The CCA response to the OFWC vote...

Though disheartening, Friday’s ODFW Commission decision to allow the permanent continuation of gillnetting in the mainstem of the Columbia River was not completely unexpected. We should all be outraged that Oregon Governor Kate Brown did not honor her commitment to fully implement the Columbia River reforms by ensuring that Commissioner Buckmaster worked within the bounds of the reforms and Senate Bill 830.

Instead of keeping her promises, Governor Brown allowed Buckmaster to undo the reforms, effectively breaking 100 years of Columbia River co-management with Washington State, as well as multiple laws, including SB830. In doing so, Governor Brown has raised serious doubts about her commitment to fisheries conservation and hundreds of thousands of recreational anglers (and voters) across Oregon.

CCA leadership is currently evaluating and considering a variety of possible actions following Friday’s decision. We will not be deterred in our resolve to end the use of gillnets on the Columbia. CCA has acted in good faith and trusted others would do the same. After yesterday's vote, it's clear that integrity and a desire to do the right thing for wild salmon and steelhead stocks is not a priority for the majority of the ODFW Commission and it is time to change our approach and amplify the volume.

As conservationists and stewards who enjoy and respect Oregon’s natural resources, it is more important than ever to stick together and fight for the protections these magnificent fish deserve. As sports fishers, it’s time to insist that we realize what was agreed to in 2012, demand what we have been promised and compromised for, and have already paid for! It is not a question of if, it is only a question of when. CCA Oregon is committed today more than ever to ensure that the future of the Columbia's salmon and steelhead fisheries are bright and that our grandchildren will have the opportunity to catch them. Stay tuned! It’s far from over.

Dave Schamp
CCA Oregon Chairman
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"Let every angler who loves to fish think what it would mean to him to find the fish were gone." (Zane Grey)

"If you don't kill them, they will spawn." (Carcassman)


The Keen Eye MD
Long Live the Kings!