[ODFW-News] ODFW seeks volunteers for Access and Habitat Program

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	
For Immediate Release	Tuesday, July 22, 2003

ODFW seeks volunteers for Access and Habitat Board and local advisory councils


PORTLAND - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking applicants for volunteer positions on its Access and Habitat Program state board and regional advisory councils.  

The Access and Habitat Program distributes grants to individuals, corporate landowners and conservation organizations for wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects throughout the state. The program was created in 1993 and is funded by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses.

The board and six regional advisory councils each are composed of seven citizens including three hunter representatives, three landowner representatives and one at-large member who also serves as chair.

Advisory council members review grant proposals from their regions and forward recommendations to the state board. The board reviews them and forwards recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for final grant approval.  State board members also review program policies and make recommendations for auction and raffle hunt tags. Board and advisory council members meet 3-4 times a year to conduct A&H business.

The board currently has vacancies for two landowner positions and one hunter position. In addition, vacancies exist for one landowner representative on the North Willamette advisory council; the chair and one landowner representative on the Deschutes-Klamath advisory council; and the chair, one hunter representative, and one landowner representative on the Southwest advisory council.

Applications for the state board openings must be received by Oct. 1, 2003. Applications for the council positions must be received by Oct. 15, 2003.

To receive a membership application or more information on the A&H Program, please contact program coordinator Susan Barnes at (503) 872-5260, Ext. 5349.  
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528