Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Jan. 7 in Salem

SALEM, Ore.— Peregrine falcons, mule deer, and wildlife area parking permits are on the agenda for the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission’s first meeting of the new year on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 at ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem.

The Commission will be asked to adopt a parking permit program for 11 additional ODFW wildlife areas. (Sauvie Island Wildlife Area has had a permit program in place since 1990.) Under the staff proposal, wildlife area visitors would be required to purchase either a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual permit.

A free annual parking permit would be included with any annual hunting, combination or Sports Pac license. Currently, operation and maintenance of the areas is primarily funded by federal excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition and hunting license fees.

Permits are proposed to be phased in on the following schedule:

Jan. 1, 2012: Ken Denman, E.E. Wilson, Ladd Marsh, Summer Lake
Jan. 1, 2013: Klamath, Fern Ridge, White River, Phillip W. Schneider
Jan. 1, 2014: Elkhorn, Columbia Basin, Jewell Meadows

The revenue generated from the program would be used to improve habitat and infrastructure, and to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities at the wildlife areas.

ODFW staff originally brought the fee parking permit program before the Commission at the Dec. 3, 2010 meeting. At that time, the Commission indicated support for the program, but asked for some minor adjustments to Oregon Administrative Rule language before final consideration for adoption.

ODFW staff is proposing that the Commission amend falconry rules to allow for the limited take of nestling peregrine falcons from natural nest sites in 2011. Permitted master falconers could take nestlings from natural nest sites under certain conditions and restrictions. Due to concerns about the unlawful take of nestlings in May 2009, peregrine nestling take was restricted to bridges and man-made structures in 2010.

ODFW staff will brief the Commission on activities of the Mule Deer Initiative, an effort to increase mule deer populations focused in five wildlife management units.

Finally, the Commission will be asked to set by rule the average market price per pound of each species of fish commercially-harvested in Oregon. These values are adopted every January and are used to set damages in lawsuits associated with the illegal harvest and sale of fish.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m. and proceeds through this agenda. Public testimony is held Friday morning immediately following the expenditure report. Persons seeking to testify on issues not on the formal agenda may do so by making arrangements with the ODFW Director’s Office, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

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