SALEM, Ore. — ODFW is seeking applicants to serve on two public advisory committees that support its Fish Screening and Fish Passage Programs. These programs play a vital role in protecting native fish populations across the state. Through collaboration with landowners, agencies, and conservation partners, the programs work to keep fish moving safely through Oregon's rivers and streams.

There are two vacancies on both the Fish Screening Task Force and the Fish Passage Task Force. Applications are due by August 31.

In addition to managing a tax credit, grant, and cost share program, the ODFW Fish Screening and Passage Programs have a long history of successful accomplishments, including:

• Collaborating with fish passage barrier owners to address fish passage through the ODFW cost share program (ODFW 60%). A tax credit is also available to help offset landowner costs.
• Installing over 1,590 fish screens since 2000 and performing regular maintenance on approximately 1,300 fish screens across the state.
• Maintaining a statewide priority fish passage list with the 611 fish passage barriers with the highest impact to native migratory fish.
• Reviewing fish passage and screening projects to ensure compliance with guidance and criteria. During the first 5 months of 2025, ODFW reviewed and issued 66 fish passage approvals and 44 fish screen inspections, ensuring the projects met ODFW criteria and approved 2 fish passage exemptions after determining that fish passage would have no appreciable benefit to native migratory fish.

These efforts remove barriers that block access to critical spawning and rearing habitat and help prevent fish from becoming trapped in water diversions. The programs share credit for these accomplishments with two public advisory bodies, now in need of four new members.

"Both task forces are instrumental in the implementation of Oregon's Fish Screening Program and Fish Passage Policy," said Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Screening and Passage Program Manager. "Task Force members bring different perspectives into the fish screening and passage arena, which helps create a program responsive to fish and societal needs."

The Fish Passage Task Force
The ODFW Fish Passage Program administers the state's statutes and administrative rules related to the passage of native migratory fish in Oregon's rivers and streams. The nine volunteer members of the Fish Passage Task Force are appointed by the ODFW Director and are eligible to serve two 4-year terms. Fish Passage Task Force members represent water users or other owners of artificial obstructions, fisheries and conservation interests, and the general public.

The Fish Passage Task Force meets quarterly and advises the Department, the ODFW Director, and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on matters related to passage, such as policy and program development and implementation, fish passage waivers and exemptions, funding, monitoring, reporting to the joint legislative committee, and project prioritization.

The Fish Passage Task Force has two vacancies, one for a Fishing and Conservation representative and one for a Public-At-Large representative.

The Fish Screening Task Force
The ODFW Fish Screening Program helps water users install and maintain fish screens to prevent fish from entering water diversions. The Fish Screening Task Force advises ODFW on program development, implementation, monitoring, technology, funding, and reporting. The seven members of the Fish Screening Task Force are appointed by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Three members represent agricultural interests, three members represent fishing or fish conservation interests, and one member represents the public at large. Members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed to serve for up to six years.

The Fish Screening Task Force has two vacancies, one representing agricultural interests and one representing fishing or fish conservation issues.

Additionally, over the next year, the Fish Screening Task Force will participate in a statewide prioritization of unscreened water diversions. There are over 55,000 surface water diversions in Oregon; many are authorized to operate without a fish screen. Water from these diversions is used for various purposes, including irrigation, livestock, commercial or domestic uses, and fire suppression. The impact of unscreened diversions, particularly on young salmon and steelhead migrating downstream, can be significant. Given that few of these water rights are required to have fish screening, voluntary cooperation from water users is critical to protect native fish at these diversions. Prioritizing helps ensure that limited resources are maximized.

How to Apply
Task Force members represent a wide range of groups and interests throughout Oregon, helping create programs responsive to the needs of fish and the diverse social needs of all Oregonians. This is a valuable opportunity to get directly involved by learning more about fish screening and passage issues and contributing to program recommendations.

ODFW is committed to ensuring the Fish Passage and Screening Task Forces represent the age, racial, ethnic and gender diversity of Oregon. The Department is also committed to ensuring the Task Force has a diverse geographic composition, representing people from all parts of the state. Prospective board members should demonstrate the ability to bring the perspective of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and identities to Task Force deliberations and outcomes.

Individuals interested in serving on either task force can apply by completing the application form found on either the Fish Screening Task Force website or the Fish Passage Task Force website. Applications or questions about either task force can be e-mailed to Fish.passage@odfw.oregon.gov. Completed applications may also be sent by mail to, ODFW Fish Screening Program, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302. Applications are due by August 31.