ODFW Fish Passage Administrative Rule Revision Initiative – Public Participation and Comment Solicitation, March 8

ODFW release – SALEM, Ore. – ODFW has initiated a fish passage administrative rule revision process. Aligning the state’s passage rules with the ODFW Climate and Ocean Change Policy is a driving force behind this initiative. Oregon’s Fish Passage Task Force, the Department’s public advisory board, will function as the Rules Advisory Committee (RAC). ODFW and the RAC sub-committee and will host a series of public meetings to identify and discuss draft rule revisions for consideration. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider final draft rule revisions later this year during a regularly scheduled public meeting where comment or testimony can be provided. Public participation and involvement is encouraged. To submit public comment on draft rule revisions for consideration by the RAC, an online comment form has been developed and is available here. In addition, the RAC subcommittee and the Department have planned bi-monthly virtual public meetings scheduled every other Tuesday from 2-4pm beginning March 9th through June 1st. Members of the public interested in participating or viewing these virtual meetings can access them at Join Skype Meeting. The nine-member Task Force meets regularly to advise ODFW and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on fish passage policies and issues. Task Force members represent water users and owners-operators of artificial obstructions, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public-at-large. Additional information on the Task Force, the ODFW Fish Passage Program and the rule revision initiative is available on the ODFW website or by contacting Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator, at (503) 947-6228 or ODFW.Passagerules@state.or.us. 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 additional information, contact Greg Apke.