[ODFW-News] Commission rules on contested wildlife cases

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife  
Contact: Brad Wurfel  (503) 947-6020 
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
 
For Immediate Release Friday, May 12, 2006
 
Commission rules on contested wildlife cases 
 
BURNS - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today took final action
on two contested cases involving wildlife. 
 
The first case involved Melanie Smith, a Salem-area wildlife
rehabilitator who petitioned the Commission for reinstatement of her
rehabilitation permit. Department staff proposed to revoke her permit
because she refused to comply with ODFW's conditions within her permit
on releasing wildlife under her care. The Commission unanimously upheld
the Department's proposed revocation. 
 
The second case involved the Wildlife Violator Compact, a multi-state
agreement that prohibits individuals convicted of wildlife violations in
other states from fishing and hunting in their home states. 
 
This is the first case filed for appeal since the Wildlife Violator
Compact was formed by Oregon, Washington and Nevada in 1989. The Compact
now includes all western states, as well as many Midwestern states and a
few in the Eastern U.S. 
 
Three Oregon residents convicted of wildlife violations in Idaho were
served notice by ODFW in 2005 of the department's intent to suspend
their hunting privileges. The respondents appealed the department's
recommendation for suspension to an Oregon administrative law judge, who
upheld the department's recommendation. The Commission today accepted
the administrative law judge's recommendation and suspended their
hunting licenses. 
 
"The Wildlife Violator Compact is an important tool to strengthen
wildlife laws," said Commission Chair Marla Rae. "We want all Oregonians
to participate in hunting and fishing, as a lifestyle to be enjoyed at
home and abroad, but this case should serve as a reminder to everyone to
obey game laws no matter where you are."
 
The Commission also took action today on a petition to remove American
and Arctic peregrine falcons from the state endangered species list.
Peregrine falcons are found worldwide, and are prized among birdwatchers
and those who hunt with raptors. They were removed from the federal
Endangered Species List in 1999.
 
Commissioners determined that the petition presents enough scientific
evidence to warrant beginning the process to delist both species. The
process will include agency and public involvement, and peer review of
the science presented. 
 
In other Commission news, ODFW Wildlife Division staff presented draft
plans for managing the state's 12 wildlife areas. 
 
Oregon's wildlife area management plans were originally developed in
1993. Management issues are unique to each wildlife area. Managers are
working to develop broad goals and specific objectives, as well as
actions and strategies to address those issues in each plan.
 
The plans are drafted to guide wildlife area managers for the next
decade. Department specialists will present the plans three at a time,
starting with Elkhorn, Ken Denman and and P.W. Schneider. They will be
available for public comment throughout the summer and are slated for
final approval in October. 
 
The Commission is the policy making body for fish and wildlife issues in
Oregon. The seven-member panel meets monthly. The next regular
Commission meeting is June 8-9 in Salem.
 
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