Please Join Us in Supporting the Future of the NW Steelheaders
May 5, 2026
Fishing, Learning, Belonging: Family Fish Camp 2026
May 14, 2026
Honoring the Volunteers Who Keep Our Traditions Alive
At the April 9 Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting in Welches, Oregon, several outstanding volunteers were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to conservation, education, and recreational fishing throughout Oregon. Among those honored were five dedicated members of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders whose service exemplifies the heart of our mission.
The Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), established in 1981, relies heavily on volunteers who work alongside the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to support fisheries enhancement, education, and community engagement. STAC serves as an advisory committee to ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, helping guide STEP implementation across the state. The volunteers recognized this spring represent decades of commitment to educating youth, supporting hatchery and enhancement programs, and ensuring the future of salmon and steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
NW Steelheaders would like to extend our immense gratitude to both ODFW staff and STAC committee members for taking the time to recognize these amazing individuals.
Below are volunteer highlights prepared by Buddy Phibbs for the recognition ceremony at the April 9 STAC meeting.
Mike Myrick
Longtime Sandy Chapter member Mike Myrick was recognized for decades of volunteer leadership and service. Mike currently serves as an At-Large Board Member for the Sandy Chapter and Association Boards. Mike previously spent 13 years as Treasurer while also serving as Education Director. His volunteer journey began years ago at Camp Angelos and has continued through countless fishing events and the Fish Eggs to Fry program.
Mike’s passion for youth education has made a lasting impact on students throughout the region. From delivering eggs to classrooms to operating a Fish Eggs to Fry tank at the Northwest Sportsman Show, Mike has helped countless young people connect with fish, conservation, and the outdoors. His dedication reflects the very best of what it means to be a Steelheader volunteer.
Mike Myrick volunteering at Family Fish Camp 2026
Ken Dollinger, second from left, at April STAC meeting
Ken Dollinger
Ken Dollinger was honored for his tireless work supporting the Fish Eggs to Fry program in both Washington and Yamhill Counties. After initially volunteering to deliver eggs and assist with fry releases in Washington County schools, Ken stepped up to support schools in Yamhill County when additional help was needed — and he has continued ever since.
Beyond egg deliveries, Ken volunteers at fishing events as a Certified Angler Education Instructor, assists at hatcheries, and gives classroom presentations on fish and fishing. His enthusiasm for working with teachers and students is contagious. Ken summed up his passion best when he shared, “I’d give up my own fishing if it meant helping kids understand and enjoy fish — kids and fish are the best!”
Recently celebrating his 80th birthday while sailing in Mexico, Ken continues to inspire everyone around him with his generosity and upbeat spirit.
Rod Hevland
Rod Hevland was recognized for his wide-ranging volunteer efforts with ODFW, the Northwest Steelheaders, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Alongside his wife, Rod previously served as a hatchery host at Cascade, Leaburg, and Oak Springs hatcheries and continues to volunteer extensively with Fish Eggs to Fry and youth fishing events.
Rod is known for always showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed — including assisting with spring Chinook broodstock collection on the Bull Run River last summer. Whether helping students experience fishing for the first time or supporting fisheries operations behind the scenes, Rod’s generosity and dedication continue to make a tremendous difference.
Rod Hevland, second from left, at the April STAC meeting
Tom VanderPlaat volunteering at Family Fish Camp 2026
Tom VanderPlaat
Tom VanderPlaat’s leadership and commitment to youth education have had a profound impact on STEP and the Northwest Steelheaders. A former STAC member and current R&E Board member, Tom now serves as Education Lead for the Tualatin Valley Chapter.
Tom has helped coordinate Fish Eggs to Fry volunteers, organize egg deliveries, support classroom equipment needs, assist with fry release field trips through partnerships with Clean Water Services, and secure grant funding for educational programming. Most recently, he partnered with Portland Community College’s HVAC program to repair broken chillers used throughout the state in Fish Eggs to Fry classrooms.
Tom’s efforts continue to strengthen STEP’s mission while helping more young people develop a lifelong appreciation for salmon, steelhead, and conservation.
Mike Underwood
Mike Underwood was recognized for contributing his woodworking talents to create 72 Fish Eggs to Fry developmental displays for classrooms across Oregon. These displays allow educators and students to visually observe the developmental stages of salmon and steelhead and have long been one of the program’s most valued educational tools.
Because of Mike’s generosity and craftsmanship, these displays are once again available to STEP districts statewide after years of limited inventory. His work will benefit students and educators for many years to come.
Mike Underwood, second from left, at the April STAC meeting
An example of Mike's Fish Eggs to Fry developmental display
Celebrating Service and Stewardship
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is incredibly proud of these volunteers and grateful for the countless hours they have dedicated to conservation, education, and the future of recreational fishing. Their service demonstrates the powerful impact volunteers can have when they invest their time, knowledge, and passion into their communities.
From classrooms and hatcheries to fishing events and conservation projects, these members embody the spirit of stewardship that has defined the Northwest Steelheaders for generations. We congratulate Mike, Ken, Rod, Tom, and Mike on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for everything they continue to do for fish, wildlife, and the next generation of anglers.
From Left: Rod Hevland, Mike Underwood, Tom VanderPlaat, Mike Myrick, Ken Dollinger. Front:: Buddy Phibbs, ODFW
