Currently, no time limit exists for completion of logbooks. Staff proposes amending OARs to require logbooks be completed for a fishing trip within one week. Definitions are clarified to identify species exempted from fish transportation permits, and to require transportation slips of imported fish or shellfish when they will be held live in a facility having untreated effluent that enters Oregon waters. Commissioners on Friday heard details on proposals to increase storage at two reservoirs which supply water to the cities of Coos Bay and McMinnville. Representatives from the projects cited growing water needs as the basis for the expansion.
State law requires that fish passage be provided at dams and other river barriers.
A 1997 law allows the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to grant a fish passage waiver at proposed barriers if certain conditions can be met. Commissioners reviewed two potential Memorandums of Understanding between the department and the waiver applicants, the North Bend-Coos Bay Water Board and McMinnville Water and Light. The MOUs will act as place holders for subsequent applications which will formally ask the commission to waive fish passage at the projects. The projects include Pony Creek reservoir near Coos Bay and Maguire Reservoir near McMinnville. At that time, the legislation will sunset and the commission will not have the option to offer such a waiver.