Applications are currently being accepted for one Landowner Representative opening on the statewide Access and Habitat Board. The South Willamette, North Willamette, Deschutes-Klamath and Malheur Councils all have positions open for Landowner Representatives. The Malheur Council also has a Chair and Hunter Representative position openings.

The deadline to apply for all of these positions is Monday, April 17, 2017.

People with an interest and experience in forestry, agriculture or ranching, and hunting and wildlife conservation are encouraged to apply. Please contact Isaac Sanders at (503) 947-6087 or visit state.or.us/lands/AH/get_involved.asp for more information on the positions and application forms.

Regional council applicants should live or work in the region they want to represent (see map). Duties of the position including participation in up to four public meetings each year in various communities in their region to review A and H project proposals and conduct other council business.

Statewide board members are appointed to four-year terms by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. They meet four times each year in various communities throughout the state to review project funding applications, hear public testimony and act as liaisons between the program and the public. The Board is made up of seven volunteers — three landowner representatives, three hunter representatives, and the Chair — who review and recommend wildlife habitat improvement and hunting access projects to the Commission.

The Access and Habitat Program is funded by a $4 surcharge on hunting licenses as well as the auction and raffle of 10 deer and elk tags. Funds are distributed by grants throughout the state to landowners, conservation organizations, and others for wildlife habitat improvement and projects to provide hunter access.