Fish Screening Task Force

The ODFW Fish Screening Task Force was formed in 1991 (ORS 496.085) to advise the Department on screening program development, funding, monitoring, technology, reporting, and project prioritization. This seven person public body is composed of three members representing agriculture, three representing fishing/fish conservation, and one representing the public at large. This group provides the public a great opportunity to shape how the screen program operates. The task force meets quarterly throughout the state. Members are appointed by the ODFW Commission and may serve up to three consecutive two year terms. Current Task Force members and their terms are:

DARIN OLSON, Agricultural Representative
Darin is currently an irrigation manager who oversees and managers more than 1,500 acres of farmland in Marion County. He has been a member of the Marion Soil Water Conservation District for 12 years, including serving as chair for three years. Mr. Olson has experience with fish screening including partnering with ODFW on two past fish screening projects.

KRISTIN BISHOP, Fishing or Fish Conservation
Kristin grew up on a farm in the Willamette Valley. She enjoys fishing for a variety of fish species throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Kristin enjoys encouraging and supporting others as they fall in love with fishing.

JUDITH BARKSTEDT, Fishing or Fish Conservation Representative
Judith works in the Water and Environmental Group at David Evans and Associates. She has 20 years of education and experience as a fish biologist including work in the Colorado River Basin and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on research and management of endangered fishes in water-scarce systems. In the past, Ms. Barkstedt has served on the Desert Fishes Council and is a current member of the Pacific Lamprey Technical Workgroup. She has a passion for fish conservation.

ALEXIS VAIVODA, Public at Large Representative
Alexis lives in Hood River where she works for Farmers Conservation Alliance in the fish screen industry.  Ms. Vaivoda has a strong background in the technology and constraints that must be considered for successful fish screen projects.  She is also experienced in working with water users to develop and install fish screens. 

WILLIAM FREELAND, Fishing or Fish Conservation Representative
William is retired; his career consisted of a variety of public work including the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and Department of Energy. He has experience with water related issues through his involvement with many of the Columbia River hydroelectric dams. Mr. Freeland has previous natural resource experience and experience working with public and private groups. He has experience with various fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement projects.

ROBERT DURHAM, Agriculture Representative
Robert has owned and operated a cattle and hay farm in Dufur, Oregon, for 36 years. Being an irrigated land farmer and member of the Fifteenmile Watershed Council, he is interested in helping maintain and improve fish habitat while balancing farmer irrigation needs.

Task Force Work Products

Fish Screening Task Force Operating Guidelines

Develop a Guidance Document for Evaluating Exemptions from Screening

• ORS 498.316 Exemption from screening or by-pass devices
• Draft Fish Screening Exemptions Guidance Document (pdf) (for 11/9/2022 meeting)