Fish and Wildlife Commission rescinds 1980 agreement, restoring hunting and fishing rights for the Siletz Tribe

Oregon – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today rescinded a 1980 agreement between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, completing the final step in removing restrictions on the Siletz Tribe’s hunting and fishing rights. This action aligns with U.S. Congress and a federal court’s decision to vacate the Siletz Tribe Consent Decree, fulfilling the requirements of federal Public Law 118-33 (enrolled H.R. 2839 of the 118th Congress).

The 1980 agreement, which was enforced by a federal consent decree, provided the Siletz Tribe with limited hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering rights in exchange for the creation of the Siletz Reservation. Oregon has since acknowledged that the 1980 agreement reflected the outdated and biased views of its time and did not align with tribal sovereignty principles. Today’s action is viewed as a step forward, furthering cooperative fish and wildlife management efforts between the State and the Tribe. The 2023 Memorandum of Agreement between ODFW and the Siletz Tribe is now the primary framework guiding their relationship.

“Today’s action rights a historic wrong and continues to advance our cooperation with the Siletz Tribe towards our shared goal of healthy fish and wildlife populations,” said ODFW Director Debbie Colbert.

In other matters, the Commission:

– Approved a list of non-land-owning state agencies that will contribute to Southern Resident Orca conservation efforts. In February 2024, the Commission listed the Southern Resident Orca as endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act (OESA). Agencies such as the Oregon State Marine Board and Department of Environmental Quality will play vital roles in orca conservation efforts.
– Approved 17 grants for projects recommended by the Advisory Committee for the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF). Funded initiatives will support the Oregon State Wildlife Action Plan and projects connecting Oregonians with the outdoors. These include monitoring at-risk amphibians in floodplains and a river access project by Adventures Without Limits.
– Approved funding for two Access & Habitat projects aimed at preserving nearly 2 million acres of private land for public hunting access, including increased OSP enforcement.

The next Commission meeting will be held on April 17-18 in Winchester Bay.