| Dear supporter, The fall temperatures are starting to reach our homes, boat decks, and the valleys we fish in. The light is starting to hit the trees with a different tone, it’s a bit darker in the morning as we head out to fish, and backyard gardens are in full harvest mode. I always welcome these changes that fall brings, and I hope the start of the season is treating you well! In September, I was struck by the positive power of community while attending a packed chapter meeting. I heard a story about how a younger veteran was able to make it through some challenges they were facing after catching their first ever salmon at a Steelheaders event. It’s been great to be introduced to the work that Steelehaders volunteers do. I want to introduce the newest AmeriCorp Confluence member, Grace Peterman, to the Steelheaders staff. You’ll read more about her below, and we are incredibly excited to have her talents and skills onboard throughout 2022 and 2023! Also in this newsletter, please read about an exciting workshop and broodstock event we are partnering with ODFW to put on, and share it around with those who might be interested. I’ll be there alongside other Steelheaders and our ODFW partners. As the chapters' meeting spaces begin to fill up again, I hope that you all are able to head out to a meeting and reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new folks to the Steelheaders.
Jason Wedemeyer Executive Director |
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| | |  | | Every year, anglers and ODFW staff team up to boost our salmon and steelhead fishery. This year ODFW wants you to join them in catching steelhead in Eastern Oregon to donate to the broodstock effort. This event occurs in Troy, Oregon, on the Grande Ronde River, from Thursday through Sunday, October 13th through 16th. For more information or to sign up, click here. Along with the broodstock efforts, there will also be a learn to fish workshop that is also co-hosted with ODFW and the Steeheaders on Friday and Saturday. Gear is provided, and the instruction will be focused on fishing for hatchery steelhead, For more information or to sign up, click here. Both of these events are occurring over the same weekend and you can sign up for one or both events. There is also potential for Coho Salmon on the Grande Ronde in October. We hope many of you can make it up for this exciting weekend which will also have evening programs over dinner. This area is remote, and camping is recommended and is available at sites near the river. Please click the links to learn more and if you have further questions please get in touch! |
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| | |  | National Salmon Day National Salmon Day is coming up quick! We at the Steelheaders will always find a reason to celebrate one of our favorite anadromous fish, and this coming weekend is as good as any. October 8th is a reminder that the clock is ticking, and we need to make sure that salmon restoration is prioritized. As the long legislative session approaches, we will continue working hard to secure strong protections for salmon and steelhead and their long-term survival. We hope that you'll help us in advocating for them. If you're new here, or want a refresher on the key topics we will be working on moving forward, visit our Advocacy page below. If you feel inspired to take action, consider filling out one of our emails to an elected official and check in closer to the start of the legislative session when our blog post about this year's bills is posted. Visit last year's blog post at the link below. |
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| | | Welcome our Newest Staff Member |
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| Grace Petermen Confluence AmeriCorps member Born in England and raised between Florida and Chicago, Grace found stability and comfort in non-human creatures while growing up. After several years working at a domestic animal non-profit in Los Angeles, she became interested in how humans relate to the natural world more broadly. She sees nature, like art, as a unifying force that transcends language with the power to heal and unite. Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Wheaton College and a graduate certificate in Wildlife Management from Oregon State University. She speaks Russian and enjoys yoga, drawing, and singing. Grace looks forward to fostering community engagement in wildlife conservation through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fish Eggs to Fry, Hooked on Family Fishing Day, and Garden for Wildlife initiative. She will also support NWF's Eco-Schools USA and Schoolyard Habitats during her service term. |
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| |  | In Memorium We are saddened to hear that William E. Hedlund passed away on September 12, 2022 at his home on the Kilchis River, in Tillamook. He was 81 years old. Bill was a Life Member of the Steelheaders, joining in the 1960s and being the North Coast Chapter President and an Association Board Member since 2007. He received the Member of the Year Award at the 2010 Hall of Fame Banquet. He was active in advocacy and fundraising for local fisheries and their habitats. As requested by Bill, a short grave site ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on October 10, 2022, at River View Cemetery (300 South Taylors Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97219). All are welcome to attend. Guests will meet at the main entrance to the building and a procession will lead attendees to his final resting place. Click here for more information on Bill's service. |
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| |  | Steelhead and Salmon Recovery - Video As you know, Snake River salmon and steelhead populations are at risk. Oregonian, and author, David James Duncan shares with the National Wildlife Federation about catching his first Steelhead at age 8, and his own connection to the fish we all love. The video is a 5 minute watch. View the video at the link below. |
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| Chapter Meetings A few chapters have resumed Monthly Chapter Meetings in-person, and we hope to get everyone meeting as soon as possible! To get more detailed meeting information please visit our Events Calendar. If you're having trouble finding a meeting you can attend, please reach out to us at office@anws.org and we'll help you out. As always, Chapter Meetings are free and open to the public. If you're new to Northwest Steelheaders, attending a meeting is a great first step to getting more involved with your local fishing community. Upcoming Meetings - Emerald Empire Chapter - Tuesday, October 4 @ 7 pm
- Mid-Valley Chapter - Thursday, October 6 @ 6 pm
- Sandy River Chapter - Thursday, October 6 @ 6:30 pm
- McLoughlin Chapter - Tuesday, October 11 @ 7 pm
- Columbia River Chapter - Wednesday, October 12 @ 6:30 pm
- Tualatin Valley Chapter - Thursday, October 13 @ 7 pm
- Tom McCall Chapter - Wednesday, October 19 @ 11:30 am
- Salem Chapter - Wednesday, October 19 @ 7 pm
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| | | | When you visit https://smile.amazon.com/ and designate "Association of Northwest Steelheaders Inc" under the search bar before you make a purchase, Amazon will donate 0.5% to our organization. While this seems like just a small drop in the pond, it really adds up and is easy to set up. |
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| | Follow us if you don't already! |
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| | | | Association of Northwest Steelheaders P.O. Box 55400, Portland, OR 97238 (503) 653-4176 office@anws.org |
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