The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee will meet in Newport on Thursday, April 12.

The meeting will occur in the Conference Room at the Holiday Inn Express located at 135 SE 32nd St. in Newport. On Thursday, from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm, the agenda includes STEP program planning, STEP program updates, review of mini-grant application, and review of two propagation proposals. The meeting is open to the public. From 2:30-5:00 pm on Thursday and from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday, April 13, STAC will tour STEP related projects. The public is welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation.

The Committee will review proposals to renew two STEP propagation programs (Whiskey Creek Hatchery and Rhoades Pond). Any STEP project that rears fish for release (including egg incubation) must be approved by ODFW. Part of the approval process includes public input and review by the Advisory Committee. The proposals are available for public review on the ODFW website at dfw.state.or.us/fish/STEP/ Members of the public will be able to comment on the proposals at the meeting or in writing. Written responses must be received by April 10.

The Oregon Legislature created Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program in 1981 to provide a way for volunteers to participate in the restoration of native stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout. The STEP Advisory Committee makes recommendations to ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission on issues regarding its programs. The committee’s 13 members are appointed by the Governor and represent all areas of Oregon.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the Information and Education Division at (800) 720-6339 or (503) 947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

For more information on the Salmon Trout Enhancement Program visit the ODFW Web site at dfw.state.or.us/fish/STEP/ or call program staff at (503) 947-6211.