| Action needed NOW to move gillnets off the mainstem Columbia River |
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SAFE for Salmon
Your letters and calls are vital! Please weigh-in with the legislators listed below today in support of Senate Bill 736 (SAFE for Salmon)!
On March 24, SB 736 had a hearing in the Senate Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources. Northwest Steelheaders, along with several prestigious scientists, business owners, NSIA, Northwest Guides and Anglers, Coastal Conservation Association, and others testified in support of the measure to move gillnets off the mainstem lower Columbia River into terminal areas, known as SAFE fisheries.
The SAFE areas have grown so successful that for the last two years, the commercial fleet caught more fish in the SAFE areas than the entire recreational fishery caught in the mainstem. The SAFE areas that were envisioned in the 90s as part of a plan to eliminate mainstem gillnetting are now functioning in a way that is currently delivering more than 100,000 fish to market, and growth is a highly reasonable expectation.
SB 736 must be moved out of the Committee onto the Senate floor. Unfortunately, the commercial fishing industry is using fear and misinformation to try to bottleneck the bill in committee.
PLEASE WRITE OR CALL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TODAY WITH YOUR SUPPORT OF SB 736. In this
economy it is unthinkable that our state would not utilize natural resources to their highest value, especially when there are additional conservation benefits. Be sure to ask for a reply regarding where they stand on this opportunity to grow jobs in Oregon. Remember to be polite and respectful.
Committee members
Senator Alan Olsen Party: R District: 20
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1720
Email: sen.alanolsen@state.or.us
Senator Chuck Thomsen Party: R District: 26
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1726
Email: sen.chuckthomsen@state.or.us
Senator Jackie Dingfelder Party: D District: 23
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1723
District Phone: 503-493-2804
Email:sen.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us
Senator Mark Hass Party: D District: 14
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1714
Email: sen.markhass@state.or.us
Senator Floyd Prozanski Party: D District: 4
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1704
District Phone: 541-342-2447
Email: sen.floydprozanski@state.or.us |
| Federal budget cuts would end funding for Oregon Conservation Strategy |
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Federal Budget
 At first glance, the Oregon Conservation Strategy looks no different than any other document. There is a forward, a table of contents, pictures and a whopping 400 pages of text. However, for people in Oregon dedicated to conserving the state's wildlife and habitats, the Conservation Strategy is much more than a document. Within those 400 plus pages lies the future of wildlife and wild places in Oregon.
Completed in 2006, after 18 months of research, writing and input from a wide range of organizations, the Oregon Conservation Strategy has become the state's conservation doctrine. Not only does it identify species and habitats most in need of conservation action in the state, it also details the issues and problems affecting them, and key conservation actions, research and monitoring needed to address those issues.
"The Conservation Strategy tells us where we've been, where we are and where we need to go next in our efforts to conserve Oregon's at-risk species and habitats," said Holly Michael, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Policy Coordinator.
In the five years since the strategy received federal approval, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and partners have achieved numerous successes under the plan, including restoring coastal wetlands, performing research and restoration for at-risk grassland birds, developing strategies to allow for wildlife movement across the landscape, fighting invasive species as varied as feral swine and quagga mussels, restoring riparian habitat, and funding and implementing projects that help conserve Oregon's symbolic state species-the western meadowlark, American beaver, chinook salmon and Oregon swallowtail.
However, without the support of federal dollars to implement the plan, these successes would not have been achievable.
Like other State Wildlife Action Plans, a large chunk of the funding for the Conservation Strategy flows to Oregon from the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. These grants support on-the- ground programs, pay nongame staff salaries and provide the incentive for matching donations.
"The House version of the Continuing Resolution would completely zero out funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program," said Russell Bassett, executive director of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, NWF's Oregon affiliate. "This represents an outright attack on state-driven conservation and could unravel a decade's worth of success."
"The Continuing Resolution would throw up insurmountable roadblocks in our work to protect Oregon's irreplaceable wildlife and habitats. It's up to the Senate to stand up and fight for those things we value most - clean water, abundant wildlife, and free and open recreation opportunities" Bassett concluded.
