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May 5, 2025
SALEM, Ore. – ODFW is accepting public comments through May 26 on two proposed exemptions from Oregon’s fish passage requirements in Yamhill and Multnomah counties.
Exemption requests:
- Red Hills Farms proposes to expand the existing Stoller Reservoir on an unnamed tributary to the Yamhill River near Dayton in Yamhill County. Given native migratory fish use, the proposed action triggered Oregon’s fish passage laws.
- The City of Portland proposes to repair an existing culvert under SW 45th Avenue that conveys Vermont Creek near Portland in Multnomah County. Given native migratory fish use, the proposed action triggered Oregon’s fish passage laws.
According to Mac Barr, Fish Passage Program Coordinator, ODFW may grant fish passage exemptions if there is no appreciable benefit to native migratory fish from providing passage. Because of immediate upstream barriers and poor habitat quality at both sites, ODFW made an initial determination that even if fish passage was provided, these actions would result in no appreciable benefit to native migratory fish. If conditions change in the future, exemptions can be revoked, and fish passage will be addressed.
Public comments on the proposed exemptions are accepted through May 26. For both requests, the fish passage exemption application and ODFW’s analysis are available online.
Send written comments or requests for additional information to:
Mac Barr, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator
4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE Salem, OR 97303
Email Mac.Barr@odfw.oregon.gov or call (503) 947-6256.
The Fish Passage Task Force will be asked to consider these exemptions and provide recommendations to ODFW. There will also be an opportunity for public comment at the Fish Passage Task Force Meeting on May 29. If you wish to provide a verbal comment, you must register 48 hours in advance of the meeting; a link to register will be available closer to the meeting.
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