stew

this is one proposal I received today:

from?

I would like to offer the following proposal as a follow up to our
conversation yesterday pertaining to the Nestucca River wild winter
steelhead broodstock. I have learned that a dozen or so wild fish have
already been spawned with an untold number within days of being "ripe".
It would be a win/win situation if we were to utilize the fry from these
fish in a manner consistent with the STEP statutes (which I would argue
require projects to restore indigenous populations).

As you know, the "chute" on the uppermost reach of the Nestucca will likely
be modified to improve fish passage. We might thus consider putting fry
into Walker Creek which parallels the McGuire dam location, as well as the
old Meadow Lake reach. Both locations have been partially blocked to fish
passage and have suitable rearing habitat according to the best available
information. Other locations where culverts are blocking passage and will
be removed would also make suitable release locations (our watershed
council tech. team is currently working with federal, state and county
agencies to identify fish passage problem areas).

This proposal would provide some hands on volunteer opportunities for
anyone who chooses to participate and would not cost the Department a dime.
Some of us could resurrect our old hatchboxes but it would be best for the
fish if they were hatched at the existing facility. We could then use "bait
buckets" to transport and release fry.

I would also suggest that volunteers immediately transport and release
"unripe" later spawning (the rodeo fish) adults in similar locations. We
could make a significant contribution to the resource while providing a
hands on volunteer opportunity for those who wish to contribute. I suspect
our local school district may wish to be involved, as well.

Please let me know what you think of this proposal.

Regards,