SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a series of Town Hall meetings around the state in April to gain public input on the agency's budget proposal for the 2009-2011 biennium.

The budget proposal being developed by the agency and a citizen budget advisory committee includes options for fee increases and program investments that would take effect in 2010. Revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and tags supports approximately one-third of the agency’s budget.  Fees were last increased in January 2004. 

“ODFW faces several budgetary challenges over the next several years.  It is important that we maintain the level of services we provide to hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers, and the public,” said ODFW Director Roy Elicker.  “We encourage people to attend these meetings; they are a great opportunity for people to engage in dialogue about our budget processes and share their opinions about potential fee increases.” 

At each town hall meeting, agency staff will gather public comments, which will be used to help refine the budget before it is presented to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in June 2008.  Once a proposed budget is approved by the Commission, it will be submitted to the Governor for his consideration.  The Department’s budget will ultimately be determined by the 2009 Legislature.

Written comments on the proposed budget are welcome within two weeks following each public meeting and should be sent to ODFW Director’s Office, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem OR, 97303. Comments can also be emailed to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us. Public comments will also be heard at the Commission meeting on Friday, June 6 in Salem.

All public meetings listed below will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Portland:  Monday, April 7, Monarch Hotel and Conference Center, 12566 SE 93rd Avenue, Clackamas

Bend:  Tuesday, April 8, Central Oregon Community College, Pioneer Hall – Hitchcock Auditorium, 2600 NW College Way, Bend

La Grande:  Wednesday, April 9, Island City City Hall, 10603 Island Ave., Island City

Ontario:  Thursday, April 10, Four Rivers Cultural Center – Collins Gallery, 676 SW 5th Avenue, Ontario

Klamath Falls: Monday, April 14, OSU Klamath County Extension Office, 3328 Vandenberg Rd., Klamath Falls

Medford:  Tuesday, April 15, Jackson County Fairgrounds, Padgham Pavilion, 1 Peninger Road, Central Point

Roseburg:  Wednesday, April 16, ODFW SW Region Office, 4192 North Umpqua Hwy, Roseburg

Salem: Thursday, April 17, ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem     

Astoria:  Monday, April 21, Holiday Inn Express – Astoria, 204 W Marine Drive, Astoria

Newport:  Tuesday, April 22, Hatfield Marine Science Center – Library Seminar Room, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport

Coos Bay:  Wednesday, April 23, North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Avenue, North Bend

Gold Beach:  Thursday, April 24, Gold Beach City Council Chambers, 29592 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach

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