Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023
Bob Hudspeth (503) 392-3485

Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM, Ore — High school students recently donned waders, raingear and gloves to participate in summer steelhead spawning at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cedar Creek Hatchery.

On Feb. 26, about a dozen students from the Nestucca Connections Natural Resource Alternative Education Service Learning Program helped hatchery staff spawn over 40 steelhead. Students sorted different stocks of fish, identified ripe males and females, transferred fish to a holding rack and took ovarian samples that will be analyzed for viruses by the ODFW Pathology lab at Oregon State University. Fish carcasses were collected and put back in the streams by ODFW employees to replenish nutrients.

“Some of these students have been coming back for several years now. We turn them loose and know that with their experience the work will get done right.” said Cedar Creek Hatchery Manager Bob Hudspeth.

Students work at the hatchery several times a month to assist with spawning, clean ponds, take fingerling inventory, and perform landscaping.

This was the third spawning of summer steelhead over the past 6 weeks. In September these students will return to assist with spawning spring chinook. Hatchery staff will spawn fall chinook in November and winter steelhead around January 1.

Cedar Creek Hatchery is located 21 miles west of Valley Junction and 1.5 miles east of Hebo on Highway 22.

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.

Photo Cutlines:

Cedar Creek #1 – Assistant Hatchery Manager Charles Baker helps a student net fish.

Cedar Creek #2 – A student helps Hatchery Manager Bob Hudspeth spawn summer steelhead.