January 10, 2021 3:20 a.m.

The Executive Committee of the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby has announced that it will reschedule the upcoming Fish Derby Banquet which was planned for February 4th.

A release said the committee’s decision was based on lower reservations for the event at this time, and with the unanimous concurrence of major sponsors, participants and volunteers. Organizers said a reduced number of attendees at the event would likely result in revenue losses, rather that raising funds for the much-needed fish projects within the Umpqua Basin.

Other activities associated with the Derby will continue as planned. That includes the fishing portion, the student day where students will participate in and learn about fish habitat restoration work in Rock Creek, and the kid’s day at Cooper Creek Reservoir.

Committee Co-Chair Cam Lawler said “The Derby Banquet is one of the largest, most exciting events each year in Douglas County. Based on the numbers we’re seeing, rescheduling the banquet in the spring will generate greater participation from the public”.

The release said the Derby and banquet typically generate over $100,000 that has leveraged millions of dollars for watershed enhancement work, fish-rearing projects and outdoor education activities in the Umpqua River Basin. These projects were funded in 2020:

*Fish passage improvement in tidal wetlands

*Angler cash rewards to support local fisheries research

*Hatchery broodstock collection for volunteers

*Winter steelhead acclimation sites and student education activities

*Instream fish habitat enhancement

*Streamside vegetation restoration in wildfire-damaged watersheds

For more information about the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby, call the Douglas Timber Operators at 672-0757.