Laura Jackson, Holly Truemper, and Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG, Ore. – ODFW biologists from around Southern Oregon are converging on Diamond Lake to electro-fish for golden shiners, a bait fish recently found in the lake during routine trap netting.

“The electro-fishing crews have found 204 golden shiners so far this week, most of them concentrated in one spot, and many of them ripe for spawning,” said District Fish Biologist Laura Jackson. “Crews are e-fishing nightly from three boats for two weeks so we can cover the entire perimeter of Diamond Lake and more quickly get a handle on the shiners.”

Jackson said crews are targeting the northwest corner of the lake where most of the shiners have been found. The total number of shiners found in the lake since July 17 is 224.

“After such a successful rotenone treatment in 2006 to rid Diamond Lake of tui chub, we are really disappointed to find another invasive fish in the lake. We hope to knock back or at least control the shiners with the combination of predacious rainbow trout stocked last year and this summer, and e-fishing as much as possible right now to disrupt their spawning season,” Jackson said.

After next week’s electro-fishing, ODFW will evaluate its efforts and future actions.

Golden shiners are native to the East Coast and have the potential to spawn in Diamond Lake, although they are not as prolific as tui chub and require warmer water to successfully reproduce.

ODFW documented that golden shiners were illegally released into the lake in 1977. However, they did not affect the lake like the tui chub that were discovered in 1992 and quickly reached a population of 98 million prior to the 2006 rotenone treatment. During mechanical removal before the treatment, golden shiners composed less than 10% of the fish netted.

Golden shiners are a popular bait fish although it is illegal to use them in Oregon’s fresh waters. Anyone witnessing an angler using live bait fish should get as much information as possible, including a description of the person, boat, vehicle, boat number and license plate and call Oregon State Police at 541-440-3334.

Laura Jackson (541) 430-5533
Holly Truemper (541) 817-4197
Meghan Collins (541) 580-1877

Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG, Ore. – State fish biologists found 11 golden shiners and one unknown fish in a routine trap net at the summer home area of Diamond Lake. Traps are set yearly to monitor fish populations.

Golden shiners can reproduce in Diamond Lake and were in the lake for years prior to the 2006 rotenone treatment, but traditionally have always occurred in low numbers.

“We’re continuing to investigate by electro-shocking next week and setting additional trap nets in August,” said Laura Jackson, Umpqua District Fish Biologist. “We don’t know how the shiners got in the lake, but they are a popular bait fish.”

“We need the public’s help in reporting sightings of anglers using live fish for bait which is illegal in Oregon,” Jackson said.

Anyone witnessing an angler using live fish bait should call Oregon State Police at 541-440-3334 to report it. Witnesses should get as much information as possible, including a description of the person, vehicle, or boat along with a boat number and license plate number.

Education and enforcement are key to keep invasive fish out of Diamond Lake, and ODFW, the Umpqua National Forest and the Oregon State Marine Board have been conducting invasive species prevention education through signs, brochures, and contacts with lake visitors since the rotenone treatment in 2006. Campground hosts, creel surveyors and agency personnel routinely talk to visitors and check their boats for invasive species.

All Diamond Lake users are reminded to launch a clean, dry boat and never use live fish for bait.

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.

Holly Truemper or Laura Jackson (541) 440-3353

Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Family-friendly Diamond Lake is shaping up to provide an incredible fishing and swimming experience for visitors this summer. The rainbow trout are already biting hard and the Forest Service has opened 70 campsites.

Along with about 50,000 holdover trout from last year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has just stocked more than 43,000 rainbow trout, a mix of legal and trophy-sized fish, and 6,800 one-pound trout are being stocked today.

“We’re really excited about this season’s trout fishing,” said Laura Jackson, Umpqua District Fish Biologist. “The lake rebounded so well last year that we’re expecting an even better insect hatch, so we should be seeing fatter trout this summer. The water quality is also excellent, and that famous clear blue water has returned.”

Last weekend, about 50 boats plied Diamond Lake for trout along with nearly two dozen bank anglers. Some anglers caught their limit and 60 percent were harvesting at least one fish. As the weather and water temperature warms up, Jackson expects a steady increase in anglers.

