List will incorporate climate change impacts; comment by July 31 – ODFW release – SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is beginning the process to update the Statewide Fish Passage Barrier Prioritization List (Barrier List), which occurs at least every five years. This list identifies the most critical barriers to fish (based on amount of habitat quality and quantity blocked, level of passage provided, # of species blocked including T and E species present, and other factors) and helps guide restoration efforts. This time, the Barrier List will also consider new variables to incorporate the effects of future climate change into prioritization methods (such as changing seasonal flow and temperature patterns). An initial public comment period is open until July 31, 2023 for people to share their thoughts and suggestions on the Barrier List, particularly the addition of climate change variables to prioritization methods. Submit public comments via email to Fish.Passage@ODFW.Oregon.Gov or by mail to: ODFW Fish Passage Program, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97302. Those interested in the process are encouraged to subscribe to ODFW’s Fish Passage page program updates to keep up to date on the process. “We encourage water users, infrastructure owners, land use managers, conservationists and other interested groups or individuals to provide their expertise and insight,” said Katherine Nordholm, ODFW Fish Screens and Passage Coordinator. “A thorough public process will help us create a Barrier List that is accurate and effective and better supports our mission to restore fish passage.” “By integrating knowledge on how the effects of climate change will impact habitat used by native migratory fish, we hope to enhance our ability to restore fish passage and protect the health of Oregon’s aquatic ecosystems,” she added. To learn more about the planned update to the Barrier List, watch a presentation about it, and see more detail on previous prioritization lists and methods, visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/passage/inventories.asp
