VICTORY: Two-rod Endorsement Approved for Spring through Summer on Lower Willamette River

January 27, 2021

How to Fish Responsibly: 22 Tips for Minimizing Harm to Fish and their Habitats

Oregon’s North Coast steelhead returns were below “critical abundance” thresholds in 2018 and 2019, and though 2020 returns increased some, the long-term decline is concerning. The threshold is defined by ODFW as the point at which “the conservation of the population could be in jeopardy if the downward trend continues.” We must each do our part to ensure the protection of North Coast steelhead. Read our tips for responsible angling!

February 3, 2021

Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley Introduce Bill to Designate Over 4,700 River Miles as Wild and Scenic

Today, Senator Wyden (D-OR) introduced the River Democracy Act, an amendment to the The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Act to include an additional 4,700 river miles throughout Oregon. Congress originally passed the Act in 1968 to provide an additional level of protection for free-flowing rivers with remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, or historic values.

February 5, 2021

Tim Lenihan Urges Oregon Legislature to Pass Bill for Veterans Group Fishing Licenses

On February 9, Northwest Steelheaders Board Member and combat veteran Tim Lenihan will testify before the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness to advocate for SB 320, a bill that would authorize group fishing licenses for nonprofits serving veterans. This would eliminate a significant barrier to entry for many veterans and active-duty military: the cost of an individual fishing license.

February 6, 2021

2021 Oregon Legislative Session: Northwest Steelheaders Priority Bills & How You Can Help

The Oregon state legislative session began last month, and it is already shaping up to be a busy year. Our Board of Directors has identified an ambitious list of bills to track during the 2021 legislative session, so we need your help!

February 7, 2021

Idaho Rep. Simpson Introduces Historic Salmon Recovery Plan for the Columbia River Basin

Northwest Steelheaders has been waiting for this moment for over 48 years. Today, U.S. Representative Simpson (R-ID) announced a groundbreaking proposal for a comprehensive $33.5 billion infrastructure package to recover Columbia River salmon and steelhead by restoring a free-flowing lower Snake River.

March 24, 2021

Sandy River Chapter Nominates Still Creek for Wild & Scenic Status in Draft Bill

Last year, over 2,500 Oregonians submitted river and stream nominations for inclusion in Senators Wyden and Merkeley’s River Democracy Act, which is intended to add about 4,700 river miles to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Co-President of the Sandy River Chapter Greg Reed and Board Member Norm Ritchie advocated for the inclusion of Still Creek, a tributary of the Zig Zag River in the Sandy River Basin, and succeeded in adding it to the list of streams in the bill.

April 23, 2021

A Lot is at Stake for Oregon’s Forests and Rivers Over the Next 70 Years

The Oregon Department of Forestry is drafting a Habitat Conservation Plan that will manage 85% of state-owned forests. This plan will guide forest practices over the next 70 years, mainly in Tillamook and Clatsop counties.