The first chapter of CCA Oregon was established in the spring of 2007. Since that time CCA Oregon has grown to nearly 3,500 active members and 12 local chapters covering a geographic area from Portland to Medford and Tillamook to Pendleton. In addition to the ever increasing membership CCA Oregon has also retained a well respected lobbyist in Salem, a regional fisheries director, a regional executive director, an Oregon assistant director, all working toward conservation and preservation of the Pacific Northwest's marine resources. Through a partnership of sixteen other state chapters in the United States CCA Oregon has a lobbyist and general counsel in Washington DC working on our behalf.
In our short existence these are just some of the things we have accomplished:
Established the strongest and best-organized grassroots conservation organization in the state.
Developed a set of thought out and rational position statements that guide our efforts insuring consistency, credibility, and adherence to the principles of the grass roots membership.
Held numerous, successful fundraising banquets to fund advocacy efforts and staff in Oregon
Retained an Executive Director, Assistant Director, Fisheries Director, and Salem Lobbyist so that our influence is felt even as we volunteers attend to our daily lives.
Raised our profile to the point that state leaders as well as state and federal agencies often seek our advice on conservation issues.
Represented recreational anglers and their rights during the marine reserve debates. Successfully modified HB 3013 to avoid large arbitrary closures of our coastal waters before it was passed into law.
Coordinated with CCA Washington and CCA National to actively support the Northwest Straits Commission in attaining a $4.5 million federal grant to remove 3000 derelict gill nets from Puget Sound.
Six of fifteen members on the Columbia River Recreational Advisory Panel are active CCA members.
Represented conservation on the Columbia River Visioning Panel.
Represented on, and successfully influenced, the Columbia River Fish Working Group process, which recommended a major shift towards selective fisheries.
Generated over 3400 emails, phone calls, and letters to legislators, the Governor and the commission following Oregon's vote to disregard the results of the Columbia River fish Working Group. Coordinated with Washington CCA to defend the Washington commission's stand for conservation.
Participated along with CCA Washington in the North of Falcon Process resulting in the largest increase in mark - selective fisheries in Puget Sound in years while supplying a voice for conservation when adopting harvest and escapement goals as a region.
Advocated for conservation buffers during the spring Chinook fishery that prevented us from over fishing our ESA impacts, which would have put future seasons in jeopardy.
Developed and promoted a comprehensive legislative agenda during the 2009 legislative session.
Introduced HB 2579 to legalize the use of alternate methods of commercial harvest and prioritize its use. Brought over 300 CCA members to attend the legislative hearing, the largest group to attend a legislative hearing this session.
Supported the ODFW budget proposal for funding to test alternate selective commercial gear, which will begin in the fall of 2009.
Developed relationships with legislators that will benefit CCA and more importantly the resource for years to come...
Met with the Oregonian Editorial Board, which resulted in one of the best Editorials in years calling for Columbia River harvest reform.
With our support SB 472 the Hatch box bill passed and was signed by the Governor.
As a group we have systematically developed and put into place the foundation that will enable us to have a lasting positive impact on fisheries issues in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
We Need You!
CCA Oregon will not be successful in recovering our fisheries without your involvement and continued growth. The commitment of current members, through fundraising and active membership recruitment, is helping to build the organization and ensure that the needs of the resource come first through science based management. As outlined above CCA Oregon is actively working on many fronts to promote conservation, sustainable selective fisheries, and science based fisheries management.
If you haven't already, Join CCA today! If you are a member, sign up a friend. Your involvement is key to continuing our success.
