Washington and Oregon seek nominations for Columbia River fishing advisory groups

OLYMPIA – Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon are seeking nominations for advisors to fill positions on the recreational and commercial advisory groups that provide input on fishing seasons on the Columbia River.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are accepting nominations for appointees to three-year terms on the Columbia River Commercial Fishing Advisory Group and Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group through Nov. 3, 2023. The new terms begin in January 2024 and end in December 2026.

The two groups meet two to four times per year to develop recommendations for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and smelt fisheries. The recreational advisory group focuses on recreational fisheries jointly managed by Washington/Oregon from Buoy 10 upstream to Highway 395 at Pasco. The commercial advisory group focuses on lower Columbia River commercial fisheries (mainstem and Select Areas). Members are expected to participate within the North of Falcon season-setting process for salmon fisheries, Columbia River Compact/Joint State hearings and advisory group meetings.

“These advisory groups provide an important connection between the public and the states of Washington and Oregon in order to provide fishing opportunities,” said Ryan Lothrop, the WDFW Columbia River fishery manager. 

Up to 20 applicants from Washington and Oregon will be chosen for each advisory group, representing a wide array of fishing interests. Learn more about the Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group and the Commercial Fishing Advisory Group.

Advisors will be selected based on their fishery experience, willingness to engage in the management process, geographic and diverse affiliation representation, and their ability to communicate with fishery managers and other organizations.

Individuals may self-apply or be nominated by a group or another individual; nominees must be willing to serve if selected. All nominations should be accompanied by a resume for the nominee that includes the following:

• Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of nominee, and if applicable the individual or organization submitting the nomination.
• Description/listing of which Columbia River Basin fisheries (area and season) the nominee participates in, including the number of years the nominee has participated in each. Please note which fisheries are of specific interest.
• Reasons the nominee wants to serve as an advisor.
• Description of how the nominee intends to communicate information with other constituents in their local areas.
• Affiliations to fishery-related organizations and/or guides/charters.

Nominations for Washington residents can be submitted by mail to WDFW Region 5 Ridgefield Office, 5525 South 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642, or fax at 360-906-6776, or email to myrtice.dobler@dfw.wa.gov.

Nominations for Oregon residents can be submitted by mail to ODFW, 17330 S.E. Evelyn Street, Clackamas, OR 97015, or fax at 971-673-6072, or email to crista.a.gortmaker@odfw.oregon.gov.

Nominations must be received no later than Nov. 3, 2023.

Compensation and reimbursements available

Advisory groups are a unique opportunity for people to share their knowledge and expertise with the Department. To reduce barriers for people to engage, WDFW offers compensation for advisory group members’ time and reimbursements for childcare, adult care, lodging, meals, and mileage.

WDFW is following guidance developed by the Office of Equity to provide compensation for Washington residents who self-attest to one of the following:

• A person has direct personal experience in the subject matter being addressed in the advisory group.
• Individual has income not more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size.

Washington residents who serve on advisory groups in a professional role and are otherwise compensated for their involvement are not eligible for WDFW compensation. Compensation rates range from $45 for one hour to $200 maximum per day. Reimbursement rates are available on the Office of Financial Management’s website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.