R&E strongly supports efforts to educate new anglers both young and old. R&E has provided funding for fully stocked trailers to facilitate family fishing events with the tools and equipment necessary to provide a great experience. R&E has even supplied fish for certain events. In addition, R&E continues to fund projects that improve fishing related facilities at local waterbodies to improve access and provide an enjoyable experience for family members of all ages and abilities.
R&E funds improvements to access in all areas of the state. This kayak accessible dock in Seaside is just one example of how R&E funding has been used to improve facilities for anglers and other users.
R&E funding comes from anglers and directly supports many important fisheries. RE has helped build the STEP facilities in Coos Bay and provides the feed for the fish that are raised and released from the volunteer run STEP hatcheries. R&E has also provided waders and equipment so the school children and members of the public can both learn about salmon and help grow them.
R&E funds were used to purchase the device that is use to stock high mountain lakes by helicopter. These unique hike in fishing opportunities are made possible by your license dollars.
How does R&E Benefit Freshwater Anglers?
The Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Program is a direct way for anglers to benefit from the fisheries they participate in as angler license fees are the main driver of the program. It supports many research and monitoring projects that inform management decisions and are indirectly related to maintaining and increasing fishing opportunities. Some of these studies also inform the development and implementation of recovery plans for fish listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Examples of projects with direct angler benefits funded by R&E include:
New and improved fishing docks
Piers and boat launches
Angler education and family fishing events
High lakes fishery restoration and angler recruitment and retention programs.
Habitat and passage restoration projects.
How does R&E Benefit Saltwater Fisheries?
The R&E program is not just for freshwater fish, it also benefits marine species that provide valuable sport fishing opportunities. Recently R&E provided funding for a Black Rockfish PIT Tagging Project. The data collected in this ongoing project allows fisheries scientists to better estimate and track black rockfish populations along the central coast of Oregon, where the popularity of this fishery has greatly increased over the last two decades.
Commercial salmon fishing revenue is often allocated to hatchery maintenance and habitat restoration projects. Many important ODFW hatchery maintenance projects that ensure continued operations would not be completed without R&E commercial funding support.
Examples of commercial salmon restoration include:
Pipeline replacements
Water system valve replacements
Pump motor replacements,
Replacement of worn-down fish holding pens that are important for hatchery broodstock collection efforts.
How does R&E Impact Local Economies?
R&E projects create economic stimulus in rural and urban communities throughout Oregon. Many local businesses not only supply materials to local projects funded by R&E, but also receive economic income from the anglers participating in fisheries that benefit from R&E projects.
Does R&E Partner with Other Fishing Groups?
Developing and maintaining partnerships is a major focus of the R&E program. Through matching funds from organizations such as the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, Oregon Wildlife, and watershed councils, many proposals that provide positive benefits to Oregon anglers become a reality.
Creative R&E partnerships allow ODFW to implement projects that otherwise would not be done due to lack of funding or staffing. R&E partnerships provide the public with the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and get a better understanding of resources and recreational fishery management challenges.
Partnerships also help to build trust and support between the public and ODFW and foster communication. Through collaborating on small local projects with angling organizations and other non-profit groups, the R&E program helps build public advocacy for fishery resources in Oregon communities that is reflected in local and statewide political support for the program and ODFW.
R&E project cooperators provided $8,973,421 in matching funds and in-kind contributions for 2011-2013 approved projects. This means that for every R&E dollar spent, nearly $2 in time, donated materials and money will be contributed toward the completion of approved projects.
R&E funding provides additional direct angler benefits by supporting hatchery maintenance projects for the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP). The ODFW Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee (STAC) “mini-grant” program, which supports many small projects undertaken by STEP groups and educators, is also funded by R&E.
When was R&E Established?
The grant program was stablished when the Oregon Fisheries Restoration and Enhancement Act of 1989 was signed into law, R&E has provided over $46 million to fishery projects throughout Oregon.The program was reauthorized by the Legislature in 2009, extending its benefits to Oregon citizens and state fish resources through December 2019.
R&E Legislative reports (pdfs)
These 20+ page reports highlight the program and projects that have been funded during each biennium. They are a good source of information to find out what fisheries have been improved.
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.