According to Diamond Lake Resort, the best fishing right now is in front of the Resort and along the northeastern shoreline. Bait anglers are using Power Bait and trollers are pulling flasher and worm combinations.

Anglers are expected to descend on Diamond Lake in droves this coming weekend which is Free Fishing Weekend. An event for kids and an adult tournament are planned. The Forest Service has the C-Loop boat ramp and 70 campsites in the north end of Diamond Lake Campground open, as well as the North and South Shore boat ramps. Snow still is on the ground in the area, so campers should bring shovels in case snow removal is necessary.

ODFW plans to stock 200,000 fingerlings and another 6,800 one-pound trout the week of June 9 and 15,000 predacious trout later in July. The Forest Service expects to open Thielsen View Campground and the south end of Diamond Lake Campground on June 13.

All Diamond Lake users are urged to take pre-cautions against re-introducing invasive tui chub along with aquatic plants and animals such as Quagga mussels and New Zealand mud snails.

Before leaving home, swimming and fishing equipment including boots, waders, scuba gear and beach toys should be washed in hot water, and boats and trailers should be free of live fish, fish eggs, aquatic weeds and animals, and mud. Boats should be thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure washer and dried before entering Diamond Lake. A portable boat washing station should be available this summer at Diamond Lake.

For more detailed information on boat cleaning, check the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website at https://protectyourwaters.net/

ODFW reminds anglers the trout harvest limit is five per day with two daily limits in possession, and the boat speed limit is 10 mph.

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.

Holly Truemper or Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

Fax: (541) 673-0372

The minimum bid is $20,000. Funds raised will help cover continued costs of the Diamond Lake project, including water quality monitoring, fish stocking, and education materials.

Pictures of the boats will be posted weekly over the next two months at the following link: www.ebay.com. The first boat auction will begin Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.

The boats were custom made to carry heavy loads of rotenone and used for just a few hours during the Sept. 2006 rotenone treatment of Diamond Lake. They are 2007 model 10’ x 24’ heavy duty aluminum pontoon work boat by Hydrotech Manufacturing of Medford. The outboard motors are 2006 Mercury 90 horsepower 4-stroke ELEPT with electronic fuel injection, power trim/tilt and a 14’ x 11’ 3B AL prop. The trailers are a dual-axle and all steel construction custom manufactured for ODFW by TDF Services in White City, Ore.

The boats have a maximum capacity of 20 people, a maximum speed of 24 mph, navigational lights and a powder-coated aluminum console.

ODFW originally paid $23,800 for each of these boats that were designed for and used to safely apply rotenone, an effective pesticide derived from plant roots that successfully removed an estimated 98 million invasive tui chub from Diamond Lake. The boat is available for viewing during business hours at ODFW’s Roseburg office, 4192 N. Umpqua Hwy, and on the ODFW website https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/diamond_lake/index.asp

For more information, regarding the boats or for scheduling a viewing, contact Umpqua Watershed Manager David Loomis 541-440-3353 ext. 224 or Diamond Lake Restoration Project Biologist Mari Brick 541-440-3353 ext. 234.

For more information regarding the purchasing process, contact Bob LaDuke with Department of Administrative Services Surplus Property at (971) 218-0700.

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Diamond Lake and Lemolo Reservoir will open for trout season Saturday, April 26, however both lakes are under heavy snow and ice, preventing ODFW from stocking fish this week.

Assistant District Fish Biologist Holly Truemper says anglers with a sense of adventure can access open water at inlets and outlets at both lakes to catch holdover trout. About 50,000 trout stocked as fingerlings last year in Diamond Lake are now in the 11-inch range and available to anglers.

“Anglers can snowmobile, snowshoe or cross country ski into these outlets at both Diamond Lake and Lemolo,” Truemper said. “Diamond Lake Resort has made a good effort to clear ice near the lodge so fishermen can get lines in. At Lemolo, the road to Poole Creek campground and nine campsite parking spurs are open. The boat ramps at both lakes are under snow and ice.”

Truemper also said the ice at both lakes is in poor condition and advises anglers to be extremely cautious.

