SALEM, Ore — Two fish ladders on the North Fork and South Fork of Schooner Creek are undergoing repairs to improve fish passage and habitat for trout and salmon.

On the North Fork of Schooner Creek four concrete walls were constructed and the streambed elevated to provide fish better access to the existing fish ladder that was constructed in 1986. The project will create more than three miles of habitat for cutthroat trout, steelhead and coho salmon.

This $53,500 project is being funded by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.ForestService and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in cooperation with the Salmon-Drift Creek Watershed Council who will be donating hours of volunteer time.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife employees and volunteers will replace 38 wooden boards in the South Fork fish ladder with more durable material. The boards are in place to push water back upstream and help fish move up the ladder. Water passes each board and dips back upstream in a recirculation pattern. Improvements will also be made to the trash rack adjacent to the fish trap at this location. Cutthroat, steelhead, coho and chinook salmon migrate through the South Fork of Schooner Creek. The project at a cost of over $15,000 is funded by the US Forest Service.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.