TITLE 41
WILDLIFE
Chapter 496. Application, Administration and Enforcement
Of
Wildlife Laws
497. Licenses and Permits
498. Hunting, Angling and Trapping Regulations;
Miscellaneous Wildlife Protective Measures
501. Refuges and Closures _______________
Application,
Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Law
2011 EDITION
s
ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT OF
WILDLIFE LAWS
WILDLIFE
GENERAL PROVISIONS
496.002 Short
title
496.004 Definitions
496.007 “Game
bird” defined
496.009 “Game
fish” defined
496.012 Wildlife
policy
496.016 Applicability
of wildlife laws to commercial fishing laws
496.018 Person
with disability under wildlife laws
STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
WILDLIFE; COMMISSION; DIRECTOR; DUTIES AND POWERS GENERALLY
496.080 State
Department of Fish and Wildlife
496.085 Fish
Screening Task Force; qualifications of members; duties
496.090 State
Fish and Wildlife Commission; members; terms; qualifications; compensation and
expenses
496.108 Commission
officers; quorum; meetings
496.112 State
Fish and Wildlife Director; term; compensation and expenses; delegation of
commission powers to director
496.116 Delegation
of rulemaking authority to director; requirements
496.118 Duties
and powers of director
496.121 Authority
of department to require fingerprints
496.124 Fish
Division; Wildlife Division; authority
496.128 Reports
by commission
496.138 General
duties and powers; rulemaking authority; hearing prior to budget request to
Governor
496.141 Fish
screening program report
496.146 Additional
powers of commission; rules; fees; penalties
496.151 Allocation
of nonresident tags for outfitters and guides
496.154 Limitation
on authority to condemn certain farm use property
496.156 Expenditure
priority for anadromous fish management
496.162 Establishing
seasons, amounts and manner of taking wildlife; rules
496.164 Cooperation
with public and private agencies for fish and wildlife management; technical
information and policy recommendations; use of recommendations by state
agencies
496.166 Citizen
involvement for wildlife management on private lands
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
SPECIES
496.171 Definitions
for ORS 496.171 to 496.182; applicability date
496.172 Commission
management authority for threatened or endangered species; rules
496.176 Listing
species; procedure; matters to be considered; periodic review
496.182 Protection
and conservation programs; compliance by state agencies; rules
496.192 Effect
of law on commercial forestland or other private land; effect on other laws
SALMON FOR INDIAN CEREMONIES
496.201 Department
to furnish salmon for ceremonies; amount; source
496.206 Written
request for salmon; contents; time for providing salmon
496.211 Limitation
on amount and use
496.216 Disposition
of salmon remaining after ceremony
496.221 ORS
496.201 to 496.221 not intended to extend Indian legal or political rights
ACCESS AND HABITAT BOARD
496.228 Access
and Habitat Board; qualification of members; expenses; term; meetings
496.232 Board
to make program recommendations; commission approval; report; fund expenditure
qualifications; gifts and grants
496.236 Advisory
councils to board; duties; no compensation or expenses for members
496.242 Access
and habitat program funds
HUNTING ON PUBLIC LANDS
496.246 Use
of public lands for hunting; requirements regarding closure of access to public
lands; exceptions
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
496.270 Immunity
from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement
project; exceptions
FISH RESOURCE PROTECTION, RESTORATION
AND ENHANCEMENT
(Salmon)
496.275 Salmon
resource protection and restoration; review of public and private production
facilities; approval of production facilities by department
(All Fisheries)
496.280 Findings
496.283 Use
of moneys from surcharges; limitations on expenditures
496.286 Restoration
and Enhancement Board
496.289 Duties
of board; report to legislature; recommendations for programs
496.291 Advisory
councils; recommendations to board; consultation with councils
PILOT PROGRAM FOR LANDOWNER PREFERENCE
TAGS
(Temporary provisions relating to pilot
program for landowner preference tags are compiled as notes following ORS
496.291)
STATE WILDLIFE FUND; RECEIPTS AND
EXPENDITURES
496.300 State
Wildlife Fund; sources; uses
496.303 Fish
and Wildlife Account; sources; subaccounts; uses
496.306 Compensation
for damage done by bear and cougar not to be paid from State Wildlife Fund
496.311 Limitation
on size of revolving fund
496.340 Payments
to counties in lieu of taxes
NONGAME WILDLIFE
496.375 “Nongame
wildlife” defined
496.380 Designation
of tax refunds to finance program
496.385 Nongame
Wildlife Fund
496.390 Control
over fund by department; use of moneys
SALMON AND TROUT ENHANCEMENT
496.430 Definitions
for ORS 496.430 and 496.435 to 496.455
496.435 Policy
to recover and sustain native stocks
496.440 Enhancement
program to be conducted by commission; objective
496.445 Duties
of commission
496.450 Application
for project; subjects for projects; conditions for approval
496.455 Use
of native stocks for projects; conditions
496.458 Remote
hatchbox program; rules
Note Remote
hatchbox program evaluation in Rogue River basin streams--2009 c.871 §§1,2
496.460 Salmon
and Trout Enhancement Program Advisory Committee; members; duties and powers;
travel and expenses
496.465 Interference
with project prohibited
ADOPTION OF PLANS FOR NATURAL PRODUCTION
OF ANADROMOUS FISH RUNS
496.470 Natural
production of anadromous fish; rules; priorities
496.475 Adoption
of basin plans
496.480 Reports
on basin plans
FISHING TACKLE COLLECTION, DISPOSAL AND
RECYCLING
496.490 Fishing
tackle program
WILDLIFE COOPERATION; FEDERAL WILDLIFE
AID
496.510 Assent
to federal wildlife-restoration statute; duty of commission with regard thereto
496.525 Federal
fish restoration and management aid; powers of commission with regard thereto
MIGRATORY WATERFOWL STAMP
496.550 Migratory
waterfowl stamp; design selection; production of stamps and art works
496.555 Contract
on migratory waterfowl stamp matters
UPLAND BIRD STAMP
496.558 “Upland
bird” defined
496.562 Policy
496.566 Contest
for stamp design; sale of art works; contracts for stamp matters
HABITAT CONSERVATION STAMP
496.571 Habitat
conservation stamp; fees; design selection; production of stamps and art works
WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT
OFFICERS
496.605 Enforcement
of wildlife laws by State Fish and Wildlife Director, deputies and peace
officers
496.610 State
police to enforce wildlife laws; payment of expenses from wildlife fund;
appointment of federal agents
496.615 Commission
employees to supplement state police
496.620 Nonliability
of law enforcement officers
496.630 District
attorneys to prosecute criminal cases; jurisdiction of courts
496.640 Service
of process by law enforcement personnel
496.645 Arrest
without warrant of violators; trial
496.650 Issuance
of citation to violator
496.665 Issuance
of search warrants; places searched; use and disposition of seized property
496.670 Arrests
made on Sunday
496.675 Seizure
without warrant by law enforcement personnel
496.680 Seizure
of unlawful devices and unlawfully taken wildlife; forfeiture; disposition;
repayment of administrative costs
496.690 Possession
of wildlife as evidence of illegal taking
496.695 Counseling,
aiding or sharing in violation
496.700 Investigating
violations; summoning witnesses
496.705 Damage
suits for unlawful killing of wildlife; jurisdiction of courts
496.710 Compelling
testimony in enforcement proceedings
POTENTIALLY HABITUATED WILDLIFE
496.730 Legislative
intent
496.731 Written
notification requiring removal of attractant for potentially habituated
wildlife; exceptions
WILDLIFE LAW VIOLATOR COMPACT
496.750 Wildlife
Law Violator Compact
PERMIT FOR WATER FOR HYDROELECTRIC
PURPOSES
496.815 Definitions
for ORS 496.815 to 496.825
496.820 Permit
or license fee
496.825 Application
fee; exception
496.830 Penalty
fee
496.835 Oregon
Fish and Wildlife Hydroelectric Fund
PENALTIES
496.992 Penalties
496.994 Obstructing
the taking of wildlife prohibited
496.996 Attempts
to take wildlife decoy as unlawful wildlife taking
GENERAL PROVISIONS
496.002 Short title.
ORS chapters 496, 497, 498 and 501 may be cited as the wildlife laws. [1973
c.723 §2]
496.004 Definitions.
As used in the wildlife laws, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1)
“Angle” means to take or attempt to take a fish for personal use by means
involving hook and line.
(2)
“Commission” means the State Fish and Wildlife Commission created by ORS
496.090.
(3)
“Compatible” means capable of existing in harmony so as to minimize conflict.
(4)
“Department” means the State Department of Fish and Wildlife created by ORS
496.080.
(5)
“Director” means the State Fish and Wildlife Director appointed pursuant to ORS
496.112.
(6)
“Endangered species” means:
(a)
Any native wildlife species determined by the commission to be in danger of
extinction throughout any significant portion of its range within this state.
(b)
Any native wildlife species listed as an endangered species pursuant to the
federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as
amended.
(7)
“Fund” means the State Wildlife Fund created by ORS 496.300.
(8)
“Fur-bearing mammal” means beaver, bobcat, fisher, marten, mink, muskrat, otter,
raccoon, red fox and gray fox.
(9)
“Game mammal” means antelope, black bear, cougar, deer, elk, moose, mountain
goat, mountain sheep, silver gray squirrel and gray wolf as a special status
mammal defined by commission rule.
(10)
“Hunt” means to take or attempt to take any wildlife by means involving the use
of a weapon or with the assistance of any mammal or bird.
(11)
“Manage” means to protect, preserve, propagate, promote, utilize and control
wildlife.
(12)
“Optimum level” means wildlife population levels that provide self-sustaining
species as well as taking, nonconsumptive and recreational opportunities.
(13)
“Person with a disability” means a person who complies with the requirement of
ORS 496.018.
(14)
“Shellfish” has the meaning given that term in ORS 506.011.
(15)
“Species” means any species or subspecies of wildlife.
(16)
“Take” means to kill or obtain possession or control of any wildlife.
(17)
“Threatened species” means:
(a)
Any native wildlife species the commission determines is likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout any significant
portion of its range within this state.
(b)
Any native wildlife species listed as a threatened species pursuant to the
federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as
amended.
(18)
“Trap” means to take or attempt to take any wildlife by means involving the use
of a trap, net, snare or other device used for the purpose of capture.
(19)
“Wildlife” means fish, shellfish, amphibians and reptiles, feral swine as
defined by State Department of Agriculture rule, wild birds as defined by
commission rule and other wild mammals as defined by commission rule. [1973
c.723 §3; 1975 c.253 §5; 1977 c.136 §1; 1979 c.399 §1; 1979 c.615 §1a; 1985
c.60 §7; 1987 c.686 §1; 1991 c.67 §148; 1993 c.659 §1; 1999 c.25 §3; 2001 c.125
§1; 2003 c.656 §1; 2007 c.523 §1; 2009 c.778 §1]
496.005
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.006
[Formerly 497.505; 1961 c.343 §1; 1967 c.594 §1; 1971 c.658 §1; repealed by
1973 c.723 §130]
496.007 “Game bird” defined.
As used in the wildlife laws, unless the context requires otherwise, “game bird”
means:
(1)
Those members of the family Anatidae, commonly known as swans, geese, brant and
river and sea ducks.
(2)
Those members of the family Columbidae, commonly known as mourning doves and
bandtailed pigeons.
(3)
Those members of the family Tetranidae, commonly known as grouse, ptarmigan and
prairie chickens.
(4)
Those members of the family Phasianidae, commonly known as pheasants, quail and
partridge.
(5)
Those members of the family Meleagrididae, commonly known as wild turkey.
(6)
Those members of the family Scolopacidae, commonly known as snipe and woodcock.
(7)
Those members of the family Gruidae, commonly known as cranes.
(8)
Those members of the family Rallidae, commonly known as rails, gallinules and
coots. [1973 c.723 §4]
496.008 [1957
c.268 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.009 “Game fish” defined.
As used in the wildlife laws, unless the context requires otherwise, “game fish”
means:
(1)
Those members of the family Salmonidae, commonly known as trout, steelhead,
char, grayling, Atlantic salmon and whitefish.
(2)
Those members of the family Salmonidae, commonly known as salmon, when under 15
inches in length or when taken by angling.
(3)
Those members of the family Ictaluridae, commonly known as freshwater catfish.
(4)
Those members of the family Centrarchidae, commonly known as freshwater bass,
sunfish and crappie.
(5)
Those members of the family Acipenseridae, commonly known as green sturgeon and
white sturgeon, when taken by angling.
