Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Congressman Greg Walden announce that steelhead in Central Oregon will receive a new federal designation.  The new "experimental" designation from "NOAA" allows collaborative conservation efforts without risking violations of the Endangered Species Act.  Merkley says Central Oregon communities have done great innovative work to ensure success for the reintroduction of steelhead in the Deschutes Basin and getting rid of federal red tape will allow us to continue leading the way in finding solutions that protect fish and habitat while allowing job creation and recreation to thrive. Steelhead will now be designated as a "non-essential- experimental" population.