March 14, 2024 9:30 a.m.  

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for a landowner representative to serve on the Access and Habitat Program’s Southwest Region Council.

An ODFW release said the southwest region covers Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson and Josephine counties. Applicants should live in one of those counties. People with an interest and experience in forestry, agriculture or ranching, and hunting and wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply.

The position is voluntary and appointment to a four-year term comes with the option to be reappointed by the A&H Board for a second term. Council members participate in up to four public meetings yearly in various communities in this region.

At the meetings, council members review and consider funding A&H project proposals and conduct other business. A&H projects open private land to hunting access or improve wildlife habitat for game animals.

Applications must be received by April 10th for review by the current Regional Council which will meet April 12th in Central Point. Find the Regional Council Application at: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH/get_involved.asp

The A&H Program is funded by a $4 surcharge on hunting licenses and the sale of deer and Elk raffle entries and auction tags. The release said over the years, the program has opened millions of acres of private land to hunting and improved game animal habitat.

For more information, contact Ryan Battleson, A&H Southwest Regional Coordinator at 541-857-2408.