As you probably know, Measure 81 is now registered for the November Oregon ballot. While this is a great achievement, our state board voted unanimously to suspend the “Yes on 81” campaign and fully support the plan proposed by Governor Kitzhaber. We would like to provide additional context for this chain of events and where we are today.
On September 9, the State Board of CCA Oregon met to discuss the best way to advance our goal of removing gillnets from the Columbia River. Our collective goal of achieving harvest reform on the Columbia River is at hand, although it will not be in the form of passing Measure 81.
On August 9, Governor Kitzhaber made the unprecedented move of directing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to adopt new sweeping changes to the management of the Lower Columbia River’s non-tribal fisheries. Key aspects of his plan are:
· Prioritize selective recreational fisheries in the mainstem of the Columbia River and commercial fisheries in off channel areas of the lower Columbia River.
· Phase out commercial gillnets in the mainstem and transition gillnets to only be used in the off channel areas.
· Continue development and the use of selective commercial fishing gear for future use in mainstem fisheries and implement these fisheries when recreational fishery objectives have been met.
· Improved tracking of nets through labeling and reporting of lost nets.
Many never thought they would see such sweeping change so quickly, but it is here now.
The announcement of the Governor’s plan coupled with the ballot initiative has brought the issue of gillnets in the Columbia River to a higher level of exposure among Oregonians than ever before. The media and many groups that were hesitant to endorse the ballot measure have now announced solid support for Governor Kitzhaber’s plan. That plan is now in the rule-making phase in both Oregon and Washington and is scheduled for a December 7 adoption by both Commissions. It is important to note that there are CCA representatives involved in these work groups in both states.
Your commitment and perseverance yielded the outcome that we have been working to achieve. Governor Kitzhaber and the press have credited CCA for shining a light on this issue through the launch of a well designed and supported ballot measure, and also for being willing to work collaboratively on an alternate solution. By working with the Governor, we demonstrated that we remain true to our intentions and overarching objective: to achieve harvest reform and to restore this precious resource for current and future generations.
Governor Kitzhaber said this on September 10th:
"Today I want to express my appreciation to the Coastal Conservation Association, lead petitioners Senators Girod and Monroe, and the Stop Gillnets Now coalition for their responsible decision to end the campaign in support of Measure 81. I am glad to see that, despite some understandable reservations, they have endorsed the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission process to reform the management of our Columbia River fisheries. This issue reaches beyond party lines and affects many legitimate interests in its complexity.
My proposal would transition the use of non-tribal gillnets out of the mainstem Columbia River and into off-channel areas while still advancing commercial fisheries important to Oregon’s economy and lower river communities. While I may not have agreed with Measure 81’s approach, I appreciate the focus CCA and the Coalition placed on the need to address the use of gillnets and overall lower Columbia fishery management.
It takes courage for a coalition of groups to decide to shift their focus after they've poured their resources and hard work into qualifying a ballot measure with considerable support. However, I firmly believe the Commission is the best venue for resolution of this issue rather than the ballot box, and I want to commend CCA and the Coalition for making the historic decision to end the ballot campaign and shift its focus completely into that venue.”
Does that mean our work is done? Not by a long shot.
CCA is working diligently to ensure the plan is adopted, and to build broad public support. Many of the largest environmental groups are lining up to support this effort. Both of the candidates for Governor in Washington have announced support for this new policy. Federal lawmakers are moving to support this effort. State legislators are lining up to help defend this needed reform.
Much of the support for this effort has come because CCA was willing to accept this process in exchange for suspending the “Yes on 81” campaign.
All of our members need to stay engaged. There will be public meetings where your support will be needed. CCA Oregon is dedicated to increasing communication to our membership and will see these reforms through to completion on December 7, 2012.
These actions will change history, and define the future sustainability of Pacific Northwest salmon runs. Your efforts played a vital role in achieving this landmark proposal and commitment from the Governor, and will continue to play an important part in our efforts to ensure the momentum remains strong. |
