Fish & Wildlife Department

Formed in 1975, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife works to protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats, prevent depletion of indigenous species, and provide recreational and aesthetic benefits for present and future generations. It administers a wildlife commission that formulates general state programs and policies concerning the management and conservation of fish and wildlife resources and establishes seasons, methods and bag limits for recreational and commercial use. The department supports a native fish conservation policy that provides a basis for managing hatcheries in balance with sustainable production of naturally produced native fish. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains licensing and controlled hunts, wildlife, information systems, administrative services and human resources divisions. It follows the Oregon Conservation Strategy that focuses on habitat restoration and maintenance to address the needs of game and nongame species. The department maintains one of its locations in Newport, Ore.