Toketee, which has both boat and bank access, is a good spot to fish in the early morning hours for brown trout, and ODFW will stock Clearwater Forebay #2 with 1,000 rainbow trout on Friday, weather permitting.

At Diamond Lake, ODFW will stock 6,000 legal and trophy-sized trout after ice off. The Department expects another phenomenal year of fishing and will stock a total of 70,000 to 80,000 catchable trout. Anglers are reminded the harvest limit is five trout per day with one fish over 20 inches, and boaters should be aware that the traditional 10 mph speed limit has been reinstated for the entire season.

When Lemolo Reservoir is accessible, ODFW will stock 1,500 rainbow trout, followed by another 1,000 in May.

Many other area lakes and reservoirs have been stocked and anglers can check the trout stocking schedule on the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us

Meghan Collins or Mari Brick (541) 440-3353
Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials announced today the agency has awarded a monitoring contract to MaxDepth Aquatics, Inc. of Bend, Oregon to oversee monitoring of Diamond Lake throughout the year.

Joseph Eilers, principal scientist for this project and owner of MaxDepth Aquatics, and a team of engineers and scientists will monitor water quality and document recovery of zooplankton and bottom-dwelling organisms that will support the future trout fishery. A hydrodynamic model that was used to explore water movements in and out of Diamond Lake will be expanded to provide a more complete view of the workings of the lake.

The monitoring of Diamond Lake is in response to a September 2006 rotenone treatment that ridded the lake of 98 million tui chub that destroyed the recreational fishery and degraded water quality.

Eilers has studied and monitored Diamond Lake since 1996 and will oversee a team of engineers and scientists including Dr. Kellie Vache, University of Giessen; Dr. Jacob Kann of Aquatic Ecosystems Sciences; and Dr. Allan Vogel, ZP Taxonomic Services.

 “We’re going to expand the hydrodynamic model to include water chemistry, plants, bottom-dwelling organisms and fisheries, and develop a more complete understanding of the recovery process in Diamond Lake,” Eilers said. “We’re looking forward to working with ODFW’s fish biologists to develop tools that will help them manage the fisheries in Diamond Lake and in lakes throughout Oregon.”

According to Mari Brick, Diamond Lake restoration biologist, monitoring Diamond Lake is critical to the restoration project’s success.

“Tracking the lake’s water quality and insect population, along with other environmental and biological indicators, will help fishery managers determine future fish stocking levels,” Brick said. “Monitoring is key to ensuring we have a healthy lake and provide a good trout fishery for future generations of anglers. ODFW’s monitoring partnership developed in cooperation with the Umpqua National Forest and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is important to all recreational activities at Diamond Lake.”

Brick emphasized that all visitors to Diamond Lake can help ensure its integrity by not releasing live fish into the lake or using live fish for bait. Boaters can help by emptying their bilge water and checking their boats and trailers for invasive species before launching.

MaxDepth’s contract work is expected to begin this month and will continue throughout the year. ODFW will monitor the lake’s health and fish species composition for years to come.

ODFW plans to stock Diamond Lake with rainbow trout in spring 2007. For more information on the restoration project, check the agency’s website at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/diamond_lake/index.asp

Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023 : David Loomis (541) 440-3353 ext. 224

Fax: (503) 947-6009

The minimum bid is $20,000. Funds raised will help cover continued costs of the Diamond Lake project, including water quality monitoring, fish stocking, and education materials.

Pictures of the boats will be posted weekly over the next two months at the following link: www.ebay.com. The first boat auction will begin Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.

The boats were custom made to carry heavy loads of rotenone and used for just a few hours during the Sept. 2006 rotenone treatment of Diamond Lake. They are 2007 model 10’ x 24’ heavy duty aluminum pontoon work boat by Hydrotech Manufacturing of Medford. The outboard motors are 2006 Mercury 90 horsepower 4-stroke ELEPT with electronic fuel injection, power trim/tilt and a 14’ x 11’ 3B AL prop. The trailers are a dual-axle and all steel construction custom manufactured for ODFW by TDF Services in White City, Ore.

