SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state Senate has confirmed two of Gov. Kate Brown’s appointments to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, including one who drew vocal opposition from recreational fishing interests.
Senators voted 18-12 to confirm Bruce Buckmaster of Astoria. Buckmaster owned a salmon feed company and is a supporter of the commercial gillnet fishing industry that is concentrated in northwest Oregon.
Commercial and sport fishers have long battled over Columbia River fishing policy. The feud intensified when the commission kicked gillnetters off the main stem of the Columbia in 2012.
Sport fishers organized opposition to Buckmaster but were unable to defeat his confirmation.
The Senate also confirmed former Republican state Sen. Jason Atkinson to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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