ODFW invites the public to learn about proposal to maintain hatchery production in the Umpqua Basin

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is inviting the public to learn about a proposal to sustain hatchery production in the Umpqua Basin, focusing on investments at Rock Creek Hatchery and in the South Umpqua.

The proposal is based on a year-long review of the state’s hatchery system, input from stakeholders and the public, and collaboration with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians (CCBUTI).

The draft proposal includes:

– Investing insurance funds from the Archie Creek Fire into Rock Creek Hatchery to maintain the existing spring Chinook program.
– Partnering with CCBUTI to invest remaining insurance and possibly FEMA funding into a facility in the South Umpqua for winter steelhead and coho programs.
– Continuing the fall Chinook program at the Gardiner-Reedsport STEP facility and Elk River Hatchery.

A town hall will be held on March 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Community Conference Hall. ODFW and CCBUTI representatives will present the concept, answer questions, and take feedback. This partnership aims to return hatchery fish production to the Umpqua Basin after the 2020 wildfires that affected Rock Creek Hatchery.

ODFW will also discuss findings from the hatchery system review and how this state-Tribal partnership could benefit the entire southwest fishery system.