SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s Fish Passage Task Force meets Friday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. virtually via Microsoft Teams. Public testimony will be heard at 10 a.m. The agenda includes the introduction of a new Task Force Member, requests for two fish passage waivers and three fish passage exemptions, ODFW fish passage rule revision initiative updates, Environmental Restoration Weir (HB 2298) rule development, and other updates. Details on the waiver and exemption requests can be found on the ODFW Fish Passage Program website. Public participation is encouraged, and Teams meeting can be accessed. Those who want to provide verbal testimony must pre-register by 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13 (a minimum of 48 hour prior to the virtual Teams meeting). Register by emailing Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator greg.d.apke@odfw.oregon.gov or calling 503-931-4361. Registration must include your first and last name, which agenda item(s) you wish to provide comments on, and a valid email address and phone number. Written comments are also accepted and can be sent to Apke’s email address or to ODFW, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97302. 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, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public-at-large. The draft meeting agenda and additional information on the Task Force and the ODFW Fish Passage Program is available on the ODFW website or by contacting Apke. 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.
