Legislative Update from Salem |
Our state legislature in Oregon enacts public policies which are then implemented by the agencies operating under the scope of the Govenor and her staff. The upcoming February short session of the legislature is just around the corner – it comes in the middle of our state's current two-year political cycle and is intended to deal with emergencies and budget adjustments. Some of these items will significantly affect the interests of Northwest Steelheaders members and we will be paying close attention.
Also, this winter many new policy situations (and related proposals) are being reviewed by various committees in preparation for the agenda of the 2025 long session. These topics include the following: how to better protect watersheds and groundwater resources, improving wildfire programs and their coordination, making fish and wildlife ready for climate change impacts, evaluating predator control issues and anti-poaching efforts, studying new ways to enhance salmon and steelhead habitat, reviewing status and needs of our state’s fish hatcheries, improving both native and nonnative fish management, assessing new tribal agreements involving fish and wildlife, and more.
During the coming year more than a dozen new legislators are expected to be elected. We encourage you to help us by connecting with both the new and returning candidates in your community. This would be an opportunity to discuss the fish and habitat issues important to you. Moreover, legislators often know about local needs and bill drafts before we find about them in hearings and meetings at the Capitol. Thus, you can be in a good position to contribute to our growing and timely impact on proposed laws.
- Bob Oleson, Co-President of the Board |
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When Gary Benson was Association President, leading us through our River Rights battles and ensuring public rights to the beds and banks of our waterways, he stated: “We don’t need chapters.” He was right. Many NGOs fighting for fish and their habitats don’t have chapters. But our fish, our fisheries, and the people of the northwest need our chapters! Our chapters and their members accomplish so much with boots on the ground efforts, that it is hard to imagine what our sport fishing landscape would look like without them.
After the ODFW participation and presentation at our Hall of Fame banquet, it is clear the agency feels the same way. Angler Education classes, Fish Eggs to Fry, Fishing events for veterans, disadvantaged and underserved youth, habitat restoration, maintenance of boat ramps and public river access points, help at hatcheries and even our own steelhead hatchery, all make a significant difference for Oregon and Washington. While the Association has a major role in advocacy and outreach, providing for what the chapters need done to allow them to focus on their programs has got to be the primary duty of the Association.
- Norm Ritchie, Co-President of the Board |
Our Co-Presidents of the Board, Norm Ritchie and Bob Oleson |
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We've got another raffle for you all!
This round, you will have your choice of three incredible fishing trips or learning how to make sushi or Korean banchan! What better way is there to bring in the new year than plans to go on a fishing trip or learn how to cook a new food? Visit the raffle registration page to learn more about each trip and the cooking class up for grabs.
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Salmon fishing is over for the year, but looking back at the veterans’ fishing events, it was a good year.
Columbia River Chapter's 11th Annual Veterans Fishing Event was led by Chapter President Donny Hyde. They hosted 80 veterans from all over Washington and Oregon on 28 guide and volunteer boats at the Port of Camas-Washougal in search of fall chinook and coho on the Columbia River. It was their biggest and most successful event yet. Over 50 fish were caught, and numerous others were lost or missed. For a few veterans, it was their first time on a boat, and first time ever fishing and catching fish. The memories and friendships made will last a lifetime! THANK YOU to the veterans for joining us and your service to our great country.
Tualatin Valley Chapter member, Tim Lenihan in conjunction with The Fallen Outdoors led the veterans fishing event on the Kilchis River with other Steelheaders volunteers. It was a Veterans Day chum fishing event. After a big storm the previous night (and part of that morning) it was challenging, although they managed to get every single vet a fish. One vet even landed a keeper chinook! |
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Participants from the Tualatin Valley and Columbia River chapter veterans fishing events cast their lines and hold up their catches. |
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Hall of Fame Banquet & Auction Had a Successful Comeback |
The Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place to combat it hurt a lot of nonprofits and the Steelheaders were one of them. Being able to have this event after three years provided a very needed infusion of funds to ensure the chapters will continue to have the insurance, financial management, and legal reporting they need to function as “boots on the ground” for our sport fisheries and to guide the Association’s advocacy role.
It was also a lot of fun! Over 120 members and guests got together in person for the first time in years. Chapter activities and accomplishments were the main topic of this year’s event with habitat repair and protection, kid’s fishing events, veterans fishing events, hatchery operation and support, and angler education highlighted. Several Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife representatives attended and provided a presentation crediting the Northwest Steelheaders with much the success of the steelhead angler education program.
Past President Tom VanderPlaat was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his six years of serving as the Association's leader, including through the most difficult pandemic years. Linda Lavender received the member of the year award for her exemplary volunteer service, including hosting the spring fundraiser. The food was great and there were a lot of donated items to choose from in the oral and silent auctions, bucket raffle, and various prize opportunities. |
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Mike Myrick from the Sandy River Chapter closing the first silent auction table. As well as being an event volunteer from setup to teardown, Mike was one of the top donation solicitors. Photo by Kody Osborne. |
| Tom VanderPlaat, Past Association President from the TV Chapter, receiving the Hall of Fame Inductee award from Co-President Norm Ritchie. Photo by Kody Osborne. |
| Ken Johnson of the Emerald Empire Chapter selling bucket raffle tickets. Ken was at the event from set up to closing and was an active part of the planning team. Photo by Linda Lavender. |
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Diners enjoying their meals while the program gets underway. Photo by Kody Osborne |
| The food was great! Photo by Kody Osborne |
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A few chapters have resumed Monthly Chapter Meetings in-person, and we hope to get everyone meeting as soon as possible! To get more detailed meeting information please visit our Events Calendar. If you're having trouble finding a meeting you can attend, please reach out to us at office@anws.org and we'll help you out. As always, Chapter Meetings are free and open to the public. If you're new to Northwest Steelheaders, attending a meeting is a great first step to getting more involved with your local fishing community.
Upcoming Meetings • Mid-Valley Chapter - Wednesday, December 6 @ 6 pm
• Sandy River Chapter - Thursday, December 7 @ 7 pm • Columbia River Chapter - Tuesday, December 12 @ 6:30 pm • McLoughlin Chapter - Tuesday, December 12 @ 7 pm
• Tualatin Valley Chapter - Thursday, December 14 @ 7 pm • Salem Chapter - Tuesday, December 19 @ 7 pm • Emerald Empire Chapter - Tuesday, December 26 @ 6:30 pm |
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