Hi John,

It’s Sunday, but we have a new Major Threat, HB 3086, that could be moving tomorrow. 

This bill would change how appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission are made, getting rid of proportional representation. It’s a bad bill for our democracy and our wildlife, and it’s scheduled for a vote in the House committee on Monday at 5:30pm. Will you write to your state representative today asking them to oppose HB 3086?

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) works to “protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.” The purpose of the Fish and Wildlife Commission is to represent all of our interests while overseeing ODFW. Currently, commissioners are selected based on congressional districts. This selection model ensures everyone’s interests are represented when executing the mission of ODFW.

Major Threat HB 3086 proposes to shift away from this model, silencing many communities in our state. If passed, this bill would create a Fish and Wildlife Commission based on geography (specifically river basin management areas), not population. It would overrepresent some people and potentially erase others. How would ODFW properly work towards its mission if those who oversee it do not represent Oregon’s diverse people and interests?

If we care about our land, wildlife, and how they are managed and enjoyed, we need all backgrounds, experiences, and values to be represented on the Commission watching over ODFW’s important work. Please help us stop this bill as written and urge your state representative to support the -3 amendment for HB 3086 now.

Sincerely,

Julia DeGraw

Coalition Director, OLCV