Both legislatures have new members who may not be familiar with wildlife issues. It is critical that Steelheaders know who their elected representatives are and proactively engage with them. Remember, you can’t get what you don’t ask for.

If you live in Washington, you can use this tool to find your elected officials. If you live in Oregon, you can use this link.

In Oregon, Steelheaders are working with a coalition of like minded conservation groups under the name Oregon Sportsmen’s Conservation Partnership to track legislation and coordinate testimony during public hearings. The group has built a list of key “fish” bills making their way through the legislative process. You can read the list of pre-session filed bills here.

The Steelheaders are working with fellow conservation groups to track Washington legislation including Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Partnership(WFWCP), National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited . You can find a list of bills summarized in Northwest Sportsman Mag by Andy Walgamott.

KEY LEGISLATION WE'RE TRACKING

Oregon State Wildlife Agency Funding
ODFW have recently identified an immense backlog of needed capital improvements and maintenance to our state’s fish hatchery system. Their leadership is looking at new funding strategies to ensure they can continue to operate the hatcheries safely and support our salmon and steelhead fisheries. The Governor’s personal policy priorities of addressing homelessness and decarbonizing our grid may put ODFW’s funding requests on the back burner. It is our job to ensure that the Governor and legislators understand this is a priority for the sport fishing community.

Oregon Columbia River Basin Endorsement (CRBE) Extension
ODFW’s leadership is proposing the extension of the CRBE. The Steelheaders Executive Committee met with Deputy Director Shawn Clements to gain more insight into the value of the CRBE to anglers. Members can review the CRBE one pager provided by ODFW.

Oregon State Lodging Tax Increase
Steelheaders should be aware of HB 2977 which would fund our State Wildlife Action Plan(SWAP) via an increase in the state lodging tax. The funds would provide long-term dedicated funding to support fish, wildlife, and habitat. Existing license fees cannot cover the needed investments.

Washington Wildlife Commission
We’re tracking a bill to reform the States’ Fish and Wildlife Commission in the wake of a series of increasingly concerning policy decisions. Matt Little, co-chair of Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Partnership(WFWCP), had this to say about their bill, “A recent Ruckelshaus Center report concluded that the current WA Fish & Wildlife Commission is “dysfunctional” and needs reform. Members of the WFWCP (www.fishhuntwa.org) have come together to increase accountability, improve the appointment process, and establish minimum qualifications – including that science should be the standard for decision-making. We hope recreational anglers will support improvements of the Commission for the future of our fish and wildlife management and public recreational opportunities.”

Marine Mammal Protection Act
Legislators in Washington are considering a bill to request Congress to give the state flexibility in the federal law to take pinnipeds in state managed waters to reduce predation on at-risk fish species.

The Steelheaders will keep our membership apprised as key bills advance through the Washington and Oregon legislatures. Keep an eye out for action alerts and opportunities to engage your local legislators.

Tualatin Valley Chapter of the Association of NW Steelheaders, in collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, recently installed temporary upgrades to the slide at Siskeyville on the Wilson River.

A tree fell upstream of the slide, creating an eddy which deposited rock at the base of the boat launch, requiring a 30-50’ foot boat drag to the water. Previously, it was a quick slide and splash.

Steelheader Eric Erickson came up with the idea to attach rock quarry belting to the bottom of the slide. The new improvement will make the boat slide usable during low water and is a temporary measure until the river naturally moves the excess rock downstream. The addition was designed so that ODFW could quickly remove it in a flood.

Thank you to Eric Erickson, Mark Hutchinson and the team at ODFW for their time and effort to make these temporary improvements that will benefit all boat ramp users.

Scenes from the ACE meeting.

Mark and Linda visit Santa Ana Pueblo reservoir site.

February 12-16
NW Sportsmen’s Show: This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, share our mission, and showcase the impactful work of the Association. We still have a booth shift available on Sunday. Contact garrett.brad@gmail.com for more details.

February 22-23
Steelhead 101 on the Sandy River: Do you know someone who wanted to try steelhead fishing but weren’t sure how? ODFW partners with the Sandy Chapter to give you all the knowledge you need to get started. All ages welcome. Price includes one year ANWS membership. Register here..

March 21-23
Tualatin Valley Fish Along – Tillamook Area All anglers welcome. Two days of fishing the many tributaries of Tillamook bay. This is a great opportunity to fish prime Steelhead and Salmon waters with experienced anglers with a chance to get a seat in a boat. Register here.

June 7
I'm Hooked Family FIshing Day at Hagg Lake
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled and free day of fishing at Henry Hagg Lake! Community mentors will help guide your child and family in the art of fishing, nature, health, and wellness and instill a love and passion to enjoy for years to come! Register here.
Volunteers needed including boat captains. Contact 

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 Association of Northwest Steelheaders
P.O. Box 55400
Portland, OR 97238
United States