Salem-Area Wildlife Re-Habiliatator`s Permit Revoked by ODFW

Wildlife along Highway 101 Photo By: Bonnie King

(BURNS) - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday took final action on two contested cases involving wildlife.

The first case involved Melanie Smith, a Salem-area wildlife re-habilitator who petitioned the Commission for reinstatement of her rehabilitation permit.

Department staff proposed to revoke her permit because she refused to comply with ODFW`s conditions within her permit on releasing wildlife under her care.

The Commission unanimously upheld the Department`s proposed revocation.

The second case involved the Wildlife Violator Compact, a multi-state agreement that prohibits individuals convicted of wildlife violations in other states from fishing and hunting in their home states.

This is the first case filed for appeal since the Wildlife Violator Compact was formed by Oregon, Washington and Nevada in 1989. The Compact now includes all western states, as well as many Midwestern states and a few in the Eastern U.S.

Three Oregon residents convicted of wildlife violations in Idaho were served notice by ODFW in 2005 of the department`s intent to suspend their hunting privileges.

The respondents appealed the department`s recommendation for suspension to an Oregon administrative law judge, who upheld the department`s recommendation.

The Commission Friday accepted the administrative law judge`s recommendation and suspended their hunting licenses.

`The Wildlife Violator Compact is an important tool to strengthen wildlife laws," said Commission Chair Marla Rae.

`We want all Oregonians to participate in hunting and fishing, as a lifestyle to be enjoyed at home and abroad, but this case should serve as a reminder to everyone to obey game laws no matter where you are."

The Commission also took action on a petition to remove American and Arctic peregrine falcons from the state endangered species list. Peregrine falcons are found worldwide, and are prized among birdwatchers and those who hunt with raptors.

They were removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 1999.

Commissioners determined that the petition presents enough scientific evidence to warrant beginning the process to de-list both species.

The process will include agency and public involvement, and peer review of the science presented.

In other Commission news, ODFW Wildlife Division staff presented draft plans for managing the state`s 12 wildlife areas.

Oregon`s wildlife area management plans were originally developed in 1993. Management issues are unique to each wildlife area.

Managers are working to develop broad goals and specific objectives, as well as actions and strategies to address those issues in each plan.

The plans are drafted to guide wildlife area managers for the next decade.

Department specialists will present the plans three at a time, starting with Elkhorn, Ken Denman and and P.W. Schneider.

They will be available for public comment throughout the summer and are slated for final approval in October