| Press Release |
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| September 26, 2006 |
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Governor seeks public input for Coast Coho Conservation plan
30-day public comment period will begin October 3rd
Salem, Oregon —Governor Ted Kulonogksi announced today a 30-day public review and comment period on his draft "Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan" to begin October 3rd.
"I want to hear from Oregonians about how best to protect fish populations, critical watersheds, and coastal economies," said the Governor. "Our approach is built on a collaborative, result-oriented strategy to improve water quality and the cultural and economic benefits native fish populations provide."
Two town hall meetings in Tillamook and Florence will introduce the Coast Coho Conservation Plan and provide an opportunity for public input. A key component of the plan includes the new Private Lands Initiative, a voluntary habitat restoration program on private lands.
At each meeting, a brief overview of the Conservation Plan’s development, goals and strategies will be presented, followed by an informal "open house" question and answer period. Public comments will be recorded at both meetings.
Public meeting schedule:
Tuesday, October 3rd
The State Department of Forestry
5005 3rd Street
Tillamook
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 4th
Florence Event Center
715 Quince Street
Florence
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Coast Coho Conservation Plan seeks the successful rebuilding of coastal coho populations that began with the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds in 1997.
The Coast Coho Conservation Plan embodies commitments and contributions by the State of Oregon and its federal partners to ensure viability and sustainability of the coastal coho populations, as required by the Native Fish Conservation Policy adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2002.
A stakeholder team representing multiple local interests helped to guide the planning efforts. State natural resource agencies involved include the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Quality, Fish and Wildlife, State Lands, State Parks and Recreation, Land Conservation and Development, Water Resources, Transportation, Geology and Mineral Industries, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.
The draft plan will be made available to the public on October 3rd, 2006 on the Oregon Plan website (http://www.oregon-plan.org/OPSW/cohoproject/coho_proj.shtml). Comments may be submitted to cohoplan@state.or.us to the Governor’s Natural Resources Office, 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-4047 (Re: Coho Plan).
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496
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