Fish Passage in Oregon: Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where We're Going

Fish passage in Oregon has had a long history. In fact that history extends prior to statehood, when in 1848 the Oregon Territorial Constitution enacted its first fish passage law. Since providing fish passage is a law, and laws are always followed, no fish passage issues exist in Oregon today. If only that was the case! Despite the presence of fish passage laws in Oregon, current inventory shows over 31,000 artificial obstructions (culverts, dams, etc.), with less than 20% of those documented as providing adequate fish passage.

For the past 15 years, Oregon’s new laws and policies have aimed to slowly and systematically right the wrongs of our past and have created a unique and  more comprehensive system of dealing with fish passage issues. However, in the face of climate change, population growth, energy demands, and funding dilemmas, it is vital that we adapt and evolve along with our changing landscape to ensure our fish passage policies provide the best opportunities for our native fish to thrive. Please join me, for a brief look into Oregon's fish passage history, an evaluation of the current state of fish passage, and how we are looking towards the future.