[ODFW-News] Public input sought on draft ODFW-DEQ agreement

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	
For Immediate Release	Thursday, September 11, 2003

Public input sought on draft ODFW-DEQ agreement
Agreement governs fish carcass placement 

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife currently is seeking public comment on the annual agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to allow hatchery-bred salmon and steelhead carcasses to be placed into appropriate streams for nutrient enrichment. The agreement covers work to be completed through April 2004.

Research has shown fish carcass placement can be a component of fish resource management by replacing some of the marine-derived nutrients historically available to aquatic ecosystems from decaying carcasses. Carcasses are collected at fish hatcheries and placed out into spawning streams by volunteers, civic groups, agencies and other organizations. The activity is an action item of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is developed annually between ODFW and DEQ outlining where and when carcasses will be placed.  The draft MOA can be viewed at www.dfw.state.or.us.  Hard copies can be printed at local ODFW field offices.

Written comments should be received at ODFW by 5 pm, Sept. 26.  Comments and requests for further information may be sent to Dan Van Dyke, 3406 Cherry Ave, Salem, OR  97303, or emailed to: Daniel.j.vandyke at state.or.us.

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