Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee seeks Lower Willamette representative

SALEM — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking qualified candidates to represent the Lower Willamette Valley on the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee.

Oregonians that are involved with local fishing groups, have previous experience working with volunteers and/or in community service, and are able to travel at least four times per year are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be a resident of the Lower Willamette Valley which includes the Portland metropolitan area as well as the communities of Clatskanie, St. Helens, Bonneville, Forest Grove, McMinnville, Willamina, Silverton, Woodburn, Estacada, Sandy and Welches.

The major stream basins in this area include the Clatskanie, Tualatin, Yamhill, Molalla/Pudding, Clackamas, Sandy and lower Willamette Rivers.

The successful candidate will begin June 19, 2010 and will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of re-appointment for a total term of eight years.

STEP was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1981 to provide a way for volunteers to participate in the restoration of native stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout. Since then, thousands of volunteers have assisted Oregon's fisheries through their involvement in STEP, donating money, materials, equipment, and countless hours of time and labor.

The committee is comprised of 13 members representing all regions of Oregon. Members are appointed by the Governor and meet quarterly in various communities throughout the state to conduct STEP business and advise ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission on issues regarding STEP. Committee members are volunteers; however, business-related expenses are reimbursed.

This recruitment will remain open until filled, though candidates are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2010.

For more application materials, visit http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/forms/Interestformdown.pdf

or go to http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/boards.shtml and follow the link to “interest form.” Information on STEP can be found at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP/index.asp or by contacting Kevin Herkamp, ODFW Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Coordinator, at (503)947-6232 or kevin.herkamp@state.or.us.