(6)
Perca flavescens, commonly known as yellow perch.
(7)
Stizostedion vitreum, commonly known as walleye.
(8)
Catostomus luxatus, commonly known as mullet.
(9)
Morone saxatilis, commonly known as striped bass.
(10)
Alosa sapidissima, commonly known as American shad, when taken by angling. [1973
c.723 §§5,131; 1999 c.1026 §18]
496.010
[Amended by 1953 c.379 §2; 1957 c.250 §1; 1959 c.364 §1; 1963 c.30 §1; repealed
by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.012 Wildlife policy.
It is the policy of the State of Oregon that wildlife shall be managed to
prevent serious depletion of any indigenous species and to provide the optimum
recreational and aesthetic benefits for present and future generations of the
citizens of this state. In furtherance of this policy, the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission shall represent the public interest of the State of Oregon
and implement the following coequal goals of wildlife management:
(1)
To maintain all species of wildlife at optimum levels.
(2)
To develop and manage the lands and waters of this state in a manner that will
enhance the production and public enjoyment of wildlife.
(3)
To permit an orderly and equitable utilization of available wildlife.
(4)
To develop and maintain public access to the lands and waters of the state and
the wildlife resources thereon.
(5)
To regulate wildlife populations and the public enjoyment of wildlife in a
manner that is compatible with primary uses of the lands and waters of the
state.
(6)
To provide optimum recreational benefits.
(7)
To make decisions that affect wildlife resources of the state for the benefit
of the wildlife resources and to make decisions that allow for the best social,
economic and recreational utilization of wildlife resources by all user groups.
[1973 c.723 §6; 1993 c.659 §2; 2001 c.762 §6]
496.015
[Amended by 1959 c.578 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.016 Applicability of wildlife laws to
commercial fishing laws. Nothing in the wildlife laws is
intended to affect any of the provisions of the commercial fishing laws.
However, nothing in the commercial fishing laws is intended to authorize the
taking of game fish in any manner prohibited by the wildlife laws. [1973 c.723 §7]
496.018 Person with disability under
wildlife laws. In order to be considered a person with
a disability under the wildlife laws, a person shall provide to the State Fish
and Wildlife Commission either:
(1)
Written certification from a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner
or licensed physician assistant that states that the person:
(a)
Is permanently unable to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace,
cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, scooter or walker;
(b)
Is restricted by lung disease to the extent that the person’s forced expiratory
volume for one second, when measured by a spirometer, is less than 35 percent
predicted, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 55 mm/Hg on room air at
rest;
(c)
Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations
are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV, according to standards
established by the American Heart Association;
(d)
Has a permanent, physical impairment that prevents the person from holding or
shooting a firearm or bow or from holding a fishing rod in hand; or
(e)
Has central visual acuity that permanently does not exceed 20/200 in the better
eye with corrective lenses, or the widest diameter of the visual field is no
greater than 20 degrees; or
(2)
Written proof that the last official certification of record by the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the Armed Forces of the
United States shows the person to be at least 65 percent disabled. [1999 c.25 §2;
2001 c.571 §1; 2005 c.471 §12; 2007 c.587 §1]
496.020
[Amended by 1957 c.55 §1; 1957 c.471 §1; 1967 c.431 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.025
[Amended by 1965 c.149 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.030
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.032 [1971
c.658 §31; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.035
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.040 [1953
c.184 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.045 [1953
c.184 §2; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE;
COMMISSION; DIRECTOR; DUTIES AND POWERS GENERALLY
496.080 State Department of Fish and
Wildlife. There is hereby established in the
executive branch of the government of this state under the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission a department to be known as the State Department of Fish
and Wildlife. The department shall consist of the director of the department
and all personnel employed in the department. [1975 c.253 §7; 1993 c.659 §3]
496.085 Fish Screening Task Force;
qualifications of members; duties. (1) There is
established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the Fish Screening
Task Force consisting of seven members appointed by the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission.
(2)
Three members shall be appointed to represent agricultural interests, three
shall be appointed to represent fishing or fish conservation interests and one
member shall be appointed to represent the public. Members of the task force
shall serve for two-year terms. No member of the task force shall serve for
more than three consecutive two-year terms.
(3)
A member of the task force shall receive no compensation for services as a
member. However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other
expenses of state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for
actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of
official duties from such moneys as may be available therefor in the State
Wildlife Fund.
(4)
The task force shall meet at such times and places as may be determined by the
chair or by a majority of the members of the task force.
(5)
The duties of the task force are:
(a)
To advise the department in the development of a comprehensive cost-sharing
program for the installation of fish screening or by-pass devices in water
diversions.
(b)
To advise the department in establishing a stable and equitable funding system
for the installation and maintenance of fish screening and by-pass devices.
(c)
To advise the department in identifying sources and applying for grants from
local, state and federal governmental agencies for funding the installation and
maintenance of fish screening and by-pass devices.
(d)
To advise the department in monitoring fish screening programs.
(e)
To advise the department in a survey and study of fish screening technology to
determine the most cost-effective alternatives for screening in the various
situations that may be encountered in the implementation of fish screening in
this state.
(f)
To advise the department in preparing a report on the capital costs and
effectiveness of the program provided in ORS 498.306.
(g)
To advise the department on the creation of the priority criteria and the
priority listing referred to in ORS 498.306 (14)(a) or (d). [1991 c.858 §6;
1995 c.426 §3; 2005 c.22 §368; 2007 c.625 §5a]
496.090 State Fish and Wildlife Commission;
members; terms; qualifications; compensation and expenses.
(1) There is established a State Fish and Wildlife Commission that shall
consist of seven members appointed by the Governor.
(2)
The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the
pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the
Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If
there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become
immediately effective for the unexpired term.
(3)
All appointments of members of the commission by the Governor are subject to
confirmation by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon
Constitution.
(4)
One member of the commission shall be appointed from each of the congressional
districts referred to in ORS 188.135, one member from that portion of the state
lying west of the Cascade Mountains and one member from that portion of the
state lying east of the Cascade Mountains.
(5)
Members appointed to the commission shall be residents of this state, as
defined in ORS 497.002.
(6)
All members of the commission shall represent the public interest of the state
and make decisions affecting the wildlife resources of the state for the
benefit of those resources. Consistent with the requirements of this
subsection, the commission shall provide for the productive and sustainable
utilization of wildlife resources for all groups of users.
(7)
All members of the commission shall have a general knowledge of fish and
wildlife issues and an understanding of the operation and functions of public
policy boards and commissions. In making appointments to the commission, the
Governor shall consider appointing members who possess natural resource
backgrounds such as backgrounds in commercial fishing, recreational fishing,
hunting, agriculture, forestry and conservation.
(8)
Failure of a member to maintain compliance with the eligibility requirements of
subsections (4) and (5) of this section shall vacate membership. Members of the
commission may otherwise be removed only by the Governor.
(9)
A member of the commission is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided
in ORS 292.495. [1975 c.253 §8; 1981 c.545 §11; 1997 c.249 §177; 1999 c.697 §1;
2001 c.762 §1]
496.100 [1973
c.723 §8; 1973 c.792 §20a; repealed by 1975 c.253 §40]
496.105
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.108 Commission officers; quorum;
meetings. (1)(a) The Governor shall designate one
member of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission as chairperson. The member
shall serve as chairperson until the member’s term expires or until relieved by
the Governor. The chairperson shall have the powers and duties as are provided
by the rules of the commission.
(b)
The commission shall select one of its members as vice chairperson, for a term
and with the duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions
of the office as the commission determines appropriate.
(2)
A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction
of business.
(3)
The commission shall meet at least once every two months at a time and place
determined by the commission. The commission shall also meet at other times and
places as are specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the
members of the commission.
(4)
The commission may also meet jointly with authorities of other states or of the
United States to consider problems of mutual interest.
(5)
The commission shall hold at least one meeting per year in each of the congressional
districts in this state. [1973 c.723 §9; 2001 c.762 §2]
496.110
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.112 State Fish and Wildlife Director;
term; compensation and expenses; delegation of commission powers to director.
(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall appoint a State Fish and
Wildlife Director to serve for a term not to exceed four years unless sooner
removed by the commission.
(2)
The director shall receive such salary as may be fixed by the commission. In
addition to salary, subject to applicable law regulating travel and other
expenses of state officers, the director shall be reimbursed for actual and
necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official
duties.
(3)
The commission may delegate to the director any of the powers and duties
granted to or imposed upon it by law, except to revoke or refuse to issue
licenses issued pursuant to the commercial fishing laws.
(4)
The commission may reappoint the director to additional terms. [1975 c.253 §9;
1985 c.529 §3; 1993 c.659 §4; 1999 c.697 §2; 2001 c.762 §§3,4]
496.115
[Repealed by 1975 c.253 §40]
496.116 Delegation of rulemaking authority
to director; requirements. (1) In exercising any authority
to adopt administrative rules delegated by the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission under ORS 496.112, the State Fish and Wildlife Director shall comply
with the requirements of ORS 496.138.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 183.400, for any rule adopted by the director pursuant to
subsection (1) of this section, before a person may petition the Court of
Appeals to determine the validity of the rule, the person shall first request
that the State Fish and Wildlife Commission determine the validity of the rule.
The determination of the commission may be reviewed in accordance with ORS
183.400. [1999 c.697 §5]
496.118 Duties and powers of director.
(1) Subject to policy direction by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, the
State Fish and Wildlife Director shall:
(a)
Be the administrative head of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife;
(b)
Have power, within applicable budgetary limitations, and in accordance with ORS
chapter 240, to hire, assign, reassign and coordinate personnel of the
department;
(c)
Administer and enforce the wildlife laws of the state;
(d)
Be authorized to participate in any proceeding before any public officer,
commission or body of the United States or any state for the purpose of
representing the citizens of Oregon concerning the wildlife resources of this
state;
(e)
Establish such sections and divisions as are necessary to properly carry out
the work of the commission;
(f)
Be responsible for the collection, application and dissemination of information
pertinent to the management of the wildlife resources, and to the regulation of
the uses of such resources; and
(g)
Coordinate any activities of the department related to a watershed enhancement
project approved by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board under ORS 541.932
with activities of other cooperating state and federal agencies participating
in the project.
(2)
In addition to duties otherwise required by law, the director shall prescribe
internal policies and procedures for the government of the department, the
conduct of its employees, the assignment and performance of its business and
the custody, use and preservation of its records, papers and property in a
manner consistent with applicable law.
(3)
In addition to any other duties assigned to the director, the director shall
report quarterly on the activities of the department to the appropriate
legislative committee.
(4)
The director may delegate to any employee of the department the exercise or
discharge in the director’s name of any power, duty or function of whatever
character, vested in or imposed by law upon the director. The official act of a
person so acting in the director’s name and by the director’s authority shall
be considered to be an official act of the director.
(5)
The director may restrict or otherwise limit the participation of an employee
of the department in any program administered by the department to ensure that
the programs of the department are administered in a fair and equitable manner
and that no employee of the department gains an advantage over the public.
(6)
Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 496.112 (3), in times of emergency or
with respect to regulating wildlife taking, the director may exercise the full
powers of the commission until such times as the emergency ends or the
commission meets in formal session. [1975 c.253 §10; 1987 c.734 §12; 1993 c.659
§5; 1999 c.697 §3; 2007 c.354 §16]
496.120
[Amended by 1967 c.290 §3; 1969 c.314 §59; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.121 Authority of department to require
fingerprints. For the purpose of requesting a state
or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181.534, the State Department of
Fish and Wildlife may require the fingerprints of a person who:
(1)(a)
Is employed or applying for employment by the department; or
(b)
Provides services or seeks to provide services to the department as a contractor,
vendor or volunteer; and
(2)
Is, or will be, working or providing services in a position:
(a)
In which the person has direct access to persons under 18 years of age, elderly
persons or persons with disabilities;
(b)
That has personnel or human resources functions as one of the position’s
primary responsibilities;
(c)
In which the person is providing information technology services and has
control over, or access to, information technology systems that would allow the
person to harm the information technology systems or the information contained
in the systems;
(d)
That involves the use, possession, issuance, transport, purchase, sale or
forfeiture of firearms or munitions, access to firearms or munitions or the
training of others in the use or handling of firearms;
(e)
In which the person resides on property managed by the department;
(f)
In which the person has access to information, the disclosure of which is
prohibited by state or federal laws, rules or regulations or information that
is defined as confidential under state or federal laws, rules or regulations;
(g)
That has payroll functions or in which the person has responsibility for
receiving, receipting or depositing money or negotiable instruments, for
billing, collections or other financial transactions or for purchasing or
selling property or has access to property held in trust or to private property
in the temporary custody of the state;
(h)
That has mailroom duties as a primary duty or job function;
(i)
In which the person has responsibility for auditing the department;
(j)
In which the person has access to Social Security numbers, dates of birth or
criminal background information of employees or members of the public; or
(k)
In which the person has access to tax or financial information about
individuals or business entities. [2005 c.730 §60; 2009 c.208 §1]
Note:
496.121 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
496.122 [1973
c.723 §10; repealed by 1975 c.253 §40]
496.124 Fish Division; Wildlife Division;
authority. In addition to such divisions as may be
established by the State Fish and Wildlife Director pursuant to ORS 496.118,
there are established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife a Fish
Division and a Wildlife Division. The Wildlife Division shall be responsible
for the management of all wildlife, except fish and other marine life, over which
the State Fish and Wildlife Commission has regulatory jurisdiction. [1975 c.253
§11]
496.125
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.128 Reports by commission.
