Tag Archives: Gov. John Kitzhaber

“All this is thrown away because of one man in Oregon,’’ – Commercial fishermen unhappy with Columbia River reforms

Commercial fishermen have reiterated their disgruntlement with the Columbia River reforms adopted two years ago by the Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife commissions. At a public hearing earlier this month in Tumwater before the Washington commission, several leaders in the lower Columbia commercial community made their unhappiness with the reforms known. Read the rest here 21:26

Editorial: We’re waiting – Gov. Kithaber made a mistake; now he can let others work things out

Will it merely sugarcoat a bitter pill. Or will Gov. John Kitzhaber make substantive changes in his misguided order to eliminate Columbia River gillnetting? In essence, Kitzhaber moved in 2012 to end a dispute between an activist recreational fishing group (CCA) and commercial fishermen by handing the sports group a complete victory at the expense of the traditional fishing communities of the Columbia estuary. Read the rest here 13:04

Skeptics question cash for fishermen – Kitzhaber repeats promise to help gillnetters move off Columbia main stem, video

Kitzhaber unveiled his proposed budget Monday, although it must be approved by the Legislature. It includes money for gillnetters to change their gear and some reimbursement for lost income, as well as investment in hatcheries. In answer to a question from The Daily Astorian, he said fishing traditions can be maintained – even as techniques may change. Read more