SALEM - Oregon's Fish Passage Task Force will meet Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 at the Josephine County Courthouse in Grants Pass, Ore. 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 summary of Rogue River fish populations and passage issues, an overview of Rogue River Basin dam removal, liquefied natural gas pipeline and proposed stream crossing issues, Fish Passage Legislative Report, an update on the ODFW’s passage program and funding issues and other Task Force business.

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. Task Force members represent water users, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

Landowners and operators must provide for passage of adult and juvenile fish whenever there is new construction, major replacement, a permit change or abandonment. Providing adequate passage to historic habitat is one of the best ways to improve fish populations.

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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