Commission agenda: August 15, 2025

Friday, August 15, 2025 Commission Meeting

Download Aug. 15, 2025 Meeting Agenda

Information about Accessibility and Accommodations

Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings are hybrid, meaning that you have the option to attend in-person or virtually. This hybrid approach provides transparency and maximizes the opportunity for members of the public to be engaged in the work of the Commission. 

There are two ways to provide testimony on an exhibit or make a public comment:

1. Sign up to testify on an agenda item, in person or remotely

To provide virtual testimony (e.g. from a computer or cell phone) on an exhibit scheduled on this agenda REGISTER at this link no less than 48 hours in advance of the meeting (Wednesday August 13 at 8:00 AM). You will receive a testimony link to the meeting. 

To provide testimony in person, REGISTER at the link 48 hours in advance of the meeting or you can sign up at the meeting.

2. Providing Comments during Public Forum

Click each section of the agenda below to see any materials associated with the item and links for submitting written comments and providing testimony:

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Director's Report: Field Report – in written form only

Meeting Materials

• Field Reports

Director's Report: Financial Report and 2025-27 Legislatively Adopted Budget

• Ken Loffink, Chief Operating Officer

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Financial report
• Presentation: Financial Report LAB Update 8-15-25

Director's Report: Sage Grouse Conservation Assessment and Strategy

• Mikal Cline, Upland Game Bird Coordinator
• Skyler Vold, Sage Grouse Conservation Coordinator

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Sage-grouse CAAS Update 8-15-25

ADOPT TEMPORARY RULES

Commission Action: Rule Ratification

• Debbie Colbert, Director

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Temp Rules Report

1. 635-041-0072

   Allow Sale of Warmwater Species Caught in Columbia River Treaty Indian Research Fishery

   Adopted: 7/17/2025 Effective Date: 7/21/2025 through 9/7/2025

   This amended rule provides state authorization of sales of yellow perch, bass, walleye, catfish, carp, and northern pikeminnow caught in a new Treaty Indian research fishery in several backwater areas and sloughs of the John Day Pool to reflect recent tribal action to open this fishery.

2. 635-004-0275

   Federal Actions Implemented for Commercial Groundfish Fisheries

   Adopted: 7/21/2025 Effective Date: 7/21/2025 through 12/31/2025

   This amended rule adopts in-season actions previously adopted by the federal government for 2025 Pacific Coast Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access commercial groundfish fisheries, including, but not limited to, catch limit increases for sablefish.

    

3. 635-004-0585

   Adopt Federal Rule for Commercial Pacific Halibut Fisheries

   Adopted: 7/22/2025 Effective Date: 7/22/2025 through 7/24/2025

   This amended rule adopts the federal rules published in the federal register on July 22, 2025 for the 2025 Pacific halibut directed commercial fishery to add a fishing period, July 22 through July 24, 2025, with a fishing period catch limit of 5,000 pounds (2.3 metric tons) dressed weight, per vessel. This action is intended to provide opportunity to achieve the 2025 non-Tribal directed commercial fishery allocation.

4. 635-041-0076

   Authorize Sales in Treaty Commercial Summer Fisheries

   Adopted: 7/23/2025 Effective Date: 7/24/2025 through 7/31/2025

   This amended rule authorizes the sale of fish caught in the following treaty fisheries:

   • Gillnet fishery in Zone 6 (upstream of Bonneville Dam) from July 24 through July 26, and

   • Gillnet fishery in Zone 6 (upstream of Bonneville Dam) from July 28 through July 31.

   Modifications are consistent with actions taken by the Departments of Fish and Wildlife for the States of Oregon and Washington at a Columbia River Compact hearing on July 23, 2025.

5. 635-041-0045, 635-041-0075

   Authorize Sales for Columbia River Treaty Commercial Fall Fisheries

   Adopted: 7/30/2025 Effective Date: 8/1/2025 through 12/31/2025

   These amended rules authorize the sales of fish caught in treaty fisheries:

   • Platform and hook-and-line fisheries in Zone 6 (upstream of Bonneville Dam) from August 1 through December 31.

