Access & Habitat program seeks regional council members

February 20, 2013

SALEM, Ore.—The Access & Habitat Program is looking to fill several regional council positions. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2013.

Individuals living in the appropriate region (see map) with an interest and experience in hunting and/or wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply.

Applications are available online (see Regional Advisory Council Membership Application ) and due at the corresponding regional office by March 4, 2013.

Council vacancies

Deschutes/Klamath Council
One Landowner and One Hunter Representative
Contact Larry Pecenka in Bend for more information (541-388-6363)

Malheur Council
Two Landowner and Two Hunter Representatives
Contact Tom Segal in Ontario for more information (541-573-6582)

Northeast Council:
Two Landowner Representatives
Contact Jon Paustian in La Grande for more information (541-962-1838)

N. Willamette Council:
One Landowner Representative
Contact Dave Nuzum in Tillamook for more information (503-842-2741)

These are volunteer positions and duties include participation in up to four public meetings each year to review A&H project proposals and conduct other council business. Meetings may require some travel to various communities in the region. Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively with landowners, sportsmen's groups, ODFW staff, and representatives of other government agencies to facilitate the A&H Program.

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1993, the A&H Program is funded primarily by a $4 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants awarded to individual and corporate landowners, conservation organizations, and others to cooperatively fund wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects in the state.

There are six regional A&H advisory councils within Oregon that serve as the initial review body for A&H grant proposals submitted within their region. The state A&H Board provides the next level of review, taking into account the advisory council’s recommendations. Approved projects are then forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for final review and funding approval. Each advisory council is composed of seven members, including three Landowner Representatives, three Hunter Representatives, and one Public-at-Large representative, who also serves as the council Chair.