ODFW accepting applications for A&H Regional Advisory Council positions

SALEM, Ore. — ODFW is accepting applications to fill several positions on the Access and Habitat Program's regional advisory councils:

• Two Hunter Representative positions on the Northeast Region Advisory Council (Baker, Grant, Gilliam, Morrow, E. Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wheeler counties)
• Three Hunter Representatives and two Landowner Representatives on the North Willamette Advisory Council (Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, N. Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, Yamhill counties)
• Two Hunter Representative positions for the Malheur Region Advisory Council (Harney and Malheur counties)

For the hunter representative positions, individuals living in the region with an interest and experience in hunting and wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidates for the landowner representative positions live in the region, are involved in forestry, farming or ranching and are interested in hunting.

Download an application online. Applications are due at the correct regional office (see application) by Dec. 21, 2010. Terms begin Jan. 20, 2011. Incumbent advisory council members seeking another term must also apply.

These are volunteer positions and duties include participation in about four public meetings per year to review A&H project proposals and conduct other council business. Meetings may require some travel to various regional communities. Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively with landowners, sportsmen's groups, ODFW staff, and representatives of other government agencies to facilitate the A&H Program.

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1993, the A&H Program is funded primarily by a $4 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants awarded to individual and corporate landowners, conservation organizations, and others to cooperatively fund wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects in the state.

There are six regional A&H advisory councils within Oregon that serve as the initial review body for A&H grant proposals submitted within their region. The state A&H Board provides the next level of review, taking into account the advisory council’s recommendations. Approved projects are then forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for final review and funding approval. Each advisory council is composed of seven members, including three Landowner Representatives, three Hunter Representatives, and one public-at-large representative, who also serves as the council Chair.

For additional information on the A&H Program visit the website at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH// or contact Matt Keenan at (503) 947-6087.

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