BRIEFLY.

Byline: The Register-Guard

More state parks may levy fees

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is considering expanding its state park day-use fee program to include 24 parks that are now free. If approved, the proposal would require a $3 day-use fee at 12 parks - including Jesse Honeyman and Beverly Beverley Beach on the central coast - beginning Oct. 1. The state would begin charging the fee at a second tier of 12 parks - including Elijah Briston State Park and the Lowell State Recreation Site - in October 2005. Public comment on the proposal will be taken at meetings to be held Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Beverly Beach State Park, seven miles north of Newport, and July 9 at the Coos Bay city council chambers. Or go to: www.oregonstateparks.org/feedback.php

Steelhead tags worth prizes

Prize money and merchandise discounts are up for grabs in a "tag derby" under way on the McKenzie River. G.I. Joe's is providing gift certificates and discount coupons to help the ODFW gather information about its McKenzie steelhead "recycling" program, in which surplus adult steelhead are trucked downriver from Leaburg Hatchery and released to increase angling opportunity. The angler who turns in the most recylced fish tags before Nov. 30, 2003 wins a $100 gift certificate. In addition, four $50 gift certificates will be awarded in a random drawing among all anglers who turn in a tag. The tags are pink and include the Leaburg hatchery phone number. They can be turned in at the hatchery or at Greenwood Drive boat ramp, but anglers who take a tag to G.I. Joe's, 1030 Green Acres Road, will receive a discount coupon.

Cut in sturgeon limit proposed

Oregon and Washington fishery managers have scheduled a public meeting on a proposal to reduce the annual limit for sport-caught sturgeon from 10 fish to five. The joint meeting is set for 7 p.m., July 14 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way in Vancouver, Wash. Biologists say the change would increase the length of the "keeper" season on sturgeon. Under existing rules, the Columbia River sturgeon sport fishery from the mouth upstream to the Wauna Powerlines is closing to the retention of sturgeon effective Saturday because the quota of 18,000 will have been taken by then. Catch and release fishing will continue. For details on the sturgeon proposals, call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Columbia River Management Office at [phone], ext.253. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider changing the sturgeon annual limit Aug. 8 in Astoria.

Diamond Lake meeting Monday

The health of Diamond Lake will be discussed at a multi-agency workgroup meeting Monday in Roseburg. Participants in the Diamond Lake Restoration project will meet from 1 to 5 p.m. at the ODFW offices, 4192 N. Umpqua Highway. Problems associated with overpopulation of the lake by tui chub, recurring summer algae blooms and declining fisheries will be discussed. Details: Sherri Champers [phone].