   • Platform and hook-and-line fisheries downstream from Bonneville Dam from August 1 through October 31.

   • Yakama Nation tributary fisheries from August 1 through December 31.

6. 635-023-0130

   Columbia River Recreational Fall-Season Salmon/Steelhead Regulations

   Adopted: 7/31/2025 Effective Date: 8/1/2025 through 12/31/2025

   This amended rule sets the Columbia River recreational salmon/steelhead fisheries from August 1 through December 31. This rule also closes angling in portions of the mainstem Columbia River adjacent to the mouths of Eagle Creek and the Deschutes River, and that portion of Herman Creek and Lagoon within the Columbia River Zone through September 15.

7. 635-017-0090

   Allow Use of Two-Rod Validation Upstream of Willamette Falls in Certain Areas

   Adopted: 7/31/2025 Effective Date: 8/1/2025 through 12/31/2025

   This amended rule will allow use of two rods while angling in specific areas of the Willamette Zone upstream of Willamette Falls that are open to the retention of coho salmon.

8. 635-042-0145, 635-042-0160, 635-042-0170, 635-042-0180

   Set Select Area Fall-Season Commercial Fisheries

   Adopted: 7/31/2025 Effective Date: 8/1/2025 through 12/31/2025

   These rules implement the 2025 fall-season Select Area commercial fisheries in Youngs Bay, Blind Slough/Knappa Slough, Tongue Point/South Channel, and Deep River.Modifications are consistent with actions taken by the Departments of Fish and Wildlife for the States of Oregon and Washington at a Columbia River Compact hearing on July 23.

9. 635-021-0090

   Modifications to the Thief Valley Reservoir in the Southeast Zone

   Adopted: 7/31/2025 Effective Date: 8/1/2025 through 9/30/2025

   Effective August 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025, minimum and maximum size limits, as well as the daily and possession bag limits for rainbow trout and bass are suspended for the SE Zone water body known as Thief Valley Reservoir located in Union County, Oregon. Harvest will be allowed by hand, dip net, or angling. A person with a valid Two-Rod Validation may use any number of rods.

10. 635-042-0010, 625-042-0031

    Set Mainstem Columbia River Fall-Season Commercial Fisheries

    Adopted: 7/31/2025 Effective Date: 8/4/2025 through 10/31/2025

    These rules implement 2025 fall-season Columbia River mainstem (early-fall gillnet, pound net, and seine) fisheries. The following fisheries are addressed by these rules: Columbia River Early Fall (Zones 4-5), beach and purse seine (Zones 1-3), and pound net (Zones 1-2).

11. 635-039-0090

    Inclusions and Modifications

    Adopted: 8/7/2025 Effective Date: 8/8/2025 through 10/26/2025

    This amended rule corrects the recreational bag limits and harvest limits for the bottomfish fisheries, including the long-leader fishery. Modifications are consistent with actions taken by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on December 13, 2024.

12. 635-039-0085

    Halibut Seasons

    Adopted: 8/11/2025 Effective Date: 8/11/2025 through 9/30/2025

    This amended rule will authorize opening the Columbia River subarea all-depth fishery Sundays through Fridays August 16 through September 30 only (closed on Saturdays). If the quota is attained prior to the season end date, that subarea may close early if other subareas are projected to reach or exceed their allocation.

13. 635-041-0075

    Fall Salmon Seasons

    Adopted: 8/13/2025 Effective Date: 8/18/2025 through 12/31/2025

    These amended rules authorize the sales of fish caught in Zone 6 treaty commercial gillnet fisheries. Open fishing periods are from August 18 through August 21, August 25 through August 30, and September 1 through September 6. Modifications are consistent with actions taken by the Departments of Fish and Wildlife for the States of Oregon and Washington at a Columbia River Compact hearing on August 12.