(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall report biennially to the
Governor and to the Legislative Assembly on the activities of the commission
during the preceding biennium. The commission shall make such additional
reports as the Governor or the Legislative Assembly may direct.
(2)
The reports required by subsection (1) of this section shall be in such form
and contain such information as the commission considers appropriate, and shall
contain such other information as the Governor and the Legislative Assembly may
require. Such reports shall include all new or amended rules, policies or procedures
adopted by the commission and shall include a summary of significant
consultation activity under ORS 496.164. [1973 c.723 §11; 1993 c.659 §6]
496.130
[Amended by 1959 c.371 §1; 1963 c.154 §1; 1965 c.74 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.132 [1985
c.60 §5; repealed by 1993 c.659 §9]
496.135
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.138 General duties and powers;
rulemaking authority; hearing prior to budget request to Governor.
(1) Consistent with the policy of ORS 496.012, the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission shall implement the policies and programs of this state for the
management of wildlife. These policies and programs shall consider the uses of
public and private lands and utilize voluntary partnerships with private and
public landowners to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and effectively
manage wildlife. In addition, the commission shall perform any other duty
vested in it by law.
(2)
In accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the commission
shall adopt such rules and standards as it considers necessary and proper to
implement the policy and objectives of ORS 496.012 and perform the functions
vested by law in the commission.
(3)
Except as provided in ORS 183.335 (5), the commission shall cause a public
hearing to be held on any proposed rule or standard prior to its adoption. The
hearing may be before the commission, any designated member thereof or any
person designated by and acting for the commission.
(4)
Before submitting budget requests or information to the Governor pursuant to
ORS 291.201 to 291.222, the commission shall hold a public hearing on proposals
for planned expenditures and enhancement packages that the commission intends
to recommend to the Governor for inclusion in the Governor’s budget. [1973 c.723
§12; 1993 c.659 §7]
496.140
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.141 Fish screening program report.
On or before February 1 of each odd-numbered year, the State Department of Fish
and Wildlife shall provide to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means a complete
annual report regarding activities initiated by the department in regard to the
fish screening program. The report shall include a complete budget analysis of
all costs, including in-kind costs associated with the program, the number of
screening or by-pass devices installed and the size of the diversions on which
such devices were installed. The budget analysis shall identify all costs
associated with the construction and installation of screening or by-pass
devices, administrative costs and research and development costs associated
with the program. [1995 c.426 §14]
496.145
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.146 Additional powers of commission;
rules; fees; penalties. In addition to any other duties
or powers provided by law, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission:
(1)
May accept, from whatever source, appropriations, gifts or grants of money or
other property for the purposes of wildlife management, and use such money or
property for wildlife management purposes.
(2)
May sell or exchange property owned by the state and used for wildlife
management purposes when the commission determines that such sale or exchange
would be advantageous to the state wildlife policy and management programs.
(3)
May acquire, introduce, propagate and stock wildlife species in such manner as
the commission determines will carry out the state wildlife policy and
management programs.
(4)
May by rule authorize the issuance of such licenses, tags and permits for
angling, taking, hunting and trapping and may prescribe such tagging and
sealing procedures as the commission determines necessary to carry out the
provisions of the wildlife laws or to obtain information for use in wildlife
management. Permits issued pursuant to this subsection may include special
hunting permits for a person and immediate family members of the person to hunt
on land owned by that person in areas where permits for deer or elk are limited
by quota. As used in this subsection, “immediate family members” means husband,
wife, father, mother, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, stepchildren and
grandchildren. A landowner who is qualified to receive landowner preference
tags from the commission may request two additional tags for providing public
access and two additional tags for wildlife habitat programs. This request
shall be made to the Access and Habitat Board with supporting evidence that the
access is significant and the habitat programs benefit wildlife. The board may
recommend that the commission grant the request. When a landowner is qualified
under landowner preference rules adopted by the commission and receives a
controlled hunt tag for that unit or a landowner preference tag for the
landowner’s property and does not use the tag during the regular season, the
landowner may use that tag to take an antlerless animal, when approved by the
State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to alleviate damage that is presently
occurring to the landowner’s property.
(5)
May by rule prescribe procedures requiring the holder of any license, tag or
permit issued pursuant to the wildlife laws to keep records and make reports
concerning the time, manner and place of taking wildlife, the quantities taken
and such other information as the commission determines necessary for proper
enforcement of the wildlife laws or to obtain information for use in wildlife
management.
(6)
May establish special hunting and angling areas or seasons in which only
persons less than 18 years of age or over 65 years of age are permitted to hunt
or angle.
(7)
May acquire by purchase, lease, agreement or gift real property and all
appropriate interests therein for wildlife management and wildlife-oriented
recreation purposes.
(8)
May acquire by purchase, lease, agreement, gift, exercise of eminent domain or
otherwise real property and all interests therein and establish, operate and
maintain thereon public hunting areas.
(9)
May establish and develop wildlife refuge and management areas and prescribe
rules governing the use of such areas and the use of wildlife refuge and
management areas established and developed pursuant to any other provision of
law.
(10)
May by rule prescribe fees for licenses, tags, permits and applications issued
or required pursuant to the wildlife laws, and user charges for angling,
hunting or other recreational uses of lands owned or managed by the commission,
unless such fees or user charges are otherwise prescribed by law. Except for
licenses issued pursuant to subsection (14) of this section, no fee or user
charge prescribed by the commission pursuant to this subsection shall exceed
$100.
(11)
May enter into contracts with any person or governmental agency for the
development and encouragement of wildlife research and management programs and
projects.
(12)
May perform such acts as may be necessary for the establishment and
implementation of cooperative wildlife management programs with agencies of the
federal government.
(13)
May offer and pay rewards for the arrest and conviction of any person who has
violated any of the wildlife laws. No such reward shall exceed $100 for any one
arrest and conviction.
(14)
May by rule prescribe fees for falconry licenses issued pursuant to the
wildlife laws, unless such fees are otherwise prescribed by law. Fees
prescribed by the commission pursuant to this subsection shall be based on
actual or projected costs of administering falconry regulations and shall not
exceed $250.
(15)
May establish special fishing and hunting seasons and bag limits applicable
only to persons with disabilities.
(16)
May adopt optimum populations for deer and elk consistent with ORS 496.012.
These population levels shall be reviewed at least once every five years.
(17)
Shall establish a preference system so that individuals who are unsuccessful in
controlled hunt permit drawings for deer and elk hunting have reasonable
assurance of success in those drawings in subsequent years. In establishing the
preference system, the commission shall consider giving additional preference
points to persons who have been issued a resident pioneer hunting license pursuant
to ORS 497.102.
(18)
May sell advertising in State Department of Fish and Wildlife publications,
including annual hunting and angling regulation publications.
(19)
May, notwithstanding the fees required by ORS 497.112, provide free hunting
tags to an organization that sponsors hunting trips for terminally ill
children.
(20)
Shall, after consultation with the State Department of Agriculture, adopt rules
prohibiting the use of the World Wide Web, other Internet protocols or
broadcast or closed circuit media to remotely control a weapon for the purpose
of hunting any game bird, wildlife, game mammal or other mammal. The rules may
exempt the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or agents of the department
from the prohibition.
(21)
May adopt rules establishing a schedule of civil penalties, not to exceed
$6,500 per violation, for violations of provisions of the wildlife laws or
rules adopted by the commission under the wildlife laws. Civil penalties
established under this subsection must be imposed in the manner provided by ORS
183.745 and must be deposited in the State Wildlife Fund established under ORS
496.300.
(22)
May by rule impose a surcharge not to exceed $25 for the renewal of a hunting
license on any person who fails to comply with mandatory hunting reporting
requirements. Amounts collected as surcharges under this subsection must be
deposited in the State Wildlife Fund established under ORS 496.300. [1973 c.723
§13; 1977 c.177 §1; 1977 c.668 §1; 1981 c.445 §9; 1987 c.292 §2; 1993 c.659 §8;
1999 c.25 §4; 2001 c.253 §1; 2003 c.656 §2; 2005 c.365 §1; 2007 c.338 §1; 2009
c.778 §2; 2011 c.521 §1]
Note:
Section 2, chapter 460, Oregon Laws 1995, provides:
Sec. 2.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the wildlife laws, during the period
beginning January 1, 1996, and ending January 2, 2014, the following provisions
apply with regard to the issuance and use of landowner preference tags referred
to in ORS 496.146 (4):
(1)
Landowner preference tags shall be issued for the hunting of deer, elk or antelope.
(2)
Landowner preference tags may be used only for hunting on the landowner’s
property.
(3)
Landowner preference tags for the hunting of deer or elk may be transferred to
any person of the landowner’s choosing and shall be used for the taking of antlerless
animals except as authorized by subsection (6) of this section.
(4)
Landowner preference tags for the hunting of antelope are not transferable and
may not be used for the taking of buck antelope.
(5)
Each landowner preference tag for the hunting of deer or elk may be used to
take two antlerless animals before, during or after the hunting season for
which the tags are valid for the purpose of alleviating damage that is
presently occurring to the landowner’s property, in accordance with such rules
as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may adopt.
(6)
Landowner preference tags for the hunting of deer or elk that are transferred
to a person of the landowner’s choosing who is not a member of the landowner’s
immediate family may be used to take an antlered animal only as follows:
(a)
If the landowner receives one preference tag, that tag may not be so used.
(b)
If the landowner receives two, three or four preference tags, one of those tags
may be so used.
(c)
If the landowner receives five, six or seven preference tags, two of those tags
may be so used.
(d)
If the landowner receives eight, nine or 10 preference tags, three of those
tags may be so used.
(7)
Landowners must pay a $30 fee to register for participation in the program.
(8)
Establishes a $15 fee for landowners to modify the landowner’s tag
distribution. [1995 c.460 §2; 2001 c.227 §1; 2009 c.349 §1; 2009 c.832 §2a]
496.150
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.151 Allocation of nonresident tags for
outfitters and guides. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the wildlife laws, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission by rule
shall establish a system for allocating hunting permits that are limited by
maximum number for the taking of deer and elk by nonresident hunters so that a
number equal to one-half of the number of those permits issued to nonresident
hunters in the previous year are made available to the holders of registrations
issued pursuant to ORS chapter 704, and who are certified pursuant to ORS
704.060, for the use of the clients of those registration holders. Such a
system shall include but not be limited to:
(1)
Provisions to prevent misuse of the permits by the registrant or by employees
of the registrant.
(2)
Provisions for revocation and refusal to issue all or any portion of the
permits based upon a commission finding of an emergency situation or biological
needs. [1997 c.342 §2; 2003 c.644 §5]
496.154 Limitation on authority to condemn
certain farm use property. (1) The State Fish and Wildlife
Commission shall not commence any proceeding to exercise the power of eminent
domain to acquire any real property, or interest therein, that was devoted to
farm use on January 1, 1974, unless the commission first obtains approval
therefor from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, or from the Emergency
Board if the Legislative Assembly is not then in session. Upon a change in the
use of such land from farm use, the commission may acquire such property, and
interests therein, by exercise of the power of eminent domain without first obtaining
legislative approval therefor. As used in this section, “farm use” has the
meaning for that term provided in ORS 215.203.
