April 15, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

The Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby, in partnership with Powerhouse Electric, has successfully funded and installed a permanent backup generator at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Rock Creek Hatchery – supporting the North Umpqua spring Chinook rearing program.

A Derby release said frequent summer and fall power outages have posed ongoing challenges for hatchery operations, which rely on continuous access to clean, filtered water through drum filtration and ultra-violet treatment systems. These systems are essential to maintaining the health and survival of juvenile fish during a critical stage of development.

Recognizing the need for a long-term solution, the Derby invested in the purchase of a generator – eliminating the need for costly annual rentals and ensuring reliable. uninterrupted operation for years to come. Powerhouse Electric made a generous in-kind donation, providing expertise and services for research, procurement, delivery, installation, and operator training associated with the project.

The enhancement is expected to significantly improve fish survival rates, enabling the hatchery to release strong, healthy smolts that will return as harvestable adult Chinook for both ocean and freshwater fisheries. Additionally, the cost saving realized by this investment allow the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to reallocate funds towards other critical needs, including ongoing operations and recovery efforts following the 2020 Archie Creek wildfire.

Derby Committee Member Tina Roy said, “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when community partners come together with a shared purpose”. Roy said, “Over the past 33 years, the Derby has supported hundreds of projects that enhance fisheries and habitat through the Umpqua Basin, thanks to the continued generosity of our local supporters”.  Roy said the generator cost $12,500.

For more information about the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby and its grant application process, contact Roy at 572-0757 or at: tina@dougtimber.org