14. 635-039-0090

    Inclusions and Modifications

    Adopted: 8/13/2025 Effective Date: 8/18/2025 through 10/26/2025

    This rule reduces the recreational bag limit from five fish per angler to four fish per angler for the traditional bottom fish fishery, as harvest limits for both black rockfish and canary rockfish are projected to be exceeded if the bag limit remains at five fish. A bag limit reduction from five to four during the month of August decreases the risk of (1) an early season closure or (2) a three-fish bag limit. During the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on December 13, 2024, staff cautioned that an in-season bag limit reduction could be necessary based on pre-season models and lower harvest limits for both black rockfish and canary rockfish.

COMMISSION UPDATES

No Commission Action: Informational Only

OTHER BUSINESS

 

PUBLIC FORUM

This part of the agenda is for comments of any topic except those related to exhibits involving rulemaking or Commission approval listed elsewhere on this agenda.

Please REGISTER with the ODFW Director's Office before 8:00 AM, Wednesday, August 13 (at least 48 hours prior to the meeting) to be included in the public forum.

Changing Oregon's classification of Opossum to remove them from the invasive species list

Jany Gonzalez
Jeanine Comstock
Jonathan Schalck
Loren
Meagan Kemp

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Public Correspondence

EXHIBIT A: COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

The Commission will be asked to approve draft Commission meeting minutes from June 13 and July 11, 2025.

Commission Action: Approval of Minutes

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• June 13 Minutes (DRAFT)
• July 11 Minutes (DRAFT)

EXHIBIT B: 2025 SAGE-GROUSE CONTROLLED HUNT PERMIT NUMBERS

The Commission will be asked to approve sage grouse permit numbers for 2025

Commission Action: Rulemaking

• Mikal Cline, Upland Game Bird Coordinator
• Skyler Vold, Sage Grouse Conservation Coordinator

Submit written comments on this agenda item Here

Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover
• Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing and FIS_Filed 6-24-25
• Attachment 3_ Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Attachment 4_ Public Correspondence
• Supplemental Public Correspondence_8-8-2025
• Exhibit B_Supplemental Public Correspondence_8-15-25
• Presentation

EXHIBIT C: AMEND RULES REGULATING THE IMPORTATION, POSSESSION, CONFINEMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND SALE OF NON-NATIVE WILDLIFE

The Commission will be asked to approve amendments to rules regulating the importation, possession, confinement, transportation and sale of non-native wildlife.

Commission Action: Rulemaking

• Keith DeHart, Invasive Species & Wildlife Integrity Coordinator

Public Comment period for this agenda item ended June 20, 2025

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and FIS_Filed_4-24-2025
• Attachment 3 - Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Attachment 4_ Response to Comments
• Attachment 5_Public Correspondence Received to 6-20-25
• Presentation

ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS

Award Presentation begins at 11:00 AM

• Debbie Colbert, Director
• Mary Wahl, Commission Chair

Individual Awards

Andrew Meyers
Claresa Roberson
Luis Escobar
Jorden Smith
Jacob Dittel
Eric Hammonds
Darrell Griffiths
Beth Quillian
Lynn Mattes

Director's Choice Individual Award

Aubree Perrenoud

Manager Mentor

Cameron Sharpe

DEI Award (Diversity Equity and Inclusion)

Gway Rogers-Kirchner

Team Award: Mule Deer Management Plan revision TEAM

Josh Smith
Don Whittaker
Darren Clark
Colin Gillin
Jeremy Thompson
Philip Milburn
Derek Broman
Joy Lovett
Camilla Kennedy
Michelle Dennehy
Adam Baylor
Bob Swingle
Yvonne Shaw

Team Award: WHART - Oregon Wildlife Human Attack Response Team

Jennifer Ringo
Steve Niemela
Paul Atwood
Phillip Perrine
Mathew Vargas
Jamie Bowles
Colin Gillin
Brian Wolfer
Sgt Ryan Tague (OSP)
Lt Tim Schwartz (OSP)
Dana Drenner
Adam Baylor

Directors Choice TEAM: Hatchery Resiliency Team

Scott Patterson
Chris Lorion
Shaun Clements

Dave Liscia: (for our Volunteer)

Suzanne Linford and Bend Chapter Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) - Protect Animal Migration Project, Rex Parks Chapter President

Landowner Steward

Dry Fly Management Co / Redside Restoration
Project Ryder Redfield

EXHIBIT D: STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL

The Commission will be asked to approve revisions to Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan.