(2)
The commission shall not commence any proceeding as provided in subsection (1)
of this section unless the commission has obtained approval of its intended use
of such property from the local governmental agencies having land use planning
authority over such lands. [1973 c.723 §13a; 1975 c.788 §1]
496.155
[Amended by 1967 c.454 §86; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.156 Expenditure priority for
anadromous fish management. (1) In carrying out duties,
functions and powers regarding the propagation of anadromous fish prescribed in
the wildlife laws and the commercial fishing laws, the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission shall give high priority to expenditures for propagation assistance
by means of transportation of upstream and downstream migrants in those areas
where dams and other such obstacles present a passage problem to juvenile or
adult salmon.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, “transportation” means any method of helping
anadromous fish to pass dams and other obstacles so as to reduce the mortality
associated with passage.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prevents the cooperation of the
commission with the federal government in programs financed pursuant to ORS
506.405. [1977 c.653 §2]
496.160
[Amended by 1971 c.658 §2; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.162 Establishing seasons, amounts and
manner of taking wildlife; rules. (1) After
investigation of the supply and condition of wildlife, the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission, at appropriate times each year, shall by rule:
(a)
Prescribe the times, places and manner in which wildlife may be taken by
angling, hunting, trapping or other method and the amounts of each of those
wildlife species that may be taken and possessed.
(b)
Prescribe such other restrictions or procedures regarding the angling, taking,
hunting, trapping or possessing of wildlife as the commission determines will
carry out the provisions of wildlife laws.
(2)
In carrying out the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the power of
the commission includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
Prescribing the amount of each wildlife species that may be taken and possessed
in terms of sex, size and other physical characteristics.
(b)
Prescribing such regular and special time periods and areas closed to the
angling, taking, hunting and trapping of any wildlife species when the
commission determines such action is necessary to protect the supply of such
wildlife.
(c)
Prescribing regular and special time periods and areas open to the angling,
taking, hunting and trapping of any wildlife species, and establishing
procedures for regulating the number of persons eligible to participate in such
angling, taking, hunting or trapping, when the commission determines such
action is necessary to maintain properly the supply of wildlife, alleviate
damage to other resources, or to provide a safe and orderly recreational
opportunity.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, except as provided in
ORS 498.146 or during those times and at those places prescribed by the
commission for the hunting of elk, the commission shall not prescribe
limitations on the times, places or amounts for the taking of predatory
animals. As used in this subsection, “predatory animal” has the meaning for
that term provided in ORS 610.002.
(4)
In carrying out the provisions of this section, before prescribing the numbers
of deer and elk to be taken, the commission shall consider:
(a)
The supply and condition of deer and elk herds;
(b)
The availability of forage for deer, elk and domestic livestock on public and
private range and forest lands;
(c)
The recreational opportunities derived from deer and elk populations; and
(d)
The effects of deer and elk herds on public and private range and forest lands.
[1973 c.723 §14; 1975 c.791 §1; 1981 c.218 §1; 2003 c.656 §3]
496.164 Cooperation with public and
private agencies for fish and wildlife management; technical information and
policy recommendations; use of recommendations by state agencies.
The State Fish and Wildlife Commission and the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife may advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies of this state
and political subdivisions, other states or the federal government and private
landowners with respect to fish and wildlife management. The commission and the
department shall provide such information, recommendations or advice in writing
if requested by another state or federal agency to do so. Technical advice and
information shall be based on the best available scientific information. Policy
or implementation recommendations provided in administrative rulemaking
proceedings shall be based on consideration of all the goals of wildlife
management in ORS 496.012, in addition to applicable scientific information.
State agencies, boards or commissions receiving policy or implementation
recommendations shall consider such recommendations in the context of their
respective statutory responsibilities, and shall take into account the extent
to which such recommendations are substantiated with the best available
scientific information and based on consideration of all of the goals of
wildlife management in ORS 496.012. [1993 c.659 §11]
496.165
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.166 Citizen involvement for wildlife
management on private lands. The
Legislative Assembly finds, in the interest of all Oregonians, a necessity to
improve Oregon’s resource access and wildlife habitat through the further
involvement of its citizens, through voluntary partnership between the State
Department of Fish and Wildlife and landowners to manage wildlife on private
lands and through support by additional financial revenues. [1993 c.659 §13]
496.170 [Amended
by 1971 c.658 §3; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
SPECIES
496.171 Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182;
applicability date. Notwithstanding ORS 496.004,
with respect to state agency actions taken under ORS 496.171 to 496.182 after
July 17, 1995, as used in ORS 496.171 to 496.182:
(1)
“Conservation” means the use of methods and procedures necessary to bring a
species to the point at which the measures provided under ORS 496.171 to
496.182 are no longer necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are
not limited to, activities associated with scientific resource management such
as research, census taking, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and
maintenance, propagation and transplantation.
(2)
“Native” means indigenous to Oregon, not introduced.
(3)
“Species” means any group or population of wildlife that interbreeds and is
substantially reproductively isolated.
(4)
“Verifiable” means scientific information reviewed by a scientific peer review
panel of outside experts who do not otherwise have a vested interest in the
process. [1995 c.590 §2]
496.172 Commission management authority
for threatened or endangered species; rules. In
carrying out the provisions of the wildlife laws with regard to the management
of wildlife that is a threatened species or an endangered species, the State
Fish and Wildlife Commission:
(1)
Shall conduct investigations of wildlife species native to this state and shall
determine whether any such species is a threatened species or an endangered
species.
(2)
By rule, shall establish and publish, and from time to time may revise, a list
of wildlife species that are threatened species or endangered species. Listed
threatened species or endangered species shall be protected as provided in ORS
496.182.
(3)
Shall work cooperatively with state agencies that have land management
authority or regulatory authority to determine their roles within their
statutory obligations in the conservation of endangered species, as described
in ORS 496.182 (8).
(4)
By rule, shall establish a system of permits for scientific taking of
threatened species and endangered species and shall establish a system of state
permits for incidental taking of state-designated threatened species and
endangered species not listed by the federal government under such terms and
conditions as the commission determines will minimize the impact on the species
taken. An incidental taking permit or statement issued by a federal agency for
a species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205,
16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended, shall be recognized by the state as a waiver of
any state protection measures or requirements otherwise applicable to the
actions allowed under the federal permit.
(5)
Shall cooperate with the State Department of Agriculture in carrying out the
provisions of ORS 564.105.
(6)
Shall adopt administrative rules to carry out the provisions of ORS 496.171 to
496.182 and 498.026. [1987 c.686 §3; 1995 c.590 §3]
496.175
[Amended by 1971 c.658 §4; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.176 Listing species; procedure;
matters to be considered; periodic review. (1)
The lists of threatened species or endangered species established pursuant to
ORS 496.172 (2) shall include:
(a)
Those species of wildlife listed as of May 15, 1987, as a threatened species or
an endangered species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
(P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended; and
(b)
Those species determined as of May 15, 1987, by the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission to be threatened species or endangered species.
(2)
The commission, by rule, may add or remove any wildlife species from either
list, or change the status of any species on the lists, upon a determination
that the species is or is not a threatened species or an endangered species.
(3)
A determination that a species is a threatened species or an endangered species
shall be based on documented and verifiable scientific information about the
species’ biological status. To list a species as a threatened species or an
endangered species under ORS 496.004 and 496.171 to 496.182, the commission
shall determine that the natural reproductive potential of the species is in
danger of failure due to limited population numbers, disease, predation or other
natural or human actions affecting its continued existence and, to the extent
possible, assess the relative impact of human actions. In addition, the
commission shall determine that one or more of the following factors exists:
(a)
That most populations are undergoing imminent or active deterioration of their
range or primary habitat;
(b)
That overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational
purposes is occurring or is likely to occur; or
(c)
That existing state or federal programs or regulations are inadequate to
protect the species or its habitat.
(4)
Determinations required by subsection (3) of this section shall be made by the
commission on the basis of verifiable scientific and other data after
consultation with federal agencies, other interested state agencies, other
states having a common interest in the species and interested persons and
organizations.
(5)
Any person may petition the commission to, by rule, add, remove or change the
status of a species on the list:
(a)
A petition shall clearly indicate the action sought and shall include
documented scientific information about the species’ biological status to
justify the requested action.
(b)
Within 90 days of receipt of a petition, the commission shall respond in writing
to the petitioner indicating whether the petition presents substantial
scientific information to warrant the action requested.
(c)
If the petition is found to present such information, the commission shall
commence rulemaking.
(d)
A final determination by the commission concerning the action requested in a
petition shall be provided within one year from the date of receipt of the
petition, with the option for an additional 12-month extension of time to
complete the listing if the commission determines that limited information or
other appropriate considerations require the extension.
(e)
If the petition is denied, the petitioner may seek judicial review as provided
in ORS 183.484.
(6)
The commission may determine not to list a species as a threatened species or
an endangered species in any of the following cases:
(a)
If the species has been listed pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended.
(b)
If the species is currently on the list as a sensitive species, or is a
candidate species or has been petitioned for listing pursuant to the federal
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended.
(c)
If the species has been determined, pursuant to the federal Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended, to not qualify as a
threatened species or an endangered species.
(7)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (5) of this section, the commission shall
take emergency action to add a species to the list of threatened species or
endangered species if it determines there is a significant threat to the
continued existence of the species within the state:
(a)
The commission shall publish notice of such addition in the Secretary of State’s
bulletin and shall mail notice to affected or interested persons whose names
are included on the commission’s mailing list for such purposes.
(b)
Such emergency addition shall take effect immediately upon publication in the
Secretary of State’s bulletin and shall remain valid for a period no longer
than one year, unless during the period the commission completes rulemaking
procedures as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(8)
The commission shall periodically review the status of all threatened species
and endangered species listed under ORS 496.171 to 496.192. Each species shall
be reviewed at least once every five years to determine whether verifiable
scientific information exists to justify its reclassification or removal from
the list, according to the criteria listed under subsections (3) and (4) of
this section. If a determination is made to reclassify a species or remove it
from the list, the commission, within 90 days, shall commence rulemaking to
change the status of the species.
(9)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commission:
(a)
May decide not to list a species that otherwise qualifies as a threatened or
endangered species within this state if the commission determines that the
species is secure outside this state or the species is not of cultural,
scientific or commercial significance to the people of this state.
(b)
May not include Branta canadensis leucopareia, commonly known as the Aleutian
Canada goose, on the lists of threatened species or endangered species. [1987
c.686 §4; 1995 c.590 §4; 2005 c.402 §1; 2011 c.319 §20]
496.180
[Amended by 1971 c.658 §5; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.182 Protection and conservation
programs; compliance by state agencies; rules.
(1) The burden of protecting and recovering threatened species or endangered
species can be a significant cost to the citizens of this state and it is
therefore the policy of this state to minimize duplication and overlap between
state and federal laws dealing with threatened species or endangered species.
To this end, nothing in this section is intended to prevent the adoption of
cooperative state or federal programs when such programs provide protection for
listed species without significant impact on the primary uses of state lands.
(2)
At the time the State Fish and Wildlife Commission adds a species to the list
of threatened species or endangered species under ORS 496.172, the commission
shall establish by rule quantifiable and measurable guidelines that it
considers necessary to ensure the survival of individual members of the
species. These guidelines may include take avoidance and protecting resource
sites such as spawning beds, nest sites, nesting colonies or other sites
critical to the survival of individual members of the species.
(3)
For threatened species listed under ORS 496.172 and in the absence of an
approved endangered species management plan described in subsection (8) of this
section for an endangered species, if a state agency determines that a proposed
action on land it owns or leases, or for which it holds a recorded easement,
has the potential to violate the guidelines established under subsection (2) of
this section, it shall notify the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Within
90 days of such notice, the department shall recommend reasonable and prudent
alternatives, if any, to the proposed action which are consistent with the
guidelines.
(4)
If a state agency fails to adopt the recommendations made under subsection (3)
of this section, it shall, after consultation with the department, demonstrate that:
(a)
The potential public benefits of the proposed action outweigh the potential
harm from failure to adopt the recommendations; and
(b)
Reasonable mitigation and enhancement measures shall be taken, to the extent
practicable, to minimize the adverse impact of the action on the affected
species.
(5)
When an action under this section is initiated by a person other than a state
agency, the agency shall provide final approval or denial of the proposed
action within 120 days of receipt of a written request for final determination.
(6)
The provisions of this section do not apply to lands acquired through
foreclosures of loans made pursuant to programs of the Department of Veterans’
Affairs.
(7)
State land owning or managing agencies shall set priorities for establishing
endangered species management plans required by subsection (8) of this section
after consultation with the commission on the level of biological threat and,
in consideration of available funds, the immediacy and seriousness of the threat
to any listed species.
