendment is necessary to adjust permit numbers in eight sage-grouse hunt areas to account for unanticipated changes to sage-grouse population (e.g., lower populations in some areas and in other areas higher) estimates resulting from data collected in the surveys completed after permit numbers were adopted, and to account for potential negative effects to sage-grouse populations due to wildfire.

Attachments: (pdf)

Attachments: (pdf)

Note: This part of the agenda is for comments on topics not listed elsewhere on this agenda. Please REGISTER  the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of the Director before 8:00 AM, Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 (at least 48 hours prior to the meeting) to be included in the public forum.

Oregon Snake Safe Dog Training: Web Parton

Private Forest Accord Grant Program in the 2023-2025 Budget: Casey Kulla
Columbia River Wild Summer Steelhead: David Moskowitz

Oregon Snake Safe Dog Training Attachments: (pdf)

• Web Parton_Oregon SnakeSafe Training 8.9.24
• Letter_Humane Society_8-8-24
  

The Commission will be asked to approve draft Commission meeting minutes from June 14, 2024.

Attachments: (pdf)

• ODFW Commission Minutes_6-14-24
  
  

The Commission will be asked to review and approve the draft Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management Program Rules

Nancy Taylor, Waterway and Habitat Incentives Coordinator
Sarah Reif, Habitat Division Administrator
Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.
Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing
• Attachment 3_Draft Oregon Administrative Rules)
• Attachment 4_Public Correspondence
• Supplemental Public Correspondence__8-6-24
• Exhibit B_Presentation_WHCMP_8-9-24
  
  

The Commission will be asked to amend rules for preference point reinstatement, license refunds, and agency representation.

Ken Loffink, Interim Deputy Director of Administration
Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.
Rulemaking

Attachments: (pdf)

• Cover
• Att 1 Agenda Item Summary
• Att 2 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Att 3 Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Att 4 No Public Correspondence
• Ex C Presentation Licensing OAR Update
  
  

Award Presentation begins at 11:00 AM

Debbie Colbert, Director 
Mary Wahl, Commission Chair

Individual Award
Kaly Adkins
Darleen Beall
Brent Hinners
Elise Kelley
Justin Miles
David Mohney
Scott Quigley
Linda Spansel
Holly Tuers Lance
Michelle Dennehy

Manager Mentor
Ben Walczak

Team Award: Nearshore Rockfish Survey Team
Leif Rasmuson
Matt Blume
Kelly Lawrence
Mark Terwilliger
Beth Bailey

Team Award: Private Forest Accord Stream Biologists
Jeremy Webster
A.J. Van Domelen
Paul Olmsted
Kirsten Ressel
Kevin Gray
Kelsey Anderson

Director's Team Award: Wolf Conservation Management Review Team
Derek Broman
Mark Vargas
Roblyn Brown
Mark Kirsch
Brian Ratliff
Holly Tuers Lance
Nick Myatt
Michelle Dennehy
Davia Palmeri
Shaun Clements

Director's Choice Individual Award
Tod Lum

Dave Liscia: (for our Volunteer)
Jessica Eubank

DEI Award (Diversity Equity and Inclusion)
Emily VanWyk

Land Stewardship
Fruit Growers Supply Company: Jim Crawford

The Commission will hold an executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(e), (2)(f) and (2)(h), which allows the Commission to meet in executive session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions, to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection, and to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with respect to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

*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.  

September 13, 2024 -The Dalles
*Written public comment period will open July 15, 2024

• A&H Project Funding – Approval
• Big Game Regulations- Rulemaking
• Commercial Dungeness Crab Regulations -Rulemaking
• Coastal Pelagic Species -Rulemaking

October 11, 2024 -Albany
*Written public comment period will open August 15, 2024

November 15, 2024 - HOLD - No meeting scheduled.

December 13, 2024 -Salem
*Written public comment period will open October 15, 2024

• A&H Project Funding – Approval
• OCRF Project Funding- Approval
• R&E Project Funding and Board Appointment - Approval
• 2024 Groundfish Fisheries Regulations- Rulemaking
• Sage-Grouse Conservation Assessment and Strategy Plan - Rulemaking
  
  

HOW TO REGISTER TO SPEAK AT THE COMMISSION MEETING

Public Comment and Public Hearing Testimony: Regular Commission meetings allow for in-person, virtual, or written public comment.

Comment and testimony are limited to three minutes or less. All parties interested in providing public comment or testifying as part of a public hearing shall participate using one of the following methods:

• In-Person Comment: Parties interested in providing in-person verbal public comment shall fill out a “Witness Registration” form available at the meeting.

• Video or Audio Conference Call: If you wish to give virtual testimony on Exhibits scheduled on the Friday, August 9 agenda, YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE 8:00 AM WEDNESDAY August 7, 2024; a minimum of 48 hour prior to the meeting. Staff will collect contact your information and provide information on how to access the meeting to provide comment.

• Written Comment: Send to ODFW.Commission@odfw.oregon.gov or 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302. Materials delivered to the Director’s Office sufficiently in advance of the meeting, 72 hours or more, will be distributed to the Commission prior to the meeting day. Any correspondence or materials received less than 72 hours prior to the meeting will be entered into the record and when reasonably possible, will be provided to the Commissioners the day of the meeting.

PUBLIC FORUM: If you wish to give testimony virtually or in-person on any item not listed elsewhere on the agenda, PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE 8:00AM WEDNESDAY August 7, 2024; a minimum of 48 hour prior to the meeting. Please provide written summaries or other materials to the Commission Assistant prior to your testimony. The Commission is unable to act on items brought to their attention in this forum. Send written summaries or other materials to ODFW.Commission@odfw.oregon.gov or 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302.

If you have questions regarding this agenda, please contact Michelle Tate, Director’s Office, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302, or call 503- 947-6033.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES

Reasonable accommodation, such as assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters, and materials in large print or audiotape, will be provided as needed. To ensure availability, please contact the Director’s Office at 503.947.6044 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to make your request. TTY users can reach ODFW by using the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service. Please dial 711 and ask to connect to 503-947-6044.