Commission Action: Approval

• Dr. Carolyn Eckrich, State Wildlife Action Plan Revision Coordinator
• Emily VanWyk, Wildlife Diversity Program Coordinator

Submit written comments on this agenda item Here

Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_2025_Executive Summary
• Attachment 3a Overview
• Attachment 3b Key Conservation Issues
• Attachment 3c Ecoregions
• Attachment 3d Conservation Opportunity Area Methodology
• Attachment 3e Key Habitats
• Attachment 3f Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Attachment 3g Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Species of Greatest Information Need spreadsheet (xlsx)
• Attachment 3h Monitoring
• Attachment 3i The Conservation Toolbox
• Attachment 4_Eight Required Elements
• Attachment 5 Public Correspondence_7.31.2025
• Attachment 5_Public Correspondence_SWAP_Complete Record_8-15-25
• Exhibit D_Supplemental Public Correspondence_8-15-25
• Presentation

EXHIBIT E: SOUTHERN RESIDENT ORCA ENDANGERED SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLANS

The Commission will be asked to adopt Endangered Species Management Plans for Southern Resident Orcas.

Commission Action: Approval

• Howard Takata, Southern Resident Orca Conservation Coordinator
• John North, Fish Division Deputy Administrator
• Mike Brown, Marine Mammal Program Leader

Submit written comments on this agenda item Here

Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment_2 Survival Guidelines
• Attachment 3a_ODFW SRO Endangered Species Management Plan
• Attachment 3b_DSL SRO Endangered Species Management Plan
• Attachment 3c_OPRD SRO Endangered Species Management Plan
• Attachment 4_Conservation Memoranda
• Attachment 5_Public Correspondence as of 07.28.25
• Supplemental Public Correspondence as of 7.29.25
• Supplemental Public Correspondence as of 8.13.25
• Presentation

EXHIBIT F: 2025 REGULATIONS FOR WILD COHO SALMON IN OREGON COASTAL STREAMS

The Commission will be asked to adopt rules establishing 2025 wild coho retention fisheries in Oregon coastal streams.

Commission Action: Rulemaking

• Cassandra Leeman, Salmon Fisheries Analyst
• John North, Deputy Fish Division Administrator

Submit written comments on this agenda item Here

Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_Notice of Proposed Rulemaking_Amended Regs 2025 Coho Salmon Oregon Coastal Streams_Filed 6-25-25
• Attachment 3_Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Attachment 4_Coastal Rivers and Lakes Wild Coho Fisheries_2024 report and 2025 proposal_final_6.24.25
• Attachment 5 Public Correspondence as of 7.29.25
• Supplemental Public Correspondence as of 8.11.25
• Supplemental Public Correspondence as of 8.13.25
• Presentation

EXHIBIT G: PRIVATE FOREST ACCORD RULE REVISION

The Commission will be asked to approve the Department Staff recommendation for amending the PFA Grant Program Administrative Rules.

Commission Action: Rulemaking

• Andrew Spyrka. Private Forest Accord Grant Coordinator

Submit written comments on this agenda item Here

Public Testimony: 48-hour Advance REGISTER required for virtual participation.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

• Cover Page
• Attachment 1_Agenda Item Summary
• Attachment 2_Notice of Proposed Rulemaking_PFA_Filed 6-24-25
• Attachment 3_Draft Oregon Administrative Rules
• Attachment 4_Public Correspondence
• Supplemental Public Correspondence as of 8.12.25
• Presentation

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Commission will meet in executive session to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection, and to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed as authorized by ORS 192.660 (2)(f) and (2)(h).

ADJOURN