Help a native fish [and ODFW] out - comment today

Fish screening waiver requested on White River – Comment until July 11
Tuesday, June 27, 2017

SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on a request to forego fish screening at a new point of diversion on White River, a tributary of the Deschutes River in Wasco County. Comments are due by July 11, 2017.

The water user on White River applied for a point of diversion transfer to their water right through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD application #T-10555) in 2008. This transfer requested approval to relocate the point of diversion downstream where water would be diverted through the use of a pump.

OWRD approved the Transfer Application in 2009 with a requirement that the applicant install and operate a fish screen at the diversion. OWRD specified, “Prior to diverting water, the water user shall install a fish screening and/or bypass device, as appropriate, at the new point of diversion consistent with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) design and construction standards.”

The applicant has applied to ODFW’s Fish Screening Task Force to be excused from compliance....

Fish Passage Exemption....comment

ODFW seeks comment on fish passage exemption

Thursday, June 22, 2017

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is seeking public comment on a request to exempt from fish passage requirements a proposed culvert at an unnamed tributary to Young’s Bay, which is connected to the Columbia River in Clatsop County. Comments are due by July 14, 2017.

Jim Morinville, the Operations Manager with Warrenton Kia Automotive Dealership, plans to extend a parking area and install a new culvert in an drainage ditch which carries water to an unnamed tributary to Young’s Bay, a tributary to the Columbia River. This action has triggered Oregon’s fish passage laws. 

According to Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program coordinator, ODFW may grant fish passage exemptions if there are no benefits to native migratory fish from providing passage. Because of the site specific habitat conditions and other complete artificial obstructions below the project location, ODFW has made an initial determination that even if fish passage was provided, the action would still result in no net benefit to native migratory fish. If in the future, conditions change from which the decision was made, exemptions can be revoked and fish passage shall be addressed. 

Therefore, unless public comment is provided that would affect the Department's determination, the exemption request will be approved.

In the meantime, members of the public will have until July 14, 2017 to submit written comments on the proposed plan. The fish passage exemption application and the Department’s benefit analyses are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/passage/ .

Members of the public can send written comments to request additional information from Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program leader, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97303, e-mail, Greg.D.Apke@state.or.us, or by calling (503) 947-6228

Looking for some fun Saturday?

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2017

WHERE: Migration Brewing, Portland

WHAT TIME: 6:00 p.m.

WHAT to EXPECT: a casual gathering to support the Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited at Migration Brewing [2828 NE Glisan St.]. Admission is FREE but you'll want a ticket to buy a beer - look for the ticket sales area for TU! There will be a silent auction and raffle for all sorts of items, including a guided fishing trip on the Deschutes. Enjoy the camaraderie of like minded friends, films showcasing local conservation efforts, and a very entertaining surprise guest speaker:

• Popular speaker John McMillan will talk about his work as Science Director of TU's Wild Steelhead Initiative, including recent accomplishments and future plans.
• Silent auction and raffle. You must be present to win. Items include a guided trip and a new fly rod.
• Short films about cooperative conservation and the Wild Steelhead Initiative.
• Beer/food tickets available for purchase. (You'll need a ticket to get a beer, so look for our ticket sales area when you arrive.)

Money raised goes to support Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited and our efforts to protect fish and their habitat across Oregon. If you don't know about our conservation projects, this is your chance to find out more and help out our cause. Put it on your calendar, invite your friends, and we will see you there!

For more information, RSVP to our event on Facebook or go to tuoregon.org

Salem update...

ON one of his last weeks before retiring from representing TU in Salem, Tom Wolf has proudly provided us with this news on Senate Bill 3 - Reform Suction Dredge Mining:

Governor just signed SB 3 -suction dredge mining reform-there will be a ceremonial  signing later on this summer.

Lots of hard work-it seems almost anticlimactic. Tom

Tom Wolf, Executive Director
Oregon Council Trout Unlimited

Governor Brown Signs Suction Dredge Reform Bill to Protect Oregon Rivers

June 14, 2017

Salem, OR – Today, Governor Brown signed legislation to protect rivers across the state of Oregon that provide habitat for iconic salmon from suction dredge mining. With bipartisan support in the Oregon Legislature, the Suction Dredge Reform bill places habitat for sensitive salmon and lamprey off limits to suction dredge mining.

“With support from Democrats and Republicans in urban and rural Oregon,...

Reminder...Member Meeting!

 GENERAL MEETING [this week]!
WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah Village]
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. [with 7:00 p.m. official program start]
WHAT to EXPECT: Jeff Morgan - "Flyfishing the Oregon Cascades"
For many, "Cascades fly-fishing" begins and ends with the famous stillwaters along Century Drive, with perhaps a detour to the upper McKenzie, Metolious, or Fall River. However, the Cascades offers so much more for the adventurous trout angler. This presentation covers the tips, techniques, and patterns to find quality trout on both the streams and lakes of the "Hidden Oregon Cascades."
WHAT to BRING: a friend!

June at TVTU?

Need some help planning your month? We have you covered!

Timothy Lake - North Arm

CAMPOUTING!
WHEN: Saturday, June 9-11, 2017
WHERE: Timothy Lake - North Arm Campground
WHAT TIME: whenever you can make it
WHAT to EXPECT: An annual favorite and well-attended event! North Arm campground is tucked away from the bigger area of the lake and has a great float tube parking area with protected fishing varied fishing areas - the campground has now been improved....