SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's Fish Screening Task Force will meet on Friday, July 11 at the Malheur National Forest office, 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, to discuss statewide projects.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the agenda includes an overview of the state fish screening program, program status and an update on projects completed by the John Day and Central Point screen shops. The meeting is open to the public, as is a tour of various screen sites in the area scheduled for Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. To join the tour meet at the Best Western John Day Inn at 8:00 a.m. Members of the public will need to provide their own transportation.

The ODFW Fish Screening and Passage Program coordinates a cost share program for installation of screens at water diversions.

Fish screens prevent the loss of fish when water is used for irrigation, municipal, hydroelectric or other beneficial purposes. They are a crucial part of any system that diverts water from a public water body.

The Task Force is appointed by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and its members represent agricultural, fisheries and public interests. It meets several times a year to advise the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on fish screening policies and issues.

Reasonable accommodations are 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 before the meeting. For more information, call Alan Ritchey, Fish Screening & Passage Program Manager, at 503-947-6229.

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