The boats have a maximum capacity of 20 people, a maximum speed of 24 mph, navigational lights and a powder-coated aluminum console.

ODFW originally paid $23,800 for each of these boats that were designed for and used to safely apply rotenone, an effective pesticide derived from plant roots that successfully removed an estimated 98 million invasive tui chub from Diamond Lake. The boat is available for viewing during business hours at ODFW’s Roseburg office, 4192 N. Umpqua Hwy, and on the ODFW website https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/diamond_lake/index.asp

For more information, regarding the boats or for scheduling a viewing, contact Umpqua Watershed Manager David Loomis 541-440-3353 ext. 224 or Diamond Lake Restoration Project Biologist Mari Brick 541-440-3353 ext. 234.

For more information regarding the purchasing process, contact Bob LaDuke with Department of Administrative Services Surplus Property at (971) 218-0700.

Water Released from Diamond Lake

Meghan Collins 541/440-3353 or Cheryl Walters 541/957-3270

Roseburg, or – November 30, 2006 – Canal headgates at Diamond Lake have been opened, officials with the Umpqua National Forest announced today.

The headgates allow 10 cubic feet per second of water to flow through a concrete pipe into Lake Creek and through the North Umpqua River system.

Once the lake’s water level rises several more feet, water also will flow into Lake Creek through a weir recently restored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

ODFW treated Diamond Lake with rotenone in mid-September to rid it of millions of invasive tui chub and restore its water quality. The canal headgates had been closed to prevent any rotenone-treated water from entering Lake Creek.

ODFW previously announced in late October that testing of lake water confirmed that rotenone dissipated to non-detectable levels. Additional testing has confirmed that lake-bottom sediments are also free of rotenone.
Forest Service officials have also lifted a health advisory in place since October 6th with additional tests confirming reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

Diamond Lake will refill naturally through rainfall and snowmelt, and should be at its normal level by late spring 2007 when ODFW will stock it with fingerling and catchable-sized rainbow trout. In the spring, the Forest Service will also render the outlet pipe into Lake Creek inoperable.

The Umpqua National Forest, ODFW, Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality, and other agencies and individuals will continue to monitor water quality, fishery, presence of invasive species and flora and fauna recovery around Diamond Lake.

Cheryl Walters, 541/957-3270 or 430-2370, Umpqua National Forest
Meghan Collins 541/440-3353 x 252, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Contents

A successful rotenone treatment
The future trout fishery
Long-term project monitoring
Tui chub reintroduction prevention plan
Thank you!

As the autumn season gears up for winter, the Diamond Lake Restoration Project is winding down. A successful rotenone treatment in September is the culmination of years of effort and collaboration with ODFW, the Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and other agencies in the Diamond Lake Working Group.

A successful rotenone treatment
The future is bright once again for Diamond Lake, the “Gem of the Cascades,” and ODFW and partners are looking ahead to clean, productive waters and a healthy trout fishery.

Diamond Lake was successfully treated with rotenone in mid-September to rid it of the invasive tui chub, thereby restoring its water quality and recreational fishery. All fish in the lake were killed with very few trout seen among the millions of chub.

The successful treatment was the culmination of years of effort and collaboration between ODFW, the Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and other agencies in the Diamond Lake Working Group. State Representative Susan Morgan kicked off this effort in 2002.

Levels of active rotenone remaining in the lake were tracked via weekly water samples. Also, after waiting a few weeks, biologists placed sentinel trout into the lake in live carts and verified the fish remained alive and healthy in the lake. Water samples taken Oct. 16 showed rotenone levels below two parts per billion, the amount necessary to deem any remaining rotenone has no biological relevance to the lake or water flowing downstream.

The Umpqua National Forest may begin releasing Diamond Lake’s water down Lake Creek in mid-November. The lake’s water level will rise naturally this winter and spring with rain and snowmelt.
The future trout fishery
Anglers can once again fish Diamond Lake next spring when ODFW stocks it with fingerling, catchable-sized, and put-and-take rainbow trout. Some of the larger-sized trout will be a predacious variety to help minimize the danger posed by any tui chub or other small fish that may be illegally introduced into the lake.

