ODFW News: 3 opportunities to comment on cougar MP

[Pete]

For immediate release Monday, August 29, 2005

Three more opportunities to comment on proposed cougar management plan

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold its final three public meetings this week to gather public comments and concerns about the proposed update to the state's cougar management plan. The final three meetings will take place in southern Oregon.

Each meeting will start with a presentation by ODFW staff about the history of cougars and cougar management in the state, current issues surrounding cougars, and aspects of the draft management plan. After the presentation, attendees will be invited to ask questions and voice comments about the updated plan, and discuss general concerns about cougar management in Oregon.

"We've been very pleased with the meetings so far," said Ron Anglin, ODFW Wildlife Division administrator. "We've gathered many useful comments and participants have been able to learn more about the issues surrounding cougar management in Oregon."

All comments will be considered as the draft plan is fine-tuned before its first presentation to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in December.

ODFW is the agency charged with developing and implementing management plans for the state's wildlife species. The first cougar management plan was developed in 1987 and updated in 1993. A copy of the proposed new plan can be found on ODFW's Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us .

The remaining public meetings to discuss the draft plan take place at the following dates and locations. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. and last until 9 p.m.

* Monday, Aug. 29, Roseburg: Umpqua Community College Jacoby Auditorium, 1140 College Rd.

* Tuesday, Aug. 30, Medford: Jackson County Courthouse Auditorium, 10 S. Oakdale Ave.

* Wednesday, Aug. 31, Klamath Falls: Oregon State University Extension Auditorium, 3328 Vandenberg Rd.