Due to inclement weather in the Portland metro area, a public meeting to discuss a proposed seasonal ban on the use of alcohol within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area has been rescheduled for next week.

The new meeting time is Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sauvie Island Grange Hall, located on the island at 14443 NW Charlton Rd., Portland, OR 97231.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which manages the Wildlife Area, is proposing to prohibit the possession and use of alcoholic beverages on the wildlife area from May 1 through Sept. 30 each year. This is the period of highest use on Sauvie Island beaches, and the time when alcohol-related problems are prevalent.

Over the past several years, ODFW has documented a significant increase in the number of alcohol-related problems at SIWA beaches. Wildlife area management and the Oregon State Police believe that an alcohol ban during the summer months will significantly reduce alcohol-related problems, and thus the need for additional law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.

The proposed alcohol ban is also an agenda item for the March 16 meeting of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in Salem.