The amount of fingerling trout released will gradually increase over the next few years, depending on the lake’s health. There currently are no plans to stock the lake with put-and-take (12-inch) trout beyond 2008. Biologists expect the lake’s bug population to rebound quickly, allowing fingerling trout to grow fast and provide anglers with lots of fun and plenty of fish stories.

Long-term project monitoring
Diamond Lake will be monitored for years to come by biologists with ODFW, the Umpqua National Forest, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

These agencies will monitor water quality in Diamond and Lemolo lakes and the North Umpqua River and check fish species composition in Diamond Lake. Population levels of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, flora and fauna in and around Diamond Lake also will be monitored.

For more information on the monitoring plan, check Appendix BB of the Diamond Lake Restoration Project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. You can access it via the Umpqua National Forest’s website at https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/projects/projectdocs/diamondlkresto/index.shtml

Tui chub reintroduction prevention plan
Keeping tui chub – and other invasive species such as zebra mussels and noxious weeds – out of Diamond Lake is an important aspect of the restoration project.

ODFW and the Umpqua National Forest are working together to create signs and interpretive brochures documenting the economical and ecological devastation caused by tui chub for the past 15 years. We also are working together to establish boat cleaning and inspection stations at Diamond Lake.

You can help by NOT transporting or using live fish for bait. It IS the law and it is NOT good for the environment or the fishery. Workers at the Diamond Lake Resort Marina can set you up with the proper bait for rainbow trout fishing. Boaters can help by emptying their bilge water and checking their boats for invasive species before they launch into the lake.

Thank you!
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Umpqua National Forest thank the many public and private partners and employees who made the restoration project successful. A new legacy of trout fishing and crystal clear waters at Diamond Lake is right around the corner.

Meg Kenagy (503) 947-6021
Michelle Dennehy (503) 947-6020
Fax: (503) 947-6009

DIAMOND LAKE -Today, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff are applying rotenone to Diamond Lake , a high-mountain lake in southwestern Oregon , to kill the invasive tui chub that have drastically degraded water quality and destroyed one of the state's most popular fisheries.

The tui chub, a species of minnow, are native to the Klamath Basin but not to Diamond Lake . They were likely brought to the lake by anglers as live bait, which is illegal in Oregon 's freshwater fisheries. Since the fish were discovered in the lake in the 1990s, they have rapidly proliferated, impacting water quality and upsetting the lake's ecosystem.

"We are pleased to be actively working on restoring Diamond Lake's water quality," said Steve Denney , ODFW southwest regional manager. "It will take one or two days to get the rotenone into the lake. We have a well-trained crew on the ground and are confident the plan we have in place is 100 percent safe and effective."

Rotenone, a plant substance, has been approved as a fish toxicant by the Environmental Protection Agency. At the concentrations used to kill fish, rotenone is not toxic to humans, other mammals and birds. It completely breaks down in the environment and will not be detectable within weeks of treatment.

"This is an important day for Oregonians. The recovery of Diamond Lake is good news for the boaters, anglers and vacationers who come to the lake year after year to enjoy the beauty of the area," said State Representative Susan Morgan. "It is also critically important to the economy of Douglas County ."

ODFW, Umpqua National Forest , Douglas County and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality conducted extensive public meetings and an environmental impact study before the current course of action was decided upon. It is supported by the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and numerous clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals.

In spring 2007, ODFW will stock Diamond Lake with about 75,000 catchable trout and 75,000 fingerlings.

Cheryl Walters, 541/957-3270 or 430-2370, Umpqua National Forest
Meg Kenagy, 503/341-8512, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

ROSEBURG, OR – September 12, 2006 – Forest Service officials have closed the recreation area around Diamond Lake effective Tuesday, September 12, in preparation for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife crews to apply rotenone to the lake to remove the invasive tui chub that have degraded the lake’s water quality and devastated the recreational fishery. The lake may reopen as early as Friday, September 15, at noon. The area closed is bordered by highways 230 and 138 on the east and south, and by a line 300 feet beyond the Forest Service Road that parallels the lake on the north and west.

