SALEM – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has decided to postpone its annual Salmon Trout Enhancement Program conference, which had been scheduled to take place at Mount Hood Community College Oct. 3-5.

“Unfortunately, we have been forced to postpone the conference until next spring,” said Tom Friesen, coordinator of the STEP program, who noted that advance registrations came in below expectations.

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 annual STEP conference exposes volunteers to a wide range of fish related information through speakers, workshops and field trips.

Friesen said anybody who has registered for the conference that wants their registration fees back can get a refund by contacting the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, which was taking care of registrations for the event. Alternatively, they can elect to remain registered until the conference proceeds in the spring.

“On behalf of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and STEP, I offer my sincere apologies for any inconvenience the postponement may cause,” said Friesen. “I’m looking forward to a productive and informative conference next spring.”

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