Be a part of the effort to improve wildlife habitat and hunting access to private land. Apply for one of several vacant regional council representative positions within the Access and Habitat Program. The deadline to apply is Jan. 2, 2009 for the Deschutes/Klamath Council position and Jan. 5, 2009 for the other positions.

These are volunteer positions and duties include participation in about four public meetings per year to review A&H project proposals and conduct other council business. Meetings may require some travel to various regional Oregon communities. Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively with landowners, sportsmen's groups, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, and representatives of other government agencies to facilitate the A&H Program.

To apply, fill out an application available on ODFW’s website.

Malheur Advisory Council - Two landowner positions

Individuals living in southeast Oregon (Harney or Malheur Counties) that own land or represent landowners are encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants will have an interest and experience in farming, ranching, forestry, hunting, and/or wildlife conservation. Applications should be sent to ODFW’s Hines office, attn Dan Gonzalez, PO Box 8, Hines, OR 97738. To find out more, call Dan at 541-573-6582. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5, 2009. Positions begin Feb. 1, 2009.

Deschutes/Klamath Council – Hunter representative position

Individuals living in central Oregon (Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, Jefferson, Deschutes, Klamath, Lake, Crook counties) with an interest and experience in hunting, forestry, farming, ranching and/or wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. Applications should be sent to ODFW’s office in The Dalles, attn Crystal Strobl, 3701 W 13th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. To find out more, call Crystal at 541-296-4628. Deadline to apply is Jan. 2, 2009. Position begins March 1, 2009.

Southwest Council – Hunter representative position

Individuals living in southwest Oregon (Coos, Douglas, Josephine, Jackson and Curry counties) with an interest and experience in hunting, forestry, farming, ranching and/or wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. Applications should be sent to ODFW’s Central Point office, attn Vince Oredson, 1495 E. Gregory Rd, Central Point, OR 97502. To find out more, call Vince at 541-826-8774. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5, 2009. Position begins Feb. 1, 2009.

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1993, the A&H Program is funded primarily by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants awarded to individual and orporate landowners, conservation organizations, and others to cooperatively fund wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects in the state.

There are six regional A&H advisory councils within Oregon that serve as the initial review body for A&H grant proposals submitted within their region. The state A&H Board provides the next level of review, taking into account the advisory council’s recommendations. Approved projects are then forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for final review and funding approval. Each advisory council is composed of seven members, including three landowner representatives, three hunter representatives and one public-at-large representative, who also serves as the council chair.

To receive a hard-copy application, or for assistance downloading or completing the form, please contact Heather Thomas, (503) 947-6314 or Heather.A.Thomas@state.or.us.

For additional information on the A&H Program visit the website.

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