ODFW’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee will meet in Central Point on Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22

The meeting will be held at the ODFW Central Point Office located at 1495 E Gregory Rd. The agenda is available at dfw.state.or.us/fish/step/docs/2017/9-2017%20STAC%20Mtg%20Agenda%20public.pdf

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled to run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The agenda includes STEP program planning, review of mini-grant applications, and review of three propagation proposals. Two of these proposals (Indian Creek Hatchery and the Gardiner-Reedsport Winchester Bay hatchery) are up for renewal and there is also one new proposal to raise trout at the Gardiner-Reedsport Winchester Bay hatchery.

Any STEP project that rears fish for release (including egg incubation) must be approved by ODFW. The proposals are available for public review on the ODFW website at dfw.state.or.us/fish/STEP/ Members of the public will be able to comment on the proposals at the meeting or in writing. Written responses must be received by Sept. 18.

Friday’s meeting will include a tour of various local STEP projects from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. To join the tour meet at the ODFW Central Point office (1495 E Gregory Rd) at 8:00 a.m. Members of the public joining the tour must provide their own transportation and lunch.

The Oregon Legislature created the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program in 1981 to provide a way for volunteers to participate in the restoration of native stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout. The STEP Advisory Committee makes recommendations to ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission on issues regarding its programs. The committee’s 13 members are appointed by the Governor and represent all areas of Oregon.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the Information and Education Division at (800) 720-6339 or (503) 947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

For more information on the Salmon Trout Enhancement Program visit the ODFW Web site at dfw.state.or.us/fish/STEP/ or call program staff at (503) 947-6211.