April 28, 2023 3:20 a.m.

The 31st annual Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby steering committee has announced that the derby has grant funds available for fishery enhancement projects in the Umpqua River Basin.

Over the past 30 years, due to the generosity of supporters, the derby has awarded $1.83 million for over 400 fishery enhancement restoration and educational projects in the Umpqua Basin. These funds are matched with other donations to support hundreds of fishery and educational projects throughout Douglas County.

In 2022, Umpqua Derby projects included: Rock Creek riparian habitat restoration, South Umpqua winter steelhead smolt acclimation, and the new North Umpqua live-streaming fish video, which can be seen at www.umpquafish.com

Get application forms and grant qualification guidelines by calling Douglas Timber Operators at 672-0757. All applications must be postmarked by May 31st.

2023 Derby project grant awards will be announced on July 1st.