ODFW seeks applicants for Fish Screening Task Force position representing agricultural interests
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a candidate for the Fish Screening Task Force to represent agricultural interests. The ODFW Fish Screening Program helps water users install and maintain fish screens to prevent fish from entering water diversions.
The Task Force advises ODFW on program development, implementation, monitoring, technology, funding and reporting. Additionally, over the next year the Task Force will participate in a statewide prioritization of unscreened water diversions. There are over 55,000 surface water diversions in Oregon and many are authorized to operate without a fish screen. Prioritizing helps ensure that limited resources are maximized.
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, small 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 protecting native fish at these diversions.
Task Force members represent a variety of groups and interests, which is important in creating a program that’s responsive to fish and social needs. This is a great opportunity to get directly involved in helping make recommendations regarding Fish Screening Program implementation and to learn more about fish screening and passage issues.
ODFW seeks one candidate to represent agricultural interests. The Task Force meets 2-3 times, on average, throughout the year. All meetings have a virtual option. Meetings may be virtual or in-person at various locations and may include a field trip for in-person attendees.
The seven members of the 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 up to six years. The Department is committed to ensuring the Fish Screening Task Force represents the age, racial, ethnic and gender diversity of Oregon. 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.
Applications are due by Aug. 1, 2024. The application form can be found on the fish screening program website. Interested individuals should submit a completed application to Katherine Nordholm, ODFW Fish Screening Coordinator, via email at katherine.e.nordholm@odfw.oregon.gov. Completed applications may also be sent by mail to the ODFW Fish Screening Program, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302. For questions or additional information regarding the Task Force, please call Katherine Nordholm at (503) 507-5843.
