Please plan to join up to 500 educators, students, anglers and scientists who will gather at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham on October 3-5 for the 2008 Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Conference.

Organizers have chosen the theme “Salmon in the City: Spawning Solutions Through Creative Ideas” for the biennial conference that provides a forum for volunteers from throughout the state to gather, discuss activities, share ideas and gather new information.

STEP is a volunteer program within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife that works to restore and enhance Oregon’s native salmon and trout populations. Since 1981, STEP volunteers have monitored fish populations, restored stream habitat, provided youth and adult educational opportunities, and produced salmon, steelhead and trout for Oregon fisheries.

This year’s conference will feature sessions on education and outreach, landowner partnerships, habitat restoration and fisheries research, to name few. Participants also will have an opportunity to tour several nearby habitat enhancement projects and enjoy a series of angling clinics and children’s activities.

So mark these dates on your calendar, and watch for more conference and registration information at the STEP website https://www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP/.