ODFW Seeks Public Input on Bear Creek Fish Passage Waiver
ODOT proposes habitat restoration elsewhere in the watershed instead of adding fish passage at an unnamed Jackson County tributary.
AT A GLANCE
Project: ODOT is extending a culvert on OR 99S at an unnamed tributary to Bear Creek.
Proposal: ODOT is requesting a waiver from providing fish passage at that location.
Mitigation: The agency proposes habitat restoration and replacement of a fire-damaged culvert elsewhere in the Bear Creek watershed.
ODFW finding: Wildlife officials have preliminarily determined the proposal would provide a net benefit to migratory fish.
Public comment: Written comments are due Sept. 22, with another opportunity to comment at the Oct. 8 Fish Passage Task Force meeting.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Oregon wildlife officials are asking the public to weigh in on a proposal that would allow the Oregon Department of Transportation to skip a fish passage requirement at an unnamed tributary to Bear Creek in Jackson County.
The proposal is tied to an ODOT project extending a culvert on The culvert is located along OR99 near South Stage Road, north of Phoenix.. Under Oregon fish passage rules, certain work on artificial barriers such as culverts can trigger requirements to provide passage for native migratory fish.
Instead of providing fish passage at the tributary where it crosses OR99, ODOT is proposing restoration work elsewhere in the Bear Creek watershed.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the mitigation plan would include habitat restoration on the affected tributary and replacement of a fire-damaged culvert on another unnamed tributary to Bear Creek.
ODFW has made an initial determination that the proposed work would provide a net benefit to migratory fish.
Why a waiver is possible
Oregon fish passage rules generally require owners or operators of artificial obstructions to address fish passage when certain projects or other triggering events occur.
A waiver can be considered when an alternative action is expected to provide a greater benefit to native migratory fish than providing passage at the original site.
The Bear Creek proposal will be reviewed by the ODFW Fish Passage Task Force, which is expected to make a recommendation during its Oct. 8 meeting.
Public comments open through Sept. 22
Members of the public have until Sept. 22 to submit written comments on the proposed waiver.
Comments or requests for additional information can be sent to Pete Baki, ODFW’s ODOT Fish Passage Liaison.
Email: Pete.Baki@odfw.oregon.gov
Mail: 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302
Phone: 503-586-9827
ODFW said there will also be another opportunity for public comment when the Fish Passage Task Force meets Oct. 8 in Newport.
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