Public-at-large representatives sought for Access and Habitat Program Northeast Regional Advisory Council

May 21, 2012

SALEM, Ore. — ODFW is seeking a Public-at-Large representative for the Access and Habitat Program's Northeast Regional Advisory Council. The Public-at-Large representative also serves as advisory council chair.

Individuals living in northeastern Oregon with an interest and experience in hunting, forestry, farming, ranching and/or wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. 

Applications are due at the La Grande ODFW office by June 4, 2012. For more information or for application materials contact Jon Paustian at (541) 962-1838.

This is a volunteer position and duties include participation in about four public meetings per year to review A&H project proposals and conduct other council business. Meetings may require some travel to various northeastern Oregon communities. Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively with landowners, sportsmen's groups, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, sport groups, 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.

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