SALEM, Ore.—The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Thursday and Friday, Feb. 16-17 in Portland.

Thursday's workshop, Water for Fish and Wildlife, runs from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Friday's meeting starts at 8 a.m. at The Benson Hotel, Mayfair Room, 309 SW Broadway. Following Thursday's workshop, the Commission will host a meet and greet at the Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show at the Portland Expo Center from 3- 5 p.m. in ODFW's exhibit (Booth 538, Hall C).

See a meeting agenda and watch a livestream of Friday's meeting at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/23/02_Feb/index.asp.

To testify on one of the agenda items remotely on Friday, register at least 48 hours in advance (by Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m.) at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_5NXl6FvSSQmNFyaHe7tcmw.

To testify in person, sign up at the meeting using the paper forms provided. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

A public forum for people to comment on topics not on the agenda is scheduled for Friday morning after the Director's report. To participate in the public forum, contact the ODFW Director's office at (503) 947-6044 or email[email protected] by Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. (48 hours prior to the meeting).

On Thursday, a workshop will be held to provide Commissioners with information on Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy and approaches to addressing water-related needs for fish and wildlife. The Workshop will include a conversation about the future of water planning in a changing climate. The Commissioners will receive presentations from ODFW staff, the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Tribal Water Task Force, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Oregon Department of Agriculture. This workshop will be streamed live on YouTube and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/IEODFW/videos.

On Friday, the Commission will hear from staff about migratory bird conservation under a changing climate and receive an update on the recently introduced Governor's Recommended Budget for ODFW. The Commission will also consider adopting rules to allow the department to approve a permit for stocking of grass carp into Devils Lake subject to terms and conditions determined by the department. Devils Lake is experiencing moderate to severe growth of invasive aquatic weeds. ODFW staff recommends approving biological control with sterile grass carp as an appropriate tool to aid in invasive aquatic weed control with minimal risk to native species.

An executive session may be held to review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer of a public body, a public officer, employee, or staff member who does not request an open hearing as authorized by ORS 192.660(2)(i). The Commission may also hold an executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection, as well as to consult with legal counsel concerning legal rights and duties regarding current litigation likely to be filed as authorized by ORS 192.660 (2)(h). Representatives of the news media may attend the executive session by contacting the Director's Office prior to the meeting. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on any of the deliberations during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session.