SALEM — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee will hold their quarterly meeting in Cascade Locks on April 11-12.

The committee will meet from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at the Best Western Columbia River Inn in Cascade Locks. The agenda for the meeting includes a review of grant proposals, reports on STEP activities and projects throughout the state, and staff and volunteer recognition. The meeting will be open to the public and there will be an opportunity for public comment beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The meeting will continue on Saturday, April 12 at 9 a.m. with tours of the Bonneville Dam and Hatchery, and the Cascade Hatchery. Tours also will be open to the public. To join the tour, meet at the Cascade Hatchery, 74152 NE Eagle Creek Loop, Cascade Locks at 8:45 a.m. Members of the public will need to provide their own transportation.

The Oregon legislature created STEP in 1981 as a way for volunteers to participate in the restoration of native stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout. Since then thousands of volunteers have helped Oregon’s fisheries through their contributions of time, money and materials.

The STEP Advisory Committee, comprised of 13 members appointed by the Governor, makes recommendations to ODFW and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on issues related to its programs.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for the hearing and visually impaired. Individuals needing assistance should call the ODFW Information and Education Division at (800) 720-6339 or (503) 947-6002 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

More information about STEP is available on-line at www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP or by calling Tom Friesen, STEP Coordinator, at (503) 947-6232.

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