(SALEM, OR) — ODFW is accepting public comment until Nov. 11 on agenda items the Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider at their Dec. 11 meeting in Salem.
Proposed 2027 groundfish regulations are on the agenda. While most are similar to those in 2026, one proposal could mark a historic milestone for Oregon fisheries. Following decades of recovery efforts, yelloweye rockfish were recently declared rebuilt, opening the door to limited recreational and commercial harvest opportunities for the first time in more than 20 years. Learn more.
Another proposal would add approximately 255 acres to the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area, creating a continuous stretch of publicly accessible land on both sides of the Deschutes River from river mile 17.5 to mile 14.
Comment on these and other proposals using the links embedded with each agenda item provided on the December meeting agenda page. The deadline to submit written comments is Nov. 11 at 8 a.m.
Public testimony will be accepted at the Dec. 11 meeting, both in-person and remotely. Individuals wishing to provide virtual testimony must register no later than 48 hours before the meeting (by 8 a.m. on Dec. 9). To provide in-person testimony, sign up online or using the forms provided at the meeting. The deadline to register to speak in public forum for issues not on the agenda is also 48 hours before the meeting
ODFW and the Commission recently implemented an earlier written comment deadline to give staff adequate time to thoroughly review public input and incorporate feedback into proposed rules when appropriate. The earlier deadline also gives Commissioners, who serve as volunteers, adequate time to consider public input before they are asked to take action at meetings.
Issues the Commission will consider on Dec. 11:
Groundfish regulations and nearshore logbook requirements
The Commission will consider regulations for nearshore groundfish species (incl. rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod) to remain consistent with federal management. Most proposed regulations would remain unchanged from 2026. Notable proposed changes include:
- Allowing retention of one yelloweye rockfish during May in the recreational fishery and limited commercial fishing for yelloweye rockfish.
- Increasing the commercial nearshore fishery’s bimonthly cabezon vessel limit from 2,000 pounds to 2,500 pounds.
Commercial subtidal (dive) bay clam fishery closure in Yaquina Bay
The Commission will consider closing the commercial subtidal (dive) bay clam fishery in Yaquina Bay after a spring 2026 survey found a significant decline in subtidal gaper clam biomass in the commercial harvest area compared to a 2019 survey. There are 10 limited entry coast-wide permits in this fishery and there has been modest to no subtidal harvest in Yaquina Bay since 2018.
Recreation and Enhancement Board appointments and project funding
The Commission will consider funding for 10 projects recommended by the Recreation and Enhancement (R&E) Board and appoint a representative of ocean and inland recreational fishing interests to the board. The R&E Program funds fish restoration and enhancement projects that increase recreational fishing opportunities throughout Oregon.
Access and Habitat Program appointments and project funding
The Commission will consider modifications to funding for 10 previously approved projects and appoint a landowner representative and a hunter representative to the Access and Habitat (A&H) Board. The A&H Program supports hunter access and wildlife habitat improvement projects on private lands.
Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund project funding
The Commission will consider approval of funding recommended by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund Board for a habitat connectivity project near Mount Ashland that would plant native trees and shrubs to benefit wildlife.
Purchase of land adjacent to the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area
The Commission will consider the purchase of approximately 255 acres adjacent to the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area. The property is a privately owned inholding surrounded by public lands and represents one of the few remaining private parcels along this section of the Deschutes River. If approved, the acquisition would create a continuous stretch of publicly accessible land on both sides of the river from river mile 17.5 to mile 14. The property would be managed as wildlife habitat using existing ODFW staff and resources.
Funding for the purchase would come from the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and revenue generated through the sale of bighorn sheep auction and raffle tags. The area supports one of Oregon’s largest bighorn sheep herds, which are frequently observed by those floating the river.
During the Dec. 11 meeting, an executive session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection, as well as to consult with legal counsel concerning legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed as authorized by ORS 192.660(2)(h). The executive session is closed to the public. Members of the press should contact ODFW’s Director’s Office for instructions on how to join the session.
ODFW provides reasonable accommodation upon request for meetings, including assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, and materials in large print or audiotape. To request accommodation, please contact the Director’s office at (503) 947-6044 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
