Poor salmon run prompts Hatchery closing
Poor returns of spring Chinook salmon, combined with low flows and potentially elevated water temperatures has prompted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to close the Trask River Hatchery Hole to all fishing through Oct. 15.
The Hatchery Hole is a popular section of the Trask River. The closure area extends 200 feet above and 900 feet below the confluence with Gold Creek at Trask Hatchery, approximately six miles southeast of Tillamook.
The closure is necessary to protect hatchery broodstock, which is needed to provide the next generation of hatchery spring Chinook, according to Robert Bradley, district fish biologist for ODFW’s North Coast Watershed District.
Volunteers needed: ODFW officials are looking for people to raise hatchery winter steelhead at Barrett Creek near Winston. This project is an opportunity to work directly with fish and help produce hatchery winter steelhead for anglers.
Responsibilities include fish feeding, recording data, cleaning fish holding troughs and inspecting the site. Some volunteers are also asked to respond to on-site alarm systems at any hour. All volunteers must follow protocols to ensure good fish health. Volunteers must provide their own transportation and a high-clearance vehicle is necessary as the site is on a steep hill. Those interested are asked to volunteer for at least three consecutive days. In the past, volunteers have contributed up to two weeks. The project runs through September.
Big game hunting: The first class in ODFW’s new ”Learn to Hunt Big Game” series will cover reasons for hunting, and the what, where and when of hunting for big game in Oregon. Evening classes are scheduled in Tualatin (June 27) and Tigard June 27).
Leave wildlife in the wild: As the season progresses, the chance to notice and watch young wildlife increases. Enjoy these moments, but be sure to leave wildlife where you find it. Even if the babies and toddlers seem abandoned, mom is probably nearby foraging and will return soon, ODFW officials caution.
Smoke management: The advisory committee’s next meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2019 in Salem. The agenda includes reports from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division; a summary of the 2019 spring burning season; a summary of smoke intrusions and incidents; and a report on federal burning. In addition, the committee will discuss fuel treatment effectiveness and key performance measures.
The public is invited and there will be a period for public comment in the morning. The meeting is in the Santiam Room in Building D on the campus of the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
