PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Oregon's Fish Passage Task Force will meet Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 at the Best Western Hotel at 1475 NE 3rd St. in Prineville to consider current statewide fish passage issues. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agenda includes a review of fish passage approvals and waivers, alternative approaches to fish passage, and fish passage program issues related to funding, as well as updates on the proposed Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fee increase and the impact on the Fish Passage Program, Savage Rapids Dam removal and future Rogue River dam removal projects, and federal stimulus funding for fish passage projects.

Fish Passage Task Force members are appointed by the ODFW Director. The nine-member group meets quarterly to advise ODFW on fish passage policies and issues. Providing adequate passage to historic habitat is one of the best ways to improve fish populations. Task Force members represent water users, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

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. For more information, call Lisa Kingsley, Fish Screening and Passage Program Assistant, at 503-947-6224.

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