Salem, Ore. -- This Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold its monthly meeting Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 in Salem at ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. and proceeds through the following agenda:

January 9, 2009 Agenda

The Commission will be asked to adopt administrative rules to allow fishing from a personal float tube on select St. Louis Ponds outside of Woodburn. The rule change would bring the administrative rules in line with the recently adopted 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations that allow a personal float tube on all ponds except numbers 1 and 3.

The Commission also will consider a schedule of damages to be used in assessing commercial fishing violations. Each year the Commission establishes the average market value of each species of food fish. These market values are used to establish damages in lawsuits associated with the unlawful taking of food fish.

The Commission will be briefed on draft management plans for wildlife areas, Fern Ridge (near Eugene) Lower Deschutes (Wasco and Sherman counties), Riverside (near Juntura) and Bridge Creek (near Ukiah). The plans will guide management of the areas for the next 10 years. Final Commission consideration of these plans is scheduled for the April 17, 2009 meeting in Corvallis. Hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers and other users of these wildlife areas are encouraged to review and comment on the plans. Email comments to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us or mail them to ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR. ODFW will also host several public meetings to present and accept comments about the plans; dates and locations will be announced at the Commission meeting.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. Agenda item exhibits may be requested my call the ODFW Director’s Office at (800) 720-6339 or (503) 947-6044, or by going to www.dfw.state.or.us.

Members of the public wishing to testify on an issue not on the formal agenda can do so Friday morning immediately following the expenditure report. Please make arrangements with the ODFW Director’s Office, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

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