While Diamond Lake is closed for treatment, visitors are encouraged to recreate at one of the many locations on the Umpqua National Forest such as Lemolo Lake, campgrounds along the North Umpqua River, South Umpqua Falls, and several of the sparkling waterfalls near Cottage Grove. Visit the Umpqua National Forest website and click on Recreational Activities for more information.

Diamond Lake is a high-use recreation area important to the economy of southern Oregon. The 3,041-acre lake has been managed as a recreational trout fishery since 1910. Tui chub, a non-native minnow species, were likely introduced into the lake by anglers in the mid-1940s and rapidly overpopulated the lake. In 1954, the Oregon Game Commission treated Diamond Lake with rotenone to eradicate the chub. The lake was restocked with trout following the treatment and a thriving fishery was maintained for several decades. As a result of this experience, the former Oregon Game Commission made it illegal to use live fish for bait in the state of Oregon.

However, in 1992, tui chub were again discovered in Diamond Lake and have since overpopulated the lake for a second time. The estimated 90 million chub have reduced the food supply for trout in Diamond Lake to the extent that the lake is not capable of supporting a quality recreational fishery. They have also negatively affected water quality by upsetting the aquatic food chain, sometimes causing the blue-green algae, Anabaena flos-aquae, to bloom to unacceptable levels. These negative impacts on the lake’s water quality ― as well as on the recreational fishery ― prompted local, state and federal agencies to cooperatively develop a restoration plan for the lake.

For more information visit the Umpqua National Forest website at https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/ and the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us.

Call for volunteers to clean up Diamond Lake shoreline Sept. 2

Tom Rumreich (541) 888-5515
Meg Kenagy (503) 947-6021
Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM – The public is invited to join the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, SOLV, Diamond Lake Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, Douglas County, Les Schwab Tire Centers and other organizations in a shoreline cleanup of Diamond Lake Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until completion. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and participants are invited to a free picnic after the cleanup. Participants should meet at Diamond Lake Lodge, which is located at the north end of the lake.

Volunteers will have a unique opportunity to walk on the lake bed, which has been exposed by an eight-foot water draw down in preparation for a September treatment by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove invasive tui chub and restore water quality to the lake. In addition to trash and litter, expanses of Mount Mazama ash, abandoned fishing gear and other artifacts are visible for the first time since the lake’s last draw down more than 50 years ago.

“We are pleased to be working on the cleanup of Diamond Lake; it is truly one of Oregon’s gems. We hope Oregonians will come out and support this effort and give something back to our great state,” said Bev Ardueser, SOLV Project Oregon and Beach Cleanup Coordinator.

For more information about the cleanup, contact Tom Rumreich, ODFW, at (541) 888-5515. For more information about camping or recreation at Diamond Lake, contact Megan Perkins, Public Affairs Specialist, Umpqua National Forest, (541) 957-3227.

Steve Denney (541) 440-3353
Meg Kenagy (503) 947-6021
Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM - At its July meeting, the Rogue/Umpqua Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) awarded $276,000 to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to fuel the Diamond Lake Restoration Project.

This brings the total amount the Rogue/Umpqua RAC has awarded for Diamond Lake projects to just over a million dollars. ODFW will use the funds to improve the water quality of Diamond Lake, which has been significantly degraded by a proliferation of invasive tui chub. In September, the lake will be treated with rotenone to remove the destructive fish and restore the lake's ecology.

"Thanks to the grant, we are within striking distance of our fundraising goal of $5.5 million," said Steve Denney, ODFW Southwest Region Manager. "This commitment by the RAC provides us with needed resources and underscores the importance of Diamond Lake to Oregon, both environmentally and economically."

Diamond Lake has been a popular recreation destination for Oregonians for generations. Anglers alone traditionally spend a total of 100,000 angler-days a year at Diamond Lake, generating $3.5 million annually for state and local economies.

Rogue/Umpqua RAC grants are made through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 designed, in part, for special projects on federal lands that benefit fish and wildlife habitat.

Leading the multi-year Diamond Lake restoration project are ODFW, Umpqua National Forest, Douglas County and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Information on the restoration project can be accessed from the front page of the ODFW Website, www.dfw.state.or.us.

