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Dear River Advocates,

Please take a moment of your day to send a quick comment in support of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) proposed budget for the agency's  "water program" for the 2009-11 Biennium.   While the 2009 Legislative Session is still months off, the public input ODFW receives today will help to shape final budget decisions.  So please ACT NOW!. 

The Issue:  ODFW is requesting $850,000 to support its "water program".  The draft proposal includes funding for five positions, including an instream flow specialist, a hydrologist, and a team leader and two associated regional positions to work on water right application issues.   These positions are critical to protecting Oregon's rivers and streams and the fish and other aquatic species that depend upon them.   Funding of these positions will help ensure that instream water rights are protected, that the state moves forward in its determination and protection of "peak flow" needs of rivers and fish, and, importantly, that fish and river needs are considered in water allocation decisions.   The Water Resources Department depends on ODFW to assess the impacts of proposed dams and water withdrawals on streams and fish.   Without adequate ODFW staffing our precious river resources are at risk in water permitting decisions.  These positions are pivotal. 

How:   Please fill out the "town hall comment form" found at:  http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/budget/index.asp#Town (click on "comment form").   Comment Deadline is May 5th.   Please make the following three points:

     * Voice your strong support for funding of  ODFW's "water program capacity" proposal,

     * Tell ODFW that full funding of the "water program" should be a priority , and

     * Urge ODFW to ensure that the determination and protection of "peak flows" be key component of final "water program" budget. 

And/or attend a town hall meeting near you (see schedule on website below).

For more information please go to:  ODWF's budget information web page

Thank you!!! 

If you have any questions please contact Kimberley Priestley at kjp at waterwatch dot org, 503-295-4039 x 3.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Kimberley Priestley
 WaterWatch of Oregon
 213 SW Ash, Suite 208
 Portland, OR 97204
 Phone: (503) 295-4039, ext. 3
 FAX: (503) 295-2791
 http://www.waterwatch.org