The Fish and Wildlife Commission appoints the seven-member Restoration and Enhancement Board to study potential projects and make recommendations for project funding. The R&E Board consists of citizens from around the state that represent commercial fishing (3 positions), sports interests (3 positions) and the public (one position).
The board meets quarterly to review and recommend proposals to the ODFW Commission for funding approval.
The R&E Board recommends a balance between restoration and enhancement type projects as well as ensures recommended projects benefit sport and commercial fisheries. As part of the review process, the Board holds public meetings at least every 120 days throughout the state seeking public comment on projects being proposed. The Restoration and Enhancement Program (R&E) is a grant program that provides $4-6,000,000 per biennium to fishery projects throughout Oregon.
Projects recommended by the R&E Board will be forwarded to the Commission for review and final approval.
Steve Janego
Recreational Fisheries Representative
First term expires January 1, 2030
Steve Janego grew up enjoying fishing and hunting adventures grounded in a deep respect and appreciation for our natural
resources thanks to his dad. Retirement brought the opportunity to “pass-it-on” to his son & daughter and give back for
all the fishing and hunting experiences enjoyed with family and friends along the way. Steve is a current Angler
Education instructor, and Steve also served 8 years as the Eastern Oregon representative for the Salmon & Trout Advisory
Committee. Steve has a deep admiration for ODFW Volunteers who give their time to ensure current and future generations
of Oregonians experience the joy and wonders of our fisheries across the state.
Winter Rhodes
Public-at-Large Representative
First term expires December 31, 2028
From microchips to mountains, Winter's passion for the outdoors has guided his career. After 20 years as a researcher at Intel, he founded The Gearless to share his love of outdoor activities with non-traditional athletes. A native Northwesterner and 25-year Tigard resident, Winter also gives back to the community as an ODFW instructor in hunter education and angling. He embraces every facet of the outdoors, from exploring its wonders to sharing his knowledge.
Troy Laws is a commercial gillnetter, avid outdoorsman, and a retired Oregon Fish & Wildlife biologist, experienced in fish and wildlife management. A lifetime Oregonian, Troy resides with his wife Debbie along the Necanicum River near Seaside, Oregon and has been involved with various aspects of the R&E program since its inception in 1989. Troy advocates for equitable use and wise management of our natural resources.
Tom VanderPlaat
Recreational Fisheries Representative
First term expires December 16th, 2026
Tom VanderPlaat is an avid outdoors person and he has provided many years of leadership in fish and fishing issues and policies. Tom has served as both President and Co-President for the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, which is one of the longest standing fish and conservation organizations in Oregon. He served on the ODFW Salmon Trout Advisory Committee (STAC) for eight years and held the position of STAC Chair for two years. As an active ODFW volunteer, he enjoys helping with various ODFW projects and programs, including youth and veteran fishing events, fish eggs to fry, carcass stream enrichment, hatchery improvements, boat ramp repairs, brood-stock collection, and various other fish related projects.
Brett Montague has been a commercial fisherman for over 10 years, owning his own Troller, the F/V Jo El, since 2018. He is also an active sports fisherman for all types of fish and enjoys the myriad access that Oregon allows. He is deeply concerned with the health and wellness of all Oregon’s fisheries, both sport and commercial and believes that having the next generation's voice in the conversation is integral to a sustainable future.
Fred Cholick Recreational Fisheries Representative
First time expires December 15th, 2027
Fred A. Cholick has been an avid sportsman his entire life. He was born and raised on Sauvie Island and spent many days hunting and fishing with his dad. Fred's dad instilled in him a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for conservation. He has bachelor's degrees from Oregon State University and master's and PhD from Colorado State University. After retiring from Kansas State University, he moved to Bend, Oregon. Over the last 9 years he has been involved with Central Oregon Flyfishers, serving as the youth coordinator, and is currently serving as president. In addition, he volunteers with ODFW, specifically the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP).
Tim VonSeggern
Commercial Fisheries Representative
First term expires January 1, 2030
Tim lives in the Northern Oregon Coastal town of Nehalem, and for the last 25 years he has owned and operated a commercial salmon gill net boat on the lower Columbia River. Prior to being a commercial fisherman, Tim spent his youth growing up around the ODFW hatchery system, and from a young age he developed a strong connection to multiple hatcheries in Oregon. Tim believes maintaining hatchery infrastructure and improving public fishing sites to provide handicap and ADA access for mobility impaired individuals is a high priority.
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE :: Salem, OR 97302 :: Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW [6339]
Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov
Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? Contact 503-947-6000 or click here.
