The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks one member to represent the state’s Fish Passage Task Force. One vacancy exists for the Fishing and Conservation stakeholder group representing the task force. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2018.

The nine volunteer members of the Fish Passage Task Force are appointed by the ODFW Director and are eligible to serve two 4-year terms. Task Force members represent water users or other owners of artificial obstructions, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

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

The ODFW Fish Passage Program administers the state’s statutes and administrative rules related to the passage of native migratory fish in Oregon’s rivers and streams. “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.”

Individuals interested in serving on the Oregon Fish Passage Task Force can request additional information about the Task Force 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.