2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 1

Logan A. Norris, Chair, Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Oregon State University, 321B Richardson Hall Corvallis, OR 97331-5752; 541.737.6557; logan.norris@orst.edu

Wild salmonids are in deep trouble in Oregon (and other northwestern states of the U.S.). Numerous stocks are listed under the terms of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and others are advocated for listing by various interest groups. While the Columbia River system has been the focus for such issues over the past several decades, more recently coastal stocks have come to the forefront.

Oregon has taken an innovative approach to this problem. What began as the Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative has become the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed. Its goal is the recovery of depressed stocks of wild salmonids throughout the state. The heart of the Oregon Plan is a combination of regulatory and voluntary actions, coordination among state agencies and stakeholders, all with a strong science oversight and collaboration with the federal National Marine Fisheries Service.

The Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) is the vehicle by which science oversight is provided to the Oregon Plan. This team of 7 scientists (3 with partial or full Extension appointments) was jointly appointed in 1997 by the Governor, the President of Oregon Senate, and the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, but is not directly responsible to them, in an effort to maintain their independence. The Oregon Legislature directed state agencies to respond to each recommendation made by the IMST.

Since being formed the Team has issued technical reports and recommendations on forest practices, hatcheries, predators, harvest management (fishing), and monitoring as these impact the recovery of depressed stocks of wild salmonids. By July 2001, the Team expects to complete additional reports on temperature standards, agricultural practices, estuarine and low-land management, urban land uses, gravel mining in rivers, and information management.

I will review the history of salmonid populations and their management in the state, and the development and status of the Oregon Plan. The major findings and recommendations of the IMST, the response of agencies to them and the likely future of this effort will be discussed I conclude with a brief discussion of the role of science in the formulation of public policy.