Take action HERE. |
| Help restore Klamath salmon and steelhead |
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Klamath Agreement
We get few opportunities in this lifetime to improve fish and wildlife habitat. In Oregon's Klamath Basin, we have the opportunity to end decades of frustration between farmers, ranchers, tribes and sportsmen by implementing The Klamath Agreements (the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA). The agreements are a locally-developed, fiscally-responsible plan that will bring balance to the Klamath River and restore its waters and wildlife.
Please ask Congressman Greg Walden to work with Congress to implement The Klamath Agreements. Among other benefits, this locally-developed, fiscally-responsible approach will ensure a predictable supply of water for farmers, and for fish and wildlife. It will ensure a steady flow of water to our precious wildlife refuges for the first time in history, enhancing habitat for ducks and geese and ensuring our hunting heritage. And, it will dramatically improve conditions in hundreds of miles of salmon and steelhead habitat.
It is time to tell Congressman Walden that The Klamath Agreements and their approach - developed at the local level - is good for agriculture, for the Basin economy, and for sportsmen. Mr. Walden has been supportive of local leaders (farmers, tribes, conservationists) working together to develop this plan, but now we need his leadership to move it through Congress. Please send a short email or give a call to Congressman Greg Walden.
Here's what to tell Mr. Walden in a polite and positive manner.
- Sportsmen care about the Klamath Basin's fish, wildlife, and agriculture - add a short personal story about the Klamath if you can.
- The Klamath Agreements are good for family farmers and ranchers and represent a locally devised plan.
- The Klamath Agreements will improve both waterfowl hunting and the salmon and steelhead fishery.
- The Klamath Agreements will help a teetering commercial fishing industry and coastal towns because they will increase salmon and steelhead runs.
- According to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing infuses $23 million annually into the Klamath County economy. The Klamath Agreements will enhance this while providing greater security for farmers!
- Millions of tax dollars have gone to farmers, ranchers, tribes and commercial fisherman because of drought and disaster assistance. The approach of The Klamath Agreements will save us money and improve water distribution for all.
- Representative Walden should help implement the agreements because they are good for people, fish, and wildlife and are fiscally responsible.
If you are not in Congressman Walden's district, let him know the importance this has for all Oregon hunters and fishermen.
Send an email to Rep. Walden HERE |
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Membership
Click HERE
Northwest Steelheaders celebrated 50 years of successful work on behalf of Pacific Northwest fisheries last year, and we are now entering a new era - one of hope and optimism for a future filled with abundant fish and thriving fisheries.
When you renew your Steelheaders membership, you are taking positive and meaningful action to protect the future of steelhead, salmon and trout fishing in the Pacific Northwest. We are a non-profit organization that relies on private contributions, and we need your support. Please help us insure the future of Northwest sportfishing by renewing your membership today!
You can renew your membership on our website at www.nwsteelheaders.org or by calling the Association office at 503-653-4176. |
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| Events and Activities |
You'll want to make sure you're there April 23 to kick off the Steelheaders' next 50 years. It's not too late to register for the Salmon Quest and Hall of Fame Banquet and Auction on at the Portland Airport Holiday Inn.
Many of the best guides in the Pacific Northwest are participanting in the Quest, and we've secured an incredible array of items to bid on at the auction.
Space is limited, and we will sell out. Register now to ensure your spot at the event people will be talking about throughout the year!
For more info or to register, please click HERE.
April 7: Board of Directors ExCom meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Association Office, 6641 Lake Rd., Milwaukie.
April 9: Whiskey Creek Hatchery fin clipping, 9 a.m. at the hatchery, 7660 Whiskey Creek Rd., Tillamook.
April 16: Newburg Chapter Fishing Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Newburg Ford, 3900 Portland Rd., Newburg. For more information contact Chapter President Kevin Hula at 503-781-9378 or e-mail kevinhula@aol.com.
April 16: Tualatin Valley Chapter Spring Fish-A-Long on the Willamette. Contact president Mark Hutchinson at 503-649-1028 or hutchisfishin@gmail.com for more information.
April 17, May 1, May 15 and May 29: Salmonberry River winter steelhead spawning survey and temperature monitoring. Contact Ian Fergusson at 503-957-8875,
ian.fergusson@comcast.net.