(8)(a)(A)
Within four months of the listing of an endangered species, the commission, in
consultation and cooperation with the state land owning or managing agency,
shall determine if state land can play a role in the conservation of endangered
species. The commission and the land owning or managing agency shall consider
species biology and geography of the land base to determine if the species or
its habitat is found on state land. If the species or its habitat is not found
on state land, the commission shall determine that state land has no role to
play in the conservation of the species.
(B)
If the species or its habitat is found on state land, the land owning or
managing agency, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife, shall determine the role its state land shall serve in the
conservation of the endangered species. This role may include, but is not
limited to conservation, contribution toward conservation or take avoidance. To
carry out its consulting role under this subsection, the department shall
provide state agencies with an assessment of the conservation needs of the
endangered species. In making this determination, the land owning or managing
agency shall balance the statutory requirements, rules and policies applicable
to the agency’s programs, the social and economic impacts that conservation
would have on the state, the conservation needs of the species, the purpose of
the land and the roles of other ownership categories. The agency shall balance
these factors consistent with the commission’s rules related to the biological
aspects of species management and the statutory obligations of the land owning
or managing agency, including the statutory purpose of the land.
(C)
After determining the role its state land shall serve in conservation of the
species, the land owning or managing agency, in consultation with the State
Department of Fish and Wildlife and consistent with the commission’s rules
related to endangered species management plans, shall develop and approve an
endangered species management plan within 18 months from the date the species
is first listed as endangered. Endangered species management plans shall be
based on the statutes, rules and policies applicable to the agency’s programs
and shall take into account any social or economic impacts that the plan may
have on the state. The land owning or managing agency shall submit the plan to
the commission for review and approval as provided in subparagraph (D) of this
paragraph.
(D)
The commission shall review the endangered species management plan approved by
the land owning or managing agency under subparagraph (C) of this paragraph to
determine whether the plan achieves the role defined for the land under
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. Based on the biology of the endangered
species the commission may modify the endangered species management plan if
necessary to be consistent with the role the land owning or managing agency has
defined for the land under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph and shall approve
the plan as submitted or modified within 24 months from the date the species is
listed as endangered.
(b)
For state agencies other than land owning or managing agencies, the commission,
in consultation and cooperation with the agency, shall determine whether the
agency can serve a role in the conservation of endangered species. If the
commission determines that the agency has a role to play in conservation of the
endangered species, the agency shall determine what role it shall serve in conservation
of the endangered species. The agency shall make this determination as provided
in the commission’s rules related to the biological aspects of species
management and in a manner consistent with the agency’s statutory obligations. [1987
c.686 §5; 1995 c.590 §5]
496.185
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.190
[Amended by 1963 c.154 §2; 1965 c.74 §2; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.192 Effect of law on commercial
forestland or other private land; effect on other laws.
(1) Nothing in ORS 496.004, 496.171 to 496.182 or 498.026 is intended, by
itself, to require an owner of any commercial forestland or other private land
to take action to protect a threatened species or endangered species, or to
impose additional requirements or restrictions on the use of private land.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, other statutes may authorize
administrative rules or programs to protect wildlife species, including
threatened species or endangered species, and nothing in ORS 496.004, 496.171 to
496.182 or 498.026 shall diminish the force or effect of such rules or
programs. [1987 c.686 §6a]
496.195
[Amended by 1959 c.371 §2; 1961 c.343 §2; 1965 c.74 §3; 1967 c.594 §3; repealed
by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.200
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
SALMON FOR INDIAN CEREMONIES
496.201 Department to furnish salmon for ceremonies;
amount; source. (1) The State of Oregon shall,
through the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, provide surplus salmon:
(a)
To the Confederated Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indian tribes for their
historical, traditional and cultural salmon ceremonies that take place each
year.
(b)
To the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Indians for their historical, traditional
and cultural salmon ceremonies that take place each year.
(c)
To the Coquille Tribe for their historical, traditional and cultural salmon
ceremonies that take place each year.
(d)
To the Burns Paiute Tribe for their historical, traditional and cultural salmon
ceremonies that take place each year.
(2)
The salmon provided by the state shall meet the expressed needs of the
Confederated Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw tribes, up to 1,000 pounds total,
the Coquille Tribe, up to 1,000 pounds total, the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua
Indians, up to 1,000 pounds total, and the Burns Paiute Tribe, up to 500 pounds
total.
(3)
The salmon provided by the state may be either surplus whole fish or carcasses.
(4)
Salmon may be taken from hatcheries under either the complete or joint control
of the state. [1981 c.575 §2; 1987 c.99 §1; 1993 c.460 §1; 1995 c.137 §1; 2001
c.611 §2; 2001 c.651 §1]
496.205
[Amended by 1961 c.343 §3; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.206 Written request for salmon;
contents; time for providing salmon. (1) The
Indian tribes referred to in ORS 496.201 (1) are required to set forth, in
writing, their request for salmon. This request shall be submitted by the duly
elected tribal governing body no later than 40 days prior to the ceremony and
shall include:
(a)
The poundage of salmon required;
(b)
The date of the ceremony; and
(c)
A contact person that the state may refer questions to.
(2)
Prior to any state action, the written request must be received by:
(a)
The State Department of Fish and Wildlife;
(b)
The Attorney General; and
(c)
The United States Department of Interior.
(3)
The salmon shall be provided to the Indian tribes referred to in ORS 496.201
(1) no later than 30 days after receiving a proper written request therefor. [1981
c.575 §3; 1987 c.99 §2]
496.210
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.211 Limitation on amount and use.
(1) The State of Oregon shall be limited to a once a year provision of salmon
pursuant to ORS 496.201.
(2)
If the Indian tribes referred to in ORS 496.201 (1) use salmon provided by the
state for this purpose in any manner other than that described in ORS 496.201,
they shall pay to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the prevailing
wholesale rate per pound of the entire amount of salmon supplied to that tribe
or tribes for that year. [1981 c.575 §4; 1987 c.99 §3]
496.215
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.216 Disposition of salmon remaining
after ceremony. Any salmon remaining after the
ceremony may be distributed to tribal members without charge for their
subsistence consumption only and not for sale, barter or gift to others, or may
be donated to a nonprofit institution or agency. [1981 c.575 §5]
496.220
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.221 ORS 496.201 to 496.221 not
intended to extend Indian legal or political rights.
Nothing in ORS 496.201 to 496.221 is intended to extend legal or political
recognition to any Indians described in ORS 496.201 (1) for any purpose other
than provided in ORS 496.201 to 496.216. [1981 c.575 §6; 1987 c.99 §4]
496.225
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
ACCESS AND HABITAT BOARD
496.228 Access and Habitat Board;
qualification of members; expenses; term; meetings.
(1) There is established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the
Access and Habitat Board, consisting of seven members appointed by the State
Fish and Wildlife Commission.
(2)
Three members shall be appointed to represent the broad spectrum of hunters. In
making appointments pursuant to this subsection, the commission shall consider
recommendations from the State Fish and Wildlife Director.
(3)
Three members of the board shall be appointed to represent the broad spectrum
of agriculture and timber landowners. In making appointments pursuant to this
subsection, the commission shall consider recommendations from the State Fish
and Wildlife Director from a list of at least five persons submitted by the
State Forester and the Director of Agriculture.
(4)
One member of the board shall be appointed to represent the public and shall
serve as the board chairperson.
(5)
A member of the board shall receive no compensation for services as a member.
However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of
state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for actual and
necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties
from such moneys as are made available by section 19, chapter 659, Oregon Laws
1993.
(6)
The term of office of a member of the board is four years. A member of the
board is eligible for reappointment.
(7)
An official action of the board may be taken only upon the affirmative vote of
at least four members.
(8)
The board shall select such officers for such terms and with such duties and
powers as the board considers necessary for the performance of those offices.
(9)
The board shall meet at such times and at such places as may be determined by
the chair or by the majority of the members of the board. [1993 c.659 §15; 2009
c.291 §3]
496.230 [1957
c.119 §2; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.232 Board to make program
recommendations; commission approval; report; fund expenditure qualifications;
gifts and grants. (1) The Access and Habitat Board
shall meet, adopt and recommend to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission,
within 120 days after November 4, 1993, and at not more than 120-day intervals
thereafter, access and habitat programs.
(2)
The commission shall review such programs and may approve or disapprove the
program recommendation by the board. Funds may be expended from the subaccount
referred to in ORS 496.242 for projects that have been approved by the
commission.
(3)
The State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the board jointly shall submit to
each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly a report on
expenditure of funds for the access and habitat programs and on the status of
various projects.
(4)
In recommending access and habitat programs, the board shall:
(a)
Recommend a mix of projects that provides a balance between access and habitat
benefits.
(b)
Recommend projects that are to be implemented by volunteers under volunteer
coordinators and nonprofit organizations engaged in approved access and habitat
activities.
(c)
Recommend programs that recognize and encourage the contributions of landowners
to wildlife and programs that minimize the economic loss to those landowners.
(d)
Encourage agreements with landowners who request damage control hunts to ensure
public access to those hunts.
(e)
Encourage projects that result in obtaining matching funds from other sources.
(5)
All moneys made available for the access and habitat programs from surcharges
received under section 19, chapter 659, Oregon Laws 1993, and from gifts and
grants made to carry out the access and habitat programs may be expended only
if the board so recommends and the commission so approves. Such amounts may be
expended:
(a)
On programs that benefit wildlife by improving habitat. These programs shall be
in coordination with the Wildlife Division and shall be in addition to programs
provided by federal funds. These programs may:
(A)
Be on private lands.
(B)
Provide seed and fertilizer to offset forage consumed by wildlife and for other
programs that enhance forage.
(C)
Be adjacent to agricultural and forest land to attract animals from those
crops.
(b)
On programs that promote access to public and private lands:
(A)
Through contracting for various levels of management of these lands. These
management programs may include:
(i)
Creating hunting lease programs that provide access at present levels or
stimulate new access.
(ii)
Controlling access.
(iii)
Opening vehicle access.
(iv)
Promoting land exchanges.
(v)
Promoting proper hunting behavior.
(B)
Through the acquisition of easements.
(c)
On programs that would provide for wildlife feeding to alleviate damage, to
intercept wildlife before wildlife becomes involved in a damage situation and
for practical food replacement in severe winters.
(d)
On programs to coordinate volunteers to improve habitat, repair damage to
fences or roads by wildlife or recreationists, monitor orderly hunter utilization
of public and private lands and assist the Oregon State Police in law
enforcement activities.
(e)
On programs that provide for auction or raffle of tags to provide incentives
for habitat or access.
(6)
The board may accept, from whatever source, gifts or grants for the purposes of
access and habitat. All moneys so accepted shall be deposited in the subaccount
referred to in ORS 496.242. Unless otherwise required by the terms of a gift or
grant, gifts or grants shall be expended as provided in subsection (5) of this
section. [1993 c.659 §16; 2005 c.22 §369; 2009 c.778 §1a; 2011 c.545 §59]
496.235
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.236 Advisory councils to board;
duties; no compensation or expenses for members.
(1) Individuals who reside in the various regions established for
administration of the wildlife resources may form advisory councils, with
membership in the same proportion as described for the board, to discuss and
consider access and habitat programs and projects and to make recommendations
thereon to the Access and Habitat Board. When the board considers proposals
affecting a region, the board shall consult with the advisory council for that
region if one exists.
(2)
Employees of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or other professional
biologists who are residents of the various regions may act in an advisory
capacity to the various councils.
(3)
An individual who serves as a member of an advisory council shall receive no
compensation or expenses for service as a member. [1993 c.659 §17]
496.240
[Amended by 1959 c.371 §3; 1963 c.154 §3; 1965 c.74 §4; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.242 Access and habitat program funds.
(1) Notwithstanding ORS 496.300, all moneys received by the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission pursuant to section 19, chapter 659, Oregon Laws 1993,
shall be deposited in the Access and Habitat Board Subaccount established in
the Fish and Wildlife Account. Moneys in the subaccount may be expended only
for the access and habitat programs recommended by the Access and Habitat Board
for the benefit of the wildlife resources of this state.
(2)
The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall credit the subaccount with a
sum equal to 15 percent of the other fund budget for the green forage and Deer
Enhancement and Restoration programs in each biennium.
(3)
The department shall not assess its personnel costs in the administration of
ORS 496.166 and 496.228 to 496.242 against the subaccount referred to in this
section without the prior approval of the Access and Habitat Board. [1993 c.659
§14; 2001 c.822 §1]
496.245
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
HUNTING ON PUBLIC LANDS
496.246 Use of public lands for hunting;
requirements regarding closure of access to public lands; exceptions.
(1)(a) As used in this section, “public lands” means any land, or improvements
thereon, owned by the State of Oregon.
