Wauna Mill presents ODFW with a check for 30,000 for the construction of an outdoor classroom to enhance and extend the educational programs at the hatchery. From left to right: Chris Wheaton, ODFW Regional Manager; Congressman David Wu; Roger Warren, ODFW Gnat Creek Hatchery Manager; James Jordan, Wauna V.P. Mill Manager; Frank Walsh, Wauna Mill Operations Manager; Thor Sorenson, Wauna Mill Utilities Area Leader and Representative Brad Witt

Clatskanie, Ore. – Congressman David Wu (D-OR 1st) made a stop at Gnat Creek Hatchery Nov. 29 in an effort to earn about the hatchery’s cutting-edge Oxygen Supplementation system.  During the tour, Georgia Pacific’s Wauna Mill presented a check to Roger Warren, Gnat Creek Hatchery Manager to fund an outdoor classroom that will be built at the hatchery in 2008.

The Oxygen Supplementation system is a cost-saving initiative that will increase annual fish production and improve the survival of spring chinook salmon returning for harvest in the popular Select Area Fisheries program along Oregon’s coast.  The Oxygen Supplementation system was made possible by a $108,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement Program.

“We’re so happy to have Congressman Wu interested in the Oxygen Supplementation system.  We believe this technology has the potential for multiple applications throughout the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Warren.  “In addition, it was a terrific opportunity to have the great folks of Wauna Mill be recognized for their charitable contribution toward our outdoor classroom.”

The outdoor classroom is a collaborative effort of hatchery manager, Roger Warren and Lori Lilly of the North Coast Watershed Council to expand the existing educational programs at Gnat Creek.  Wauna Mill issued a community investment in the amount of $30,000 to be used for the construction of the classroom at the hatchery. 

Vice President and Mill Manager, James Jordan commented, "Georgia-Pacific believes education is an essential ingredient in a strong community.  The Wauna Mill and its employees are honored to partner with such a highly regarded institution, as the Gnat Creek fish hatchery, in expanding their educational outreach program."

Gnat Creek Hatchery is located 18 miles east of Astoria on Highway 30.