April 23: Salmon Quest and 25th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet and Auction at the Holiday Inn, 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard, near the Portland Airport. Click HERE for more information and registration forms.
May 14: Board of Directors meeting, 9:30 a.m., Tillamook Fair Grounds 4H Building, 4603 E 3rd St., Tillamook.
June 9: Passport to Fishing free family fishing event, 9am-1pm, at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, Cascade Locks.
June 14: Free Kids Fishing Day, 9am-3pm, Small Fry Lake at PGE's Promontory Park, Highway 224 five miles east of Estacada. Click HERE for more information on free family fishing events around Oregon.
June 24-26: Summer Steelheaders Rendezvous hosted by the Salem, Mid Valley and Eugene chapters. For more information and registration form click HERE.
July 23: McLoughlin Chapter Garage Sale at the Clackamas United Church of Christ, 15303 SE Webster Rd., Oak Grove. For more information or to provide items for the sale, contact Chapter President Matt Rockweit at 503-334-7607, Rockweit5@gmail.com.
Drift Swap:Interested in learning the Clackamas River? Steelheaders McLoughlin Chapter member Art McGraw knows the Clack like the back of his hand and is offering to take any Steelheader for a day of Clack drift fishing in exchange for a day on another river. For more info, contact Art at 503-513-7733 or pamurray@comcast.net.
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| April Chapter Meetings |
Deschutes Basin
7 pm April 5 at the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave., in Bend
Contact President Yancy Lind at 541-788-5514, yancy_lind@ml.com
Emerald Empire
7 pm April 6 at Eagles on the Green, 1375 Irving Rd., in Eugene
March newsletter
Website
Contact President Bill Robbins at 541-689-5075, suznbill@comcast.net
McLoughlin
7 pm April 11 at Round Table Pizza, 16550 SE McLaughlin Blvd, Milwaukie
Guest speaker is Bill Williamson from BC Angling.
April newsletter
Contact President Matt Rockweit at 503-334-7607, rockweit5@gmail.com
Mid-Valley
7 pm April 6 at the Senior Citizens Center, 489 Water Ave. NW, Albany
How to make your own spinner with Randy Wilson
April newsletter
Contact President Rick Kopf at 541-367-8056, tailhooked@yahoo.com
Newberg
7 pm April 11 at the Chehalem Senior Center, 101 Foothills Drive, in Newberg
Contact President Kevin Hula at 503-781-9378, kevinhula@aol.com
North Coast
7 pm April 14 at the ODFW Tillamook Office, 4907 3rd St., Tillamook
Contact President Bill Hedlund at 503-815-2737, billh@ifish.net
Salem
7 pm April 18 at the City of Keizer Community Center (at City Hall), 930 Chemawa Rd, in Keizer.
Contact President Jim Zelenka at 503-371-4063, jzelenka@comcast.net
Sandy River
7 pm April 6 at Glenn Otto Park, 1208 Historic Columbia River Hwy., in Troutdale
April newsletter
Website
Contact President Jeff Stoeger at 503-282-4830, mjstoeger@msn.com
Tom McCall
11:30 am April 16 at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 SW Bancroft St., in Portland
Contact President Andy Anderson at 503-296-5277, anderfish@comcast.net
Tualatin Valley
7 pm April 14 at the Aloha American Legion Hall, 20235 SW Alexander, in Aloha
March newsletter
Contact President Mark Hutchinson at 503-649-1028, hutchisfishin@gmail.com |
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March Fishing Events |
 | | Members of the Sandy River Chapter land a Sandy River winter steelhead during Ray's Frostbite Follies on March 5. |
 | | Members and friends of the Tualatin Valley Chapter pose for a photo on March 4 during the chapter's Tillamook Fish-a-Long at the Tillamook Country Fair Grounds. |
 | | Tualatin Valley Chapter members talk fish and fishing with ODFW biologist Robert Bradley during the Tillamook Fish-a-Long |
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North Coast Chapter Tree Planting |
 | | North Coast Chapter member Len Clarke digs a hole to plant a tree on the Wilson River on March 5. |
 | | North Coast Chapter members Len Clarke and George Buckingham take a break from tree planting on the Wilson River to pose for a photograph with an ODFW employee. |
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