Oregon’s expanded Waterway Access Permit requirement is now in effect for all nonmotorized boats, including kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, canoes and inflatable versions regardless of length. State officials say the fees help fund waterway access and aquatic invasive species prevention, while opponents argue the law places an unfair burden on low-risk paddlers.

Federal agencies have awarded $6 million to help tribes and Oregon officials restore spring Chinook salmon in the Klamath Basin through hatchery expansion and remote stream incubation sites.

ODFW announced new fishing regulations affecting Oregon anglers and commercial fishermen, including wild Chinook harvest restrictions in the Umpqua Basin and the opening of the north coast Dungeness crab season.

Oregon will open its commercial Dungeness crab season Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border, with additional areas to open later once quality testing benchmarks are met.

A collaborative effort between ODF, ODFW, and the Oregon Hunters Association is helping the Walker Point meadow near Veneta flourish with native pollinators and wildlife in its second year of restoration.

A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.

Oregon officials say they recognize the urgent push for fish screens as salmon return to the Upper Klamath Basin — but warn the engineering, cost, and statewide backlog mean fast solutions are unlikely.

Ranchers in southern Oregon report increasing livestock losses linked to the growing Grouse Ridge wolf pack. State wildlife officials confirm a rising wolf population while balancing conservation goals and rural livelihoods.