(b)
Public lands open to access and use for hunting shall remain open to access and
use for hunting, except as limited by a state agency for reasons of public
safety or wildlife management or for any other reason determined by a state
agency to be in the public interest. However, a state agency is not required to
give preference to hunting over other uses of public lands.
(2)
In implementing subsection (1) of this section, state agencies shall, to the
greatest extent practicable, avoid making determinations that result in a net
loss of access to hunting on public lands.
(3)(a)
Before a state agency restricts or closes access to public lands open to access
and use for hunting, the state agency shall notify the State Department of Fish
and Wildlife in a sufficient amount of time of the plans to restrict or close
access to the public lands in order to allow the department to post notice
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(b)
In order to give hunters notice that a state agency plans to restrict or close
access to public lands open to access and use for hunting and before a state
agency may restrict or close access to the public lands, the department shall
post notice on the department’s website for 30 days after it receives
notification under paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(c)
Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection do not apply to restrictions or
closures for:
(A)
Emergencies.
(B)
Fire prevention pursuant to the provisions of ORS 401.165 to 401.236 or 477.535
to 477.550.
(C)
Critical wildlife management activities.
(4)
On or before January 1 of each year, the State Fish and Wildlife Director shall
submit a report to the Legislative Assembly that describes:
(a)
The amount, in acres, of public lands open to access and use for hunting that
has been closed to hunting by state agencies in the previous calendar year and
the reasons for each closure; and
(b)
The amount, in acres, of public lands that has been opened to access and use
for hunting by state agencies in the previous calendar year. [2011 c.454 §2]
496.250
[Repealed by 1971 c.418 §23]
496.260 [1981
c.720 §22; repealed by 2011 c.83 §24]
496.265 [1981
c.720 §23; 1989 c.924 §8; repealed by 2011 c.83 §24]
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
496.270 Immunity from liability for
damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project;
exceptions. (1) The Legislative Assembly declares
that it is the policy of the State of Oregon to encourage operators, timber
owners and landowners to voluntarily improve fish and wildlife habitat. In
order to carry out this policy, the Legislative Assembly encourages cooperation
among operators, timber owners and landowners and other volunteers.
(2)
Consistent with the limitations of ORS 105.672 to 105.696, a landowner is not
liable in contract or tort for any personal injury, death or property damage
that arises out of the use of the land by:
(a)
A volunteer conducting a fish and wildlife habitat improvement project; or
(b)
A participant of a state-funded or federally funded watershed or stream
restoration or enhancement program.
(3)
An operator, timber owner or landowner shall not be held liable for any damages
resulting from:
(a)
A fish and wildlife habitat improvement project done in cooperation and
consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Oregon
Watershed Enhancement Board, or conducted as part of a forest management
practice in accordance with ORS 527.610 to 527.770, 527.990 and 527.992; or
(b)
Leaving large woody debris within the waters of this state to protect, retain
and recruit large woody debris for the purposes of fish habitat and water
quality improvement.
(4)
The limitations to liability provided by subsections (2) and (3) of this
section do not apply if the damages, injury or death was caused by willful,
wanton or intentional conduct on the part of the operator, timber owner or
landowner or by the gross negligence of the operator, timber owner or
landowner. As used in this subsection “gross negligence” means negligence which
is materially greater than the mere absence of reasonable care under the
circumstances, and which is characterized by indifference to or reckless
disregard of the rights of others.
(5)
The limitation on liability provided by subsection (3) of this section does not
apply to claims for death or personal injuries. [1993 c.701 §2; 1997 c.207 §1;
1999 c.863 §3]
Note:
496.270 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
FISH RESOURCE PROTECTION, RESTORATION
AND ENHANCEMENT
(Salmon)
496.275 Salmon resource protection and
restoration; review of public and private production facilities; approval of
production facilities by department. (1) The
Legislative Assembly hereby declares the necessity to review all options and
means for the protection and restoration of Oregon’s salmon resource that promote
local economic development and enjoyment by all the citizens of Oregon. Options
and means shall include operation of salmon production facilities, in
cooperation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, by both public and
private nonprofit agencies as well as by public local partnerships, to meet
local production and harvest needs as well as to help restore and maintain
natural salmon spawning populations. Such cooperative production projects shall
be operated using scientifically sound hatchery practices and shall be
consistent with objectives to protect and restore natural fish production.
(2)
The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall:
(a)
Review and revise existing state administrative rules so that the different
forms of hatchery production are recognized as a necessary and critical element
in the state’s salmon production system in order to provide harvest
opportunities for Oregon’s citizens. In so doing, the department shall identify
low natural production areas and, using genetically compatible stocks approved
by the department, encourage volunteer efforts such as the salmon and trout
enhancement program to maintain and to enhance production.
(b)
Identify existing private and public salmon production facilities that are
currently either underutilized or subject to decommissioning and that may be
appropriate for other forms of operation.
(c)
Inventory other appropriate local sites, identify possible types of production
facilities, recommend stock selection and release size, and assist in securing
the acquisition of brood stock approved by the department that maximizes local
production.
(d)
Investigate and implement ways to improve hatchery smolt survival and reduce
predation by such means as night releases, net pen acclimation, alternate
release sites, volitional and other release strategies, transport and other
means that may be effective and consistent with the conservation of native
salmon and genetic resources.
(e)
Make recommendations on methods by which operations of facilities referred to
in this subsection and subsection (3) of this section can generate revenue for
sustainable production, including but not limited to state bonding, license
surcharges, ad valorem taxes, local economic development funds, service
districts, sale of excess eggs and salmon, and gifts, grants and donations.
(f)
Identify needed monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure protection of
natural spawning fish populations and to assess the contribution of such
cooperative projects to public fisheries.
(g)
Assist in developing, for department approval, plans of operation for such
cooperative hatchery projects consistent with applicable rules and standards of
sound, scientific fish management practice.
(3)
The department shall encourage and assist in planning hatchery facilities that
seek to implement innovative plans or programs designed to meet production for
harvest needs consistent with conservation objectives.
(4)
The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall approve, prior to implementation,
operational plans for any fish propagation facilities operated by contractor
agreement with other state or federal agencies, local governments, special
districts and nonprofit organizations. [1995 c.469 §§2,3,4; 2007 c.71 §169]
(All Fisheries)
496.280 Findings.
The Legislative Assembly finds, in the interest of all Oregonians, a necessity
to improve Oregon’s fishery resource through the further involvement of its
citizens and through support by additional financial revenues. [1989 c.512 §2]
Note:
496.280 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
496.283 Use of moneys from surcharges; limitations
on expenditures. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 506.306,
all moneys received by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to
sections 4, 6 and 8, chapter 512, Oregon Laws 1989, shall be deposited in a
separate subaccount in the State Wildlife Fund. Except as provided in
subsection (2) of this section, moneys in the subaccount may be expended only
for the department’s fish restoration and enhancement programs for the benefit
of the fish resources of this state.
(2)
Fees collected from salmon ranching permits authorized under ORS 508.700 to
508.745 will not be commingled with public fishery funds collected and
deposited in the subaccount referred to in this section. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, these funds will be used to monitor the effect and
impact of private salmon ranching on the fishery resources of Oregon.
(3)
The department shall not divert present budgeted funds to other projects as
user surcharge funds become available and shall not embark on new programs not
vital to the restoration of Oregon fisheries as required by Oregon Revised
Statutes and administrative rules. The department shall not assess its
personnel costs in the administration of chapter 512, Oregon Laws 1989, against
the subaccount referred to in this section without the prior approval of the
Restoration and Enhancement Board. [1989 c.512 §10; 1991 c.184 §4]
496.286 Restoration and Enhancement Board.
(1) There is established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the
Restoration and Enhancement Board, consisting of seven members appointed by the
State Fish and Wildlife Commission.
(2)
Three members shall be appointed to represent the ocean and inland recreational
fisheries. In making appointments pursuant to this subsection, the commission
shall consider recommendations from the State Fish and Wildlife Director.
(3)
Three members of the board shall be appointed to represent the commercial troll
and gillnet fisheries and the fish processing industry. In making appointments
pursuant to this subsection, the commission shall consider recommendations from
the State Fish and Wildlife Director.
(4)
One member of the board shall be appointed to represent the public.
(5)
A member of the board shall receive no compensation for services as a member.
However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of
state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for actual and
necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official
duties from such moneys made available by sections 4, 6 and 8, chapter 512,
Oregon Laws 1989.
(6)
The term of office of a member of the board is four years. A member of the
board is eligible for reappointment.
(7)
An official action of the board may be taken only upon the affirmative vote of four
members.
(8)
The board shall select such officers for such terms and with such duties and
powers as the board considers necessary for the performance of those offices.
(9)
The board shall meet at such times and at such places as may be determined by
the chair or by the majority of the members of the board. [1989 c.512 §11]
496.289 Duties of board; report to
legislature; recommendations for programs. (1)
The Restoration and Enhancement Board shall meet, adopt and recommend to the
State Fish and Wildlife Commission, within 120 days after July 1, 1989, and at
not more than 120-day intervals thereafter, fish restoration and enhancement
programs.
(2)
The commission shall review such programs and may approve or disapprove any or
all program recommendations by the board. Funds may be expended from the
subaccount referred to in ORS 496.283 for projects that have been approved by
the commission.
(3)
The State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the board jointly shall submit to
each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly a report on
expenditure of funds for the fish restoration and enhancement program and on
the status of various projects.
(4)
In recommending fish restoration and enhancement programs, the board shall:
(a)
Recommend a mix of projects that provide a balance between restoration and
enhancement benefits.
(b)
Recommend projects that are to be implemented by the salmon and trout
enhancement program and nonprofit organizations engaged in approved restoration
and enhancement activities.
(c)
Encourage projects that result in obtaining matching funds from other sources.
(5)
All moneys made available for the fish restoration and enhancement program from
surcharges received under sections 4, 6 and 8, chapter 512, Oregon Laws 1989,
and from gifts and grants made to carry out the fish restoration and
enhancement program may be expended only if recommended by the board and
approved by the commission. Such amounts may be expended:
(a)
On programs benefiting the commercial fishing industry in the same proportion
as revenues received from surcharges under sections 6 and 8, chapter 512,
Oregon Laws 1989, bear to the total amount of surcharge revenues.
(b)
On programs benefiting recreational angling in the same proportion as revenues
received from the surcharge under section 4, chapter 512, Oregon Laws 1989,
bear to the total amount of surcharge revenues.
(6)
The board may accept, from whatever source, gifts or grants for the purposes of
fish restoration and enhancement. All moneys so accepted shall be deposited in
the subaccount referred to in ORS 496.283. Unless otherwise required by the
terms of a gift or grant, gifts or grants shall be expended as provided in
subsection (5) of this section.
(7)
As used in this section:
(a)
“Enhancement” includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(A)
Angler access.
(B)
New fishways and screens.
(C)
Habitat.
(D)
New hatchery equipment and technology.
(E)
Public education.
(F)
Aquatic inventories.
(b)
“Restoration” includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(A)
Modification of existing fishways and existing screens.
(B)
Hatchery restoration.
(C)
Liberation equipment. [1989 c.512 §12; 1997 c.8 §12; 2011 c.545 §60]
496.291 Advisory councils; recommendations
to board; consultation with councils. (1)
Individuals who reside in the various regions established for administration of
the salmon and trout enhancement program may form advisory councils to discuss
and consider fish restoration and enhancement programs and projects and shall
make recommendations thereon to the Restoration and Enhancement Board. When the
board considers proposals affecting a region, the board shall consult with the
advisory council for that region if one exists.
(2)
Employees of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife who are residents of the
various regions may act in an advisory capacity to the various councils.
(3)
Individuals who serve as members of an advisory council shall receive no
compensation or expenses for service as a member. [1989 c.512 §13]
PILOT PROGRAM FOR LANDOWNER PREFERENCE
TAGS
Note:
Section 1, chapter 461, Oregon Laws 2003, provides:
Sec. 1.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the wildlife laws, the State Department
of Fish and Wildlife shall create and implement a Southwest Oregon Landowner
Preference Pilot Program during the period beginning July 1, 2004, and ending
June 30, 2014, that:
(1)
Addresses damage caused by elk on privately owned lands in Jackson, Josephine,
Coos, Curry and Douglas Counties.
(2)
Provides landowner preference tags only for areas where elk are currently
causing damage, where there has been a history of elk damage coupled with
actions to alleviate elk damage or where the department has designated the area
as an elk deemphasis area.
(3)
Limits the use of tags to taking antlerless elk.
