The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks three members, each to represent one of three stakeholder groups represented on the state’s Fish Passage Task Force. Applications will be accepted through March 17, 2017.

The nine volunteer members of the Fish Passage Task Force are appointed by the ODFW Director. Task Force members represent water users or other owners of artificial obstructions, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

The ODFW Fish Passage Program administers the statutes and rules related to the passage of native migratory fish in Oregon’s rivers and streams. Landowners and operators must provide for passage of adult and juvenile native migratory fish whenever there is new construction, major replacement or modification, a permit change, or abandonment of artificial obstructions.

“The task force is instrumental in the implementation of Oregon’s Fish Passage Policy,” said Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator. “Task Force members bring different perspectives into the fish passage arena which helps create a program that is responsive to both fish passage and societal needs.”

The Task Force advises the ODFW Director and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on matters related to passage issues such as program development and implementation, fish passage waivers and exemptions, funding, monitoring, reporting to joint legislative committee, and project prioritization.

Individuals interested in serving on the ODFW Fish Passage Task Force can request additional information or an application from Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator, at (503) 947-6228 or greg.d.apke@state.or.us. Additional information and the application is also available on the ODFW Fish Passage Program website at ODFW Fish Passage Task Force.