Update: May 22 2023

House Bill 3086, the bill to Restructure the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, continues to move through the legislative process.  On May 23 it will be considered by the House Rules Committee and needs a “do pass recommendation” before it can progress to the House floor.  An amendment to the current bill would ensure two at-large commissioners would come from different river basins.  This is a favorable amendment that provides better regional representation for previously underrepresented groups.

Support for HB3086-7 has continued to grow.  The House Rules Committee needs to know groups other sportsmen see this as an improvement to the current method of appointing commissioners.  These groups include the:

• Six Oregon Tribes:  Coquille Indian Tribe, Cow Cree Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Burns Paiute Tribe, and Confederated Tribe of Grand Ronde
• Oregon Legislative Coastal Caucus
• Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus
• Bipartisan support: Eight Democrats have joined 15 Republicans as sponsors. 

ASK:  Please pass HB 3806-7 with a “do pass’ recommendation to the House floor. 

The Bill - HB3086

Oregon Hunters Association and numerous other organizations are supporting this bill as written or amendment #2.  

Following the 2020 census, Oregon was granted an additional congressional seat.  This requires a revision to the current Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, which previously drew its commissioners from each of the five districts and two at large members.  This is an opportunity to restructure the Commission based on regional representation instead of aligning it based on population.  

Regional representation based on the five river basin management areas provides a more equitable and diverse representation of the state.  The other two commissioners would be appointed at large, one from each side of the Cascades.  Regional representation has precedent with the Oregon Water Resources Commission and has provided equitable advocacy regarding the imperative issues surrounding water policy.  Realigning the Fish and Wildlife Commission would do the same when applied to wildlife and habitat management policies.

Amy Patrick of the Oregon Hunters Association supports this approach: “A regional representation model ensures that all of Oregon’s natural resources, wildlife, and habitat needs are included in a truly diverse and equitable Commission structure. This ensures the best management decisions for Oregon’s wildlife, habitat, and the public at large.”

The qualifications of commissioners need to be a continuing concern.  A background in natural resources, as well as being appointed by the governor, and confirmed by the Senate all ensure that varied interests and stakeholders are the make up of Oregon’s commissioners.  Environmental groups want the current statute to remain in place, keeping the decision making power centralized in population areas that have far less interaction with regional issues.  

State Wildlife Agency Commissions around the country have continued to have issues.

CONTACT:  The House Committee on Rules to pass HB 3806-7 with a “do pass’ recommendation to the House floor.

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