(4)
Limits the use of tags to taking elk on property owned, leased or rented by the
landowner complaining of elk damage or on property owned, leased or rented by a
business entity that includes the landowner as a principal partner or
shareholder.
(5)
Allows exchange of unused general season elk tags or controlled hunt elk tags
for landowner preference tags.
(6)
Does not impose a limit on the number of total tags available for each
property, except that no more than five tags may be valid at any one time on a
particular property.
(7)
Does not impose a minimum acreage requirement for landowner participation.
(8)
Allows landowners to register for participation in the program at any time
prior to the issuance of tags.
(9)
Establishes a $30 fee for landowners to register for participation in the
program.
(10)
Establishes a $15 fee for landowners to modify the landowner’s tag
distribution.
(11)
Authorizes department biologists to sell and exchange tags.
(12)
Authorizes department biologists to establish the period of validity for tags
through negotiation with landowners.
(13)
Requires landowners to record the number of elk taken and, within 10 days after
the end of a designated hunt period, to report to the local department
biologist the number of elk taken. [2003 c.461 §1; 2007 c.8 §1; 2009 c.832 §1]
STATE WILDLIFE FUND; RECEIPTS AND
EXPENDITURES
496.300 State Wildlife Fund; sources;
uses. (1) The State Wildlife Fund is
established in the State Treasury separate and distinct from the General Fund.
Except as otherwise provided by law, all moneys received by the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission pursuant to the wildlife laws, except such as may be
required as a revolving fund for payroll and emergency expenses, shall be paid
into the State Treasury and credited to the fund. All moneys in the fund are
appropriated continuously to the commission to carry out the wildlife laws.
Interest earnings on all moneys in the fund shall be retained in the fund.
(2)(a)
The commission shall keep a record of all moneys deposited in the State
Wildlife Fund. The record shall indicate by separate cumulative accounts the
source from which the moneys are derived and the individual activity or program
against which each withdrawal is charged.
(b)
Using the record created pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, the
commission shall report, in the budget documents submitted to the Legislative
Assembly, on the application of investment and interest earnings to the
maintenance of fish hatcheries and other State Department of Fish and Wildlife
facilities. [1973 c.723 §15; 1975 c.118 §1; 1975 c.253 §12; 1983 c.8 §1; 1983
c.801 §6; 1989 c.618 §10; 1989 c.749 §6; 1991 c.435 §2; 1991 c.858 §7; 1995
c.426 §7; 1999 c.1006 §1; 2001 c.822 §2]
496.303 Fish and Wildlife Account;
sources; subaccounts; uses. (1) The Fish and Wildlife
Account is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the
General Fund. All moneys in the account are continuously appropriated to the
State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The Fish and Wildlife Account shall consist
of the moneys in its various subaccounts and any moneys transferred to the
account by the Legislative Assembly. Unless otherwise specified by law,
interest earnings on moneys in the account shall be paid into the State
Treasury and credited to the State Wildlife Fund.
(2)(a)
The Fish Screening Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account.
The subaccount shall consist of:
(A)
All penalties recovered under ORS 536.900 to 536.920.
(B)
All moneys received pursuant to ORS 498.306.
(C)
All gifts, grants and other moneys from whatever source that may be used to
carry out the provisions of ORS 498.306.
(D)
All moneys received from the surcharge on angling licenses imposed by ORS
497.124.
(b)
All moneys in the subaccount shall be used to carry out the provisions of ORS
315.138, 498.306 and 509.620. However, moneys received from the surcharge on
angling licenses imposed by ORS 497.124 shall be expended only to carry out the
provisions of law relating to the screening of water diversions.
(3)
The Fish Endowment Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account.
The subaccount shall consist of transfers of moneys authorized by the
Legislative Assembly from the State Wildlife Fund and gifts and grants of
moneys from whatever source for the purpose of paying the expense of
maintaining fish hatcheries operated by the department.
(4)
The Migratory Waterfowl Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife
Account. All moneys received by the commission from the sale of art works and
prints related to the migratory waterfowl stamp shall be deposited in the
subaccount. Moneys in the subaccount may be expended only for activities that
promote the propagation, conservation and recreational uses of migratory
waterfowl and for activities related to the design, production, issuance and
arrangements for sale of the migratory waterfowl stamps and related art works
and prints. Expenditures of moneys in the subaccount may be made within this
state, in other states or in foreign countries, in such amounts as the
commission determines appropriate. Expenditures in other states and foreign
countries shall be on such terms and conditions as the commission determines
will benefit most directly the migratory waterfowl resources of this state.
(5)
The Halibut Research Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife
Account. Based on the annual number of recreational halibut anglers, a portion
of the moneys derived from the sale of the salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon
and halibut tag pursuant to ORS 497.121 shall be credited to the subaccount.
Moneys in the subaccount may be expended only for halibut population studies
and other research.
(6)
The Upland Bird Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account. All
moneys received by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission from the sale of
upland bird stamps, from the sale of any art works and prints related to the
upland bird stamp and from private hunting preserve permit fees shall be
deposited in the subaccount. Moneys in the subaccount may be expended only for
promoting the propagation and conservation of upland birds and the acquisition,
development, management, enhancement, sale or exchange of upland bird habitat,
and for activities related to the design, production, issuance and arrangements
for sale of the upland bird stamps and related art works and prints.
Expenditures of moneys in the subaccount shall be made for the benefit of
programs within this state in such amounts and at such times as the commission
determines appropriate to most directly benefit the upland bird resources of
the state.
(7)(a)
The Fish and Wildlife Deferred Maintenance Subaccount is established in the
Fish and Wildlife Account. Interest earnings on moneys in the subaccount shall
be credited to the subaccount. The subaccount shall consist of moneys
authorized by the Legislative Assembly from the State Wildlife Fund and moneys
obtained by gift, grant, bequest or donation from any other public or private source.
(b)
The principal in the subaccount may be utilized only as provided in paragraph
(c) of this subsection. Interest earnings on the moneys in the subaccount may
be expended only for the maintenance of fish hatcheries and State Department of
Fish and Wildlife facilities other than administrative facilities located in
Salem.
(c)
The department may borrow funds from the principal of the subaccount to
maintain adequate cash flow requirements. However, moneys borrowed from the
principal must be repaid to the subaccount:
(A)
Within six months from the date on which the moneys were borrowed.
(B)
With interest at the standard rate that the State Treasurer charges to state
agencies for other loans. Interest paid under this subparagraph shall be paid
to the subaccount.
(d)
For purposes of this subsection, “principal” means moneys authorized by the
Legislative Assembly for transfer to the subaccount from the State Wildlife
Fund, including any assignment of earnings on moneys in the fund and other
moneys obtained by gift, grant, bequest or donation deposited into the
subaccount.
(8)
The Access and Habitat Board Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife
Account. The subaccount shall consist of moneys transferred to the subaccount
pursuant to ORS 496.242. Moneys in the subaccount may be used for the purposes
specified in ORS 496.242.
(9)
The Marine Shellfish Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife
Account. Interest earnings on moneys in the subaccount shall be credited to the
subaccount. All moneys received by the commission from the sale of resident and
nonresident shellfish licenses pursuant to ORS 497.121 shall be deposited in
the subaccount. Moneys in the subaccount shall be used for the protection and
enhancement of shellfish for recreational purposes, including shellfish
sanitation costs and the cost of enforcement of wildlife laws pertaining to the
taking of shellfish. The State Fish and Wildlife Director, or a designee, the
Director of Agriculture, or a designee, and the Superintendent of State Police,
or a designee, shall jointly make a recommendation to the Governor for
inclusion in the Governor’s budget beginning July 1 of each odd-numbered year.
(10)(a)
The Mountain Sheep Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account,
consisting of moneys collected under ORS 497.112 (2)(a) to (c).
(b)
All moneys in the subaccount shall be used for the propagation and conservation
of mountain sheep, for research, development, management, enhancement and sale
or exchange of mountain sheep habitat and for programs within the state that in
the discretion of the commission most directly benefit mountain sheep resources
of this state.
(11)(a)
The Antelope Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account,
consisting of moneys collected under ORS 497.112 (2)(a) to (c).
(b)
All moneys in the subaccount shall be used for the propagation and conservation
of antelope, for research, development, management, enhancement and sale or
exchange of antelope habitat and for programs within the state that in the
discretion of the commission most directly benefit antelope resources of this
state.
(12)(a)
The Mountain Goat Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife Account,
consisting of moneys collected under ORS 497.112 (2)(a) to (c).
(b)
All moneys in the subaccount shall be used for the propagation and conservation
of mountain goats for research, development, management, enhancement and sale
or exchange of mountain goat habitat and for programs within the state that in
the discretion of the commission most directly benefit mountain goat resources
of this state.
(13)(a)
The commission shall keep a record of all moneys deposited in the Fish and
Wildlife Account. The record shall indicate by separate cumulative accounts the
sources from which the moneys are derived and the individual activity or
programs against which each withdrawal is charged.
(b)
Using the record created pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, the
commission shall report, in the budget documents submitted to the Legislative
Assembly, on the application of investment and interest earnings to the
maintenance of fish hatcheries and other State Department of Fish and Wildlife
facilities.
(14)
The Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount is established in the Fish and Wildlife
Account. All moneys received by the commission from the sale of habitat
conservation stamps and from the sale of any art works and prints related to
the habitat conservation stamp shall be deposited in the subaccount. Moneys in
the subaccount may be expended only to promote and implement habitat and
species restoration, enhancement and viewing activities identified in the “Oregon
Conservation Strategy,” 2006, by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
for activities related to the design, production, issuance and arrangements for
sale of the habitat conservation stamps and related art works and prints. [2001
c.822 §3; 2003 c.612 §2; 2003 c.656 §12; 2007 c.625 §§3,14; 2011 c.50 §§3,4;
2011 c.730 §18b]
Note:
496.303 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
496.305
[Amended by 1959 c.692 §6; 1971 c.446 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.306 Compensation for damage done by
bear and cougar not to be paid from State Wildlife Fund.
If the State Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to pay compensation
for damage activities of bear and cougar to people, real property, livestock,
or agricultural or forest products, the compensation, and any attorney fees,
shall not be paid from the State Wildlife Fund, but shall be paid from such
other moneys as shall be available therefor. [1995 c.136 §2]
496.310
[Amended by 1959 c.692 §7; repealed by 1967 c.451 §32]
496.311 Limitation on size of revolving
fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the revolving fund referred to in ORS 496.300 shall not exceed $40,000. [1975
c.545 §9; 1979 c.461 §7]
496.315
[Amended by 1959 c.692 §8; 1967 c.451 §23; 1971 c.446 §2; repealed by 1973
c.723 §130]
496.320
[Amended by 1959 c.692 §9; 1971 c.446 §3; 1971 c.658 §6; repealed by 1973 c.723
§130]
496.325
[Amended by 1971 c.446 §4; 1971 c.658 §6a; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.330 [Amended
by 1971 c.658 §7; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.335
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.340 Payments to counties in lieu of
taxes. (1) Except as provided in subsection
(3) of this section, whenever real property owned by the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission is exempt from taxation on January 1 of any year by reason of its
ownership by the state, the commission shall pay to the county in which the
property is situated an amount equal to the ad valorem taxes that would have
been charged against the property if it had been assessed to a taxable owner as
of January 1 of such year as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The
county assessor shall determine the value of such property and shall notify the
commission of the determination of the county assessor. Upon request of the
commission, the Department of Revenue shall review the determination of value
and shall redetermine the value if it concludes the value initially determined
was substantially incorrect.
(2)(a)
Except as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this subsection, the value of the
property shall be computed at its assessed value under ORS 308A.107 or for
forestland use, whichever is applicable.
(b)
Paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to any property upon which
open field burning takes place. If open field burning takes place on any
property described in this section, the property shall be valued at its highest
and best use rather than the values authorized in paragraph (a) of this
subsection on the January 1 following the date of the open field burning. If in
the next year, the open field burning is discontinued, paragraph (a) of this
subsection shall apply the next January 1 and each year thereafter as long as
no open field burning occurs.
(c)
Paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to any property acquired by
the commission after September 9, 1971, if such property was valued under farm
use or forestland use special assessment provisions, at the time the property
was acquired by the commission. However, no payments in lieu of taxes made to a
county pursuant to this section prior to January 1, 1974, shall be refunded to
the commission.
(3)
This section does not apply to real property used for bird farms, fish
hatcheries, office quarters, fishing access sites or impoundments, capital
improvements or real property acquired pursuant to the Act of May 19, 1948 (62
Stat. 240), Public Law 80-537.