Laura Jackson or Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG – Free Fishing Weekend is just around the corner with several local events scheduled for area kids. No license is required for anyone who wants to fish June 10 and 11, however all regulations still apply.

Douglas County events are listed below.

Herbert’s Pond, Canyonville – On Saturday, June 10 ODFW and local sponsors are hosting an event from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for kids 16 and younger. Included are free hot dogs, chips and soda, various prizes, and a drawing for two Umpqua Bank savings bonds. The pond is located just outside Canyonville on the Tiller-Trail Highway.

Lake Marie, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park – An event is scheduled for Sunday, June 11, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. that features a casting contest with prizes. Kids can borrow rods and munch on free hot dogs and soda.

Diamond Lake Resort – The Resort is hosting a Free Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. for kids 17 and younger. Trophies will be awarded in three age groups and the Resort will provide free hot dogs, Pepsi, and Umpqua Dairy ice cream to all derby participants. Call 800-733-7593 ext 227 for a registration form, or register at the Marina on the morning of June 10.

Cooper Creek Reservoir – An event is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for kids. The event features a kiddie fishing pond for ages 4 and under, kids casting contest, and hourly door prizes. Free hot dogs are provided.

Meghan Collins or Dave Loomis (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG – Lunker rainbow trout are biting throughout the day at Diamond Lake, and with the higher harvest limit, fishing should be excellent this holiday weekend.

On May 13, state fishery officials raised the trout limit at Diamond Lake to 20 fish per day, two daily limits in possession and no size restrictions to encourage anglers to catch as many fish as possible before an intensive netting operation begins in mid-July. The netting will target thousands of pounds of larger tui chub, as well as any remaining trout, in preparation for the department’s September treatment of the lake to remove the invasive chub population and restore the lake’s water quality.

ODFW creel surveys since May 13 show a promising spring fishery. According to Dave Loomis, the Diamond Lake Restoration Project Incident Commander, six harvest limits have been checked in at the docks by ODFW personnel in the last two weeks along with many catches of 15 fish per person per day.

“We’ve seen about 50 fish over 18 inches harvested so far, and several three to four pounders,” Loomis said. “People are having good luck fishing the south end of the lake and the deeper waters on the north end.”

Loomis said bait fishing and trolling with lures is working the best. He also reminds anglers that fishing is prohibited within 200 feet of the weir and that they still need an angling license to fish during this season.

Meghan Collins or Dave Loomis (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG – The harvest limit for trout at Diamond Lake will increase next month to encourage anglers to catch as many fish as possible before an intensive netting operation begins in mid-July, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials announced today. The netting will target thousands of pounds of larger tui chub, as well as any remaining trout, in preparation for the department’s September rotenone treatment of the lake.

Beginning May 13, anglers may harvest 20 trout per day with two daily limits in possession and no size restrictions. All fishing at Diamond Lake will be closed from Sept. 5 – Oct. 31.

“We really want anglers to help with this special fishing mission by catching as many trout as possible,” said Dave Loomis, Incident Commander for the Diamond Lake Restoration Project. “This will be a bonus angling opportunity with several large trout available to be harvested.”

ODFW is releasing 20,000 catchable-sized trout once the lake is ice-free in mid-May and another 4,000 prior to Free Fishing Weekend on June 10-11. With this limited stocking and holdover trout from last year, Loomis expects about 40,000 catchable fish will be available to anglers this year.

ODFW recommends people stay off the lake until it thaws because the ice is unstable. Once the ice melts, bank and boat fishing will be available. However boat access will be limited because some of the boat launches will be dry. The U.S. Forest Service may lengthen one or two of the docks to provide public boat access.

With the lake level lowered in preparation for treatment, the canal and weir at the north end of the lake are visible, and anglers are reminded that fishing is prohibited within 200 feet of the weir. ODFW also reminds anglers that they still need an angling license to fish during this season.

The large-scale fish netting operation is scheduled to begin in mid-July to remove as many fish as possible before the September treatment. The operation will be conducted only during weekdays on different sections of the lake, so impacts to anglers should be minimal.

Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG - A scheduled stocking of rainbow trout for the spring trout opener at Diamond Lake likely will be delayed until the lake's ice melts in mid-May, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

"For a typical winter weather pattern at Diamond Lake, which we've had this year, the ice usually isn't off the lake until about mid-May," said Dave Loomis, ODFW's Incident Commander for the Diamond Lake Restoration Project. "We'll stock about 20,000 trout once the ice breaks off and another 4,000 for Free Fishing Weekend in early June."

The Umpqua National Forest and ODFW currently are lowering the lake's water level in preparation for a September rotenone treatment to rid the lake of unwanted tui chub. Because the lake's water level is unstable, the agencies recommend keeping off the lake's surface while ice is still on.

"Our number one priority is public safety, and right now the ice is unstable and cracking, so it's very dangerous, and we advise the public to keep off," said John Ouimet, Diamond Lake District Ranger. "However, once the ice starts to break up, come on up, the fishing should be good."

Ouimet also said once ice is off, lake access will be limited because some of the boat launches will be dry. The Forest Service will lengthen one or two of the docks to provide public boat access. Bank fishing also is available.

When spring trout fishing resumes at the lake, the lake level will be lower, exposing the drainage canal, head gates, and weir. ODFW reminds anglers it is illegal to fish within 200 feet of a weir. The catch limit of five trout per day, two daily limits in possession remains in effect.

In September, ODFW will treat the lake with rotenone, a fish toxicant, to rid the lake of an estimated 98 million tui chub. The chub were illegally introduced to the lake and have taken over the stocked rainbow trout's food source, causing both the fishery and water quality to decline. Diamond Lake was closed for portions of three summers due to health hazards from poor water quality.

For more information, check the website at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/diamond_lake/index.asp

ROSEBURG, OR – February 18, 2005 – Meetings between Forest Supervisor Jim Caplan and appellants on the Diamond Lake Restoration Project were held on Thursday, February 17, 2005 at the Umpqua National Forest. The purpose of the informal disposition meetings was to try and resolve all or some of the appeal points (concerns), through an informal dialogue with the appellants.

Two appeals were filed on the Diamond Lake Restoration Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) decision. Umpqua Watersheds Inc., Oregon Natural Resources Council, and Cascadia Wildlands Project filed a joint appeal. In addition, Diamond Lake Homeowner, Bernie Kosola filed an appeal with concerns about water supply for homes that depend on wells.

Representatives of Umpqua Watersheds, Inc. and Oregon Natural Resources Council (via telephone) met with Caplan and his staff to discuss potential resolutions to their appeal. No agreements were reached.  According to appeal procedures that govern decisions for projects on National Forest System lands, the appeal and project record will be forwarded to the Pacific Northwest Regional Office of the Forest Service for a formal review. After reviewing the appeal record and written recommendations, Jim Golden, Deputy Regional Forester, and the Appeal Deciding Officer, will make a determination about the appeal in March.

The meeting with Diamond Lake Homeowner, Bernie Kosola, resulted in a successful resolution and withdrawal of the appeal. Mr. Kosola expressed full support for a rotenone treatment at Diamond Lake; however, he was concerned that the lake draw down would leave he and other cabin owners without water to operate toilet facilities. Forest Supervisor Caplan agreed to provide a temporary water supply for cabin owners use if their wells go dry. The Forest Service had already planned to provide bottled drinking water to affected cabin owners. “Resolving an appeal during an informal disposition is rare,” said Caplan, “we were pleased with this outcome.”

For the last several years, Diamond Lake has been plagued with a declining recreational fishery, algae blooms, poor water quality and millions of unwanted tui chub.  The Final Environmental Impact Statement for this project analyzes restoration alternatives to address these escalating problems. Forest Supervisor, Jim Caplan, selected Alternative 5 in his December 20, 2004, Record of Decision. Alternative 5 would use a rotenone treatment to eradicate tui chub from Diamond Lake as a first step toward improving the water quality and recreational fishery at Diamond Lake.

For more information about the Diamond Lake Restoration project, contact Sherri Chambers at 541/496-3532.