Even more valuable was the chance to meet great people at the Central Region Office and the friendships we made. Starting in 1988, the Central Region of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hired the first Department Regional Volunteer Coordinator. Based onthe accomplishments of that position, the Legislature funded 3 more position's in 1990. Northwest, Southwest, Columbia and Central Regions made a commitment to using volunteers and recognizing them for their help. These volunteers are coded by their interests, skills and availability.
Coordinators can match a volunteer with almost any biologist's request for assistance.
Coordinators and biologists work closely with each other to determine exactly what a program needs as far as volunteer help. For example, with the heightened concern and public calls on cougar problems, a volunteer made a cougar live trap for the Deschutes Wildlife District. In the Northwest Region, volunteers have helped construct and maintain a temporary holding facility and nursery for western pond turtle hatchlings, while in Columbia Region, several volunteer groups helped with the Free Fishing Day events at Bonneville Hatchery which attracted over 1200 participants. Southwest Region has used local hound owners to aid in trapping cougars for a study in the Jackson Creek area. And the list goes on with over 3000 volunteer jobs or projects.