September 18, 2023 3:00 a.m.

Pacific Power, along with federal and state natural resource agencies, will host a public tour of the fish enhancement projects at the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project on Wednesday, October 4th.

The annual tour will highlight state-of-the-art fish passage facilities and recent spawning habitat improvements at Soda Springs Dam and upstream locations on the North Umpqua River within the Umpqua National Forest, approximately 60 miles east of Roseburg.

A release from the utility said the enhancements are part of its 194-megawatt hydroelectric project that produces enough renewable, emission free electricity to supply approximately 80,000 average home each year. The project was built in the 1940s, and 50s but has undergone many substantial improvements since 2003 to balance efficient energy production with fish, wildlife, recreation and other values.

The tour begins at 2:00 p.m. and is expected to conclude by 5:00 p.m. It starts with a presentation at the North Umpqua Implementation Center, about an hour east of Roseburg on Highway 138.

After the presentation, guests will be transported to the project sites on buses. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited park space. Hard hats are required to access the dam and will be provided to those who do not have their own.

Space is limited and must be reserved by calling 541-498-2617 or by email: rich.grost@PacifiCorp.com. The deadline to sign up is September 29th.