[ODFW-News] ODFW urges proper disposal of angling line and tackle

[ODFW News]

For Immediate Release Thursday, March 23, 2006

ODFW urges proper disposal of angling line and tackle
 
SALEM - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today announced
the expansion of a program that provides streamside recycling stations
for collecting discarded fishing line and tackle. 
 
Fishing line breaks down slowly, and if discarded in lakes or streams or
left on the banks it can entangle small animals and birds, especially
waterfowl. Discarded line and tackle also can present a safety hazard to
anglers, boaters, and others who enjoy Oregon's lakes and streams.
 
The angling line and tackle collection program started in 2004 with 26
collection stations in six major stream basins including the Sandy,
North Santiam, Salmon, Rogue, North Umpqua and Crooked rivers. Anglers
are encouraged to use the stations for proper disposal of monofilament
line, fluorocarbon leaders, lines, lead weights and lures.
 
Volunteers with the ODFW Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program help build
and install the stations, maintain them, and process the collected line
and tackle. In 2005, STEP received an $8,143 grant from the ODFW Fish
Restoration and Enhancement Program to construct and place an additional
50 collection stations at popular angling locations throughout Oregon.
 
"Because of this program's success, particularly with reducing the
amount of discarded fishing line around rivers and lakes, the
Legislature recently made it a permanent ODFW program," said STEP
Coordinator Gary Galovich. "The expanded program also creates the need
for more volunteers."
 
Interested volunteers should call Galovich at 503-947-6232 or contact
local ODFW offices and ask to speak with the area STEP biologist.
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