March 11, 2025 3:30 a.m.

The public is invited to learn about a proposal to maintain hatchery production in the Umpqua Basin by making investments at Rock Creek Hatchery and in the South Umpqua.

A release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said the proposal is based on information gathered over the past year from the ODFW’s review of the state hatchery system, including Rock Creek Hatchery, as well as feedback from stakeholder groups, public conversations with local groups and consultation with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Under this draft proposal, ODFW would:

*Invest some of the insurance funds from the Archie Creek Fire at Rock Creek Hatchery to maintain the existing spring Chinook program

*Partner with CCBUTI to invest remaining insurance funding and potentially, Federal Emergency Management Agency funding at a facility in the South Umpqua to rear the winter steelhead and coho programs

*The fall Chinook program would continue to be reared in the Gardiner-Reedsport STEP facility and Elk River Hatchery

ODFW is hosting the town hall Tuesday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to share the concept of this state-Tribal partnership and will be joined by CCBUTI to answer questions and take feedback. The meeting will be held in the Community Conference Hall building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

More information about the proposal and the meeting is available at: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2025/02_Mar/030525.asp