Application period for nearly $10 million in grants for high priority fish passage and screening projects opens January 2023

Before and after photo of a fish passage project on Baker Creek, a tributary to the Coquille River. The project removed a longstanding barrier to fish passage and restored access to two miles of high-quality habitat for coho, steelhead, Chinook, Pacific lamprey, and other species. A grant application process for other high priority fish passage and fish screening projects will open in January 2023.

by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
12-6-2022
Website

SALEM, Ore.—An allocation of $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and $4.41 million in additional funds from an ODFW-ODOT fish passage restoration agreement provides a chance to tackle high priority fish passage and screening projects to help Oregon's native fish.

In early January 2023, ODFW expects to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for projects that maximize fish restoration and support fish recovery goals, with RFPs likely due on Jan. 31, 2023.

Water users like irrigation districts, municipal suppliers, commercial industries, watershed councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and individual users are encouraged to apply.

Applicants interested in securing funds for projects should start putting together applications now including a project budget, description of the fish restoration value, overall priority of the project, available match, and detailed project proposal. Applicants also must document the cooperation and permission from all pertinent landowners and water users.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential projects with ODFW's fish screening and passage staff prior to submission if they have questions or to review project value and implementation plans.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Must be a high priority fish passage or screening project
  • Must have a signed landowner agreement prior to approval
  • Projects associated with fulfilling mitigation requirements will not be accepted
  • Must identify how passage and screening will be maintained after implementation

Funds are focused on projects that:

  • Support projects described in a Conservation and Recovery Plan
  • Are listed on the ODFW Statewide Fish Passage Priority List (pdf)
  • Benefit ESA and State Sensitive listed species
  • Provide access or improved access to a large quantity of high-quality habitat
  • Fish screens must meet current fish screening criteria
  • Provide a timeline, including permit acquisition, that results in project implementation by Dec.31, 2024



More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, December 1st, 2022
: ODFW Recreation Report
Ana River: Ana River Report
Chewaucan River: Due to cold temperatures much of this river is under ice
Fourmile Lake: Snow is likely blocking access into Fourmile Lake
Gerber Reservoir: The reservoir is likely frozen
John C Boyle Reservoir: The reservoir is freezing and thawing depending on the weather
Upper Klamath Lake: The lake was mostly frozen but strong winds opened some areas
Klamath River - Upper - OR: Klamath River Report
Lake Of The Woods: The lake is still ice free at the resort
Lofton Reservoir: Lofton Reservoir Report
Miller Lake: Snow is likely blocking access
North Fork Sprague River: Access is difficult due to snow
South Fork Sprague River: Fishing not recommended
Sun Creek: Sun Pass State Forest Gate is now locked
Sycan River: Flows are low near the mouth at 7 cfs
Willow Valley Reservoir: The Reservoir is likely frozen
Alsea River: Winter steelhead are starting to show up in the Alsea
Necanicum River: This could be a good bet for the weekend
Nehalem River: Nehalem River Report
Nehalem River- North Fork: The North Fork would be a good bet for steelhead fishing this weekend
Nestucca River: Nestucca River Fishing Report
Salmon River: Winter steelhead will start to show up soon in the Salmon River
Siuslaw River: Siuslaw River Fishing Report
Trask River: The Trask is between runs
Wilson River: Wilson River Fishing Report
Yaquina River: Yaquina River Fishing Report
Clackamas River: Though there are still some late returning wild fish in the system
Henry Hagg Lake: Henry Hagg Fishing Report
Sandy River: Low numbers of coho continue to trickle through Sandy hatchery
Santiam River ( North Fork) : River is currently running around 2,930 cfs at the gauge in Mehama

Applegate Reservoir Report
Applegate Reservoir

11-30-2022
The elevation of the reservoir is dropping close to the 1,875-foot mark and the surface temperature is 47oF. Check up-to-date...... Read More