SALEM, Ore.—Oregon’s Fish Passage Task Force will meet Wednesday in Bandon to discuss and make recommendations about current statewide fish passage issues. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at the Bandon City Library, 1204 11th Street SW, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agenda includes a discussion on passage impact assessment methodology, fish passage mitigation banking ideas, an update on ODFW's passage program, and a site tour to Lowe Creek and the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.  The tour will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.  The proposed Johnson Creek Dam fish passage waiver application will not occur at this meeting.

Fish Passage Task Force members are appointed by the director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The nine-member group meets quarterly to advise ODFW on fish passage policies and issues. Task Force members represent water users, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

Providing adult and juvenile fish passage to maintain and restore access to historic habitat is one of the best ways to improve fish populations. Fish passage must be addressed by owners and operators of artificial obstructions at certain key times, such as new construction, major replacement, a change in permit status, and abandonment.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the Information and Education Division at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.