(4)
The amount prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be determined
annually by the assessor of the county in which the property is situated and
certified by the assessor to the county court or the board of county
commissioners. A notice of the determination, signed by the county judge or the
chairperson of the board of county commissioners, shall be mailed to the
principal office of the commission not later than October 15. The notice shall
contain a statement of the value of the property and a complete explanation of
the method used in computing the amount claimed pursuant to subsection (1) of
this section. Not later than November 15, the commission shall pay each amount,
less a discount equivalent to that which is provided in ORS 311.505. Payment
shall be made to the county treasurer, who shall distribute the payment to the
taxing districts of the county in accordance with the schedule of percentages
computed under ORS 311.390.
(5)
Notwithstanding any other provision of the wildlife laws, the commission shall
make the payments to counties required by this section annually from the moneys
in the State Wildlife Fund established by ORS 496.300. [Amended by 1955 c.729 §1;
1971 c.356 §1; 1971 c.474 §1; 1973 c.723 §16; 1991 c.459 §420; 1997 c.541 §441;
1999 c.314 §73; 2005 c.755 §46]
496.345 [1959
c.692 §5; 1963 c.481 §1; part renumbered 506.345; repealed by 1971 c.446 §11]
NONGAME WILDLIFE
496.375 “Nongame wildlife” defined.
As used in ORS 496.380 to 496.390 “nongame wildlife” means all wildlife species
over which the State Fish and Wildlife Commission has jurisdiction, except game
mammals, as defined in ORS 496.004, fur-bearing mammals as defined in ORS
496.004, game birds as defined in ORS 496.007 and game fish as defined in ORS
496.009. [1979 c.566 §1]
496.380 Designation of tax refunds to
finance program. Individual taxpayers who file an
Oregon income tax return and who will receive a tax refund from the Department
of Revenue may designate that a contribution be made to the Nongame Wildlife
Fund by marking the appropriate box printed on the return as provided in ORS
305.690 to 305.753. [1979 c.566 §2; 1981 c.411 §5; 1989 c.987 §21; 2007 c.822 §20]
496.385 Nongame Wildlife Fund.
(1) There is established as a separate and distinct fund in the State Treasury
a Nongame Wildlife Fund. The Nongame Wildlife Fund shall consist of:
(a)
An amount credited to the fund under ORS 305.690 to 305.753, which shall be
transferred by the Department of Revenue to the fund.
(b)
Gifts, grants and donations, in money or otherwise, for use as described in
subsection (2) of this section, which the State Treasurer may solicit and accept
from private and public sources and shall cause to be deposited and credited to
the Nongame Wildlife Fund.
(c)
Interest or other earnings on the amounts described in paragraphs (a) and (b)
of this subsection which shall inure to the benefit of the Nongame Wildlife
Fund.
(2)
Moneys contained in the Nongame Wildlife Fund are continuously appropriated for
the purposes specified in ORS 496.390. [1979 c.566 §3; 1987 c.758 §4; 1989
c.987 §22; 2007 c.822 §21]
496.390 Control over fund by department;
use of moneys. The State Department of Fish and
Wildlife shall have access to and control of the moneys held in the Nongame
Wildlife Fund, but shall use such moneys only to protect and preserve nongame
wildlife and their habitat. [1979 c.566 §4]
496.405 [Amended
by 1971 c.658 §7a; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.410
[Repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.415
[Amended by 1971 c.658 §8; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
496.420 [1959
c.146 §1; repealed by 1973 c.723 §130]
SALMON AND TROUT ENHANCEMENT
496.430 Definitions for ORS 496.430 and
496.435 to 496.455. As used in this section and ORS
496.435 to 496.455:
(1)
“Enhancement” means resource conservation, utilization and educational
activities that contribute to the recovery and sustainability of native fish.
(2)
“Listed unit” means one population or a group of populations of a species, such
as an evolutionarily significant unit, that has been listed as threatened or
endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205), as
amended, or under ORS 496.171 to 496.192.
(3)
“Native fish” means indigenous to Oregon and not introduced. Naturally produced
fish and hatchery produced fish are both native fish if the fish are indigenous
to Oregon and not introduced.
(4)
“Native stocks” means those fish indigenous to Oregon that naturally propagate
in a given watershed.
(5)
“Naturally produced” means a fish that reproduces and completes its full life
cycle in its natural habitat. The naturally produced progeny of hatchery fish
are naturally produced.
(6)
“Population” means a group of fish that:
(a)
Originates and reproduces in a particular area at a particular time;
(b)
Does not interbreed to any substantial degree with any other group reproducing
in a different area or in the same area at a different time; and
(c)
Is composed of naturally produced fish, hatchery produced fish or a combination
of both.
(7)
“Recovery” means that a proportion of the constituent populations of naturally
produced native fish belonging to a listed unit are sufficiently abundant,
productive and diverse in life histories and distribution such that the listed
unit as a whole will be self-sustaining into the foreseeable future.
(8)
“Self-sustaining” means having a sufficient proportion and distribution of
constituent populations that:
(a)
Are likely to survive prolonged periods of habitat, oceanic, climatic and
environmental conditions that are detrimental to a population; and
(b)
Have habitat of sufficient quality and quantity that is likely to provide
survival rates adequate to maintain associated ecological, cultural and
economic benefits. [1981 c.317 §2; 2003 c.463 §1]
496.435 Policy to recover and sustain
native stocks. Consistent with other provisions of
law, it is declared to be a goal of the people of the State of Oregon to
achieve recovery and sustainability of native stocks of salmon and trout. In
order to achieve this goal in a cost-effective manner, the State of Oregon
shall engage in a program to rehabilitate and improve natural habitat and
native stocks and ensure that the level of harvest does not exceed the capacity
of stocks to reproduce themselves. The State of Oregon shall promote
rehabilitation of salmon and trout populations by reintroducing the fish to
habitats by using the salmon and trout enhancement program and remote
hatchboxes. [1981 c.317 §3; 1999 c.189 §1; 2003 c.463 §2]
496.440 Enhancement program to be
conducted by commission; objective. A salmon and
trout enhancement program shall be conducted by the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission to benefit all users of the salmon and trout resources in this
state. The program shall be conducted in such manner as to provide the greatest
possible opportunity for citizen volunteer participation to achieve the goals
of the program. [1981 c.317 §4]
496.445 Duties of commission.
In carrying out the salmon and trout enhancement program, the State Fish and
Wildlife Commission shall:
(1)
Provide appropriate State Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel to act as
community advisors to cooperatively develop enhancement projects with citizen
volunteers and to cooperatively evaluate enhancement projects with the citizens
responsible for project implementation.
(2)
Provide technical assistance to citizens responsible for implementation of
enhancement projects.
(3)
Coordinate the implementation of enhancement projects with the activities of
department staff and other agencies.
(4)
Provide educational and informational materials to promote public awareness and
involvement in the salmon and trout enhancement program.
(5)
Supervise the activities of citizens developing local brood stock for
enhancement projects.
(6)
Grant funds to citizens for the implementation of approved enhancement projects
from such moneys as may be available to the commission therefor.
(7)
Develop and implement a remote hatchbox program as described in ORS 496.458.
(8)
Report annually to the Legislative Assembly on the progress of the salmon and
trout enhancement program. [1981 c.317 §5; 1999 c.189 §2]
496.450 Application for project; subjects
for projects; conditions for approval. (1) Any
citizen or group of citizens may submit to the State Fish and Wildlife
Commission a proposal for a project consistent with the recovery or
sustainability of native stocks to be implemented under the salmon and trout
enhancement program or may submit a request for advice and assistance in
developing such a project.
(2)
An enhancement project may include, but is not limited to, habitat improvement,
installation and operation of streamside incubators, brood stock development,
fish stocking and spawning ground surveys and data collection.
(3)
The commission shall approve for implementation only those enhancement projects
based on sound biological principles and shall use fish stocks most adapted to
the project locale. To the greatest extent practicable, a project must be
designed to maximize survival, adult returns and genetic diversity while
minimizing disease.
(4)
Conditions for approval by the commission for implementation of a project
include but are not limited to:
(a)
Provisions satisfactory to the commission for inspection and evaluation of the
implementation of a project; and
(b)
Provisions satisfactory to the commission for controlling the expenditure of
and accounting for any funds granted by the commission for implementation of
the project. [1981 c.317 §6; 2003 c.463 §3]
496.455 Use of native stocks for projects;
conditions. In carrying out any duties, functions
or power under the wildlife laws or the commercial fishing laws, the State Fish
and Wildlife Commission may authorize the taking of native stocks and their
sexual products, but may not provide any such native stocks or the sexual
products therefrom to any person granted a permit by the commission pursuant to
ORS 508.700 to 508.745 unless, at a minimum, sufficient fish are returned to
the donor stream to compensate fully for native smolts which might have
resulted from eggs removed from the donor stock. When entering into a contract
for the taking of native stock with a person granted a permit pursuant to ORS
508.700 to 508.745, the commission shall consider the use of the facilities for
the taking of additional native stock for public management activities,
including the salmon and trout enhancement program. [1981 c.317 §7]
496.458 Remote hatchbox program; rules.
(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall develop and implement a remote
hatchbox program.
(2)
To implement the remote hatchbox program required under subsection (1) of this
section, the commission shall:
(a)
Identify sites in tributaries that are suitable for remote hatchboxes;
(b)
Adopt rules necessary to implement the remote hatchbox program;
(c)
Investigate the potential of producing remote hatchboxes through an inmate work
program of the Department of Corrections; and
(d)
Report annually to the Legislative Assembly on the progress of the remote
hatchbox program. The report shall include but need not be limited to the sites
the commission has chosen, a copy of rules the commission has adopted and
findings on the extent to which the commission is utilizing labor, supplies or
services provided by an inmate work program.
(3)
Rules adopted by the commission under subsection (2) of this section shall:
(a)
Ensure that the program is scientifically sound;
(b)
Be consistent with the goals of the Oregon Plan, as described in ORS 541.898;
and
(c)
Identify protocols for determining when the use of remote hatchboxes is an
appropriate activity under the Oregon Plan. [1999 c.189 §4]
Note:
Sections 1 and 2, chapter 871, Oregon Laws 2009, provide:
Sec. 1. Remote hatchbox program evaluation
in Rogue River basin streams. For the
period commencing January 1, 2010, and ending December 31, 2015, the State Fish
and Wildlife Commission may evaluate the remote hatchbox program, established
pursuant to ORS 496.445 and 496.458, in select Rogue River basin streams after
consultation with local communities, groups participating in the salmon and
trout enhancement program established under ORS 496.440, conservation groups
working on matters related to the Rogue River basin and the National Marine
Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Consultation under this section must include, but not be limited to, matters
related to remote hatchbox placement and monitoring, data collection, adult
returns and fishery contribution. [2009 c.871 §1]
Sec. 2.
Section 1 of this 2009 Act is repealed on January 2, 2016. [2009 c.871 §2]
496.460 Salmon and Trout Enhancement
Program Advisory Committee; members; duties and powers; travel and expenses.
(1) The Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Advisory Committee is established
as an advisory committee to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The
committee shall be of such size and have such geographical representation as
the commission determines appropriate. Members of the committee shall be
appointed by the Governor.
(2)
The committee shall review the policies of the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife and make recommendations to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission and
to the department concerning the implementation of salmon and trout enhancement
projects.
(3)
A member of the committee shall receive no compensation for services as a
member. However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other
expenses of state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for
actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of
official duties from such moneys as may be available to the department
therefor. [1981 c.317 §8]
496.465 Interference with project
prohibited. Except for activities or projects
authorized by a unit of municipal, state or federal government, no person shall
disturb, damage, destroy or interfere with the operation of a salmon and trout
enhancement project referred to in ORS 496.450. [1989 c.940 §2]
ADOPTION OF PLANS FOR NATURAL PRODUCTION
OF ANADROMOUS FISH RUNS
496.470 Natural production of anadromous
fish; rules; priorities. (1) The State Fish and Wildlife
Commission shall adopt by rule plans for the natural production of anadromous
fish runs in the basins set forth in subsection (2) of this section. The
commission shall adopt the plans after government-to-government consultation in
the forum established pursuant to United States v. Oregon, United States
District Court Case No. 68-513 MA, among the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Nez Perce
Tribe.
(2)
The basins for which plans may be adopted under subsection (1) of this section
are:
(a)
Hood;
(b)
Deschutes;
(c)
Fifteenmile Creek;
(d)
John Day;
(e)
Umatilla;
(f)
Walla Walla;
(g)
Grande Ronde; and
(