Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023

Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM - Oregon's Fish Passage Task Force will meet Nov. 3 in Klamath Falls to hear briefings, discuss, and make recommendations about current statewide fish passage issues. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at the Best Western "Olympic Inn", 2627 South Sixth Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agenda includes presentations on Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s  cost share programs and projects, Klamath Basin fish populations and passage issues, hydropower re-licensing status, and the statewide fish passage priority list. 

The nine-member task force are appointed by the ODFW director and meet quarterly to advise ODFW on fish passage policies and issues. Task force members represent water users, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.
  
Under Oregon’s Fish Screen and Passage Program, providing adult and juvenile fish passage to maintain and restore access to historic habitat is one of the best ways to improve fish populations. Fish passage must be addressed by owners and operators of artificial obstructions at certain key times, such as new construction, major replacement, a change in permit status, and abandonment.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the Information and Education Division at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. For more information, call Tom Stahl, state Fish Passage Coordinator, at 503-947-6228.