Catch More Shad, Catch More Salmon
May 27, 2026
2025 Annual Report: Building Stronger Fisheries and Communities
June 3, 2026
Dear NW Steelheaders members, guides, anglers, and conservation advocates,
You've likely seen the news that IP 28 has surpassed the minimum signature threshold required to qualify for the November ballot.
Campaign organizers have announced they have submitted approximately 120,000 signatures and will continue working toward a higher total to account for invalid or disqualified signatures during the verification process.
The campaign behind IP 28 has mounted an extensive signature-gathering effort utilizing paid canvassers at public events, festivals, retail locations, and door-to-door outreach. We have observed signature gathers using messaging that misrepresents the real impacts of the measure.
This means continued proactive voter education will be essential. Fortunately, anglers understand preparation, persistence, and patience. Those same qualities will guide our efforts moving forward.
Our Plan of Action
Defeating IP 28 will require a united effort. The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is actively coordinating with conservation and outdoor recreation partners across the state to ensure voters receive clear and factual information.
Our efforts will include:
Educational Outreach
Community meetings, public forums, and outreach events, tabling at fairs, festivals, and outdoor events, media engagement, including interviews, opinion pieces, and public commentary
Technical and Procedural Challenges
We will remain engaged throughout the ballot certification process, including review of signature validity, petition procedures, and ballot explanatory language.
Legal Review
If necessary, the Steelheaders may join partner organizations in reviewing and challenging the legal validity of proposed statutory changes associated with IP 28.
How You Can Help: Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.
We are asking our members to help amplify accurate information, engage in respectful conversations, and support our advocacy efforts where possible.
Make a Tax-Deductible Contribution
Every contribution helps strengthen our educational and advocacy efforts. Even modest donations can make a meaningful difference.
Subscribe and Stay Connected
Encourage others to subscribe to our newsletters and action alerts so they can stay informed and engaged.
Help Grow Our Community
Forward this alert to friends, family members, and fellow anglers who care about the future of fishing and outdoor recreation in Oregon and encourage them to join the Steelheaders.
Looking Ahead
After we defeat this ballot measure in November, it is clear this issue is unlikely to disappear permanently. Public statements from IP 28 organizers indicate they intend to continue pursuing similar efforts in the future.
That reality requires us to think not only about the current campaign, but also about long-term protections for outdoor recreation and angling opportunities in Oregon.
Several states have adopted constitutional protections for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation rights. Achieving something similar in Oregon would require an unprecedented coalition of conservation, recreation, and outdoor organizations working together toward a shared goal.
Such an effort would require significant planning, broad public support, and substantial resources. This is a conversation worth beginning now as we consider the long-term future of Oregon’s outdoor heritage.
Supporting the Steelheaders now, will help kick-start those efforts in the future.
Together, we will continue standing up for science-based conservation, responsible fisheries management, and the future of recreational fishing in Oregon.
Sincerely,
James Adkins
Executive Director
