PORTLAND, Ore. -- The City of Monroe, Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have entered an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to study the feasibility of improving fish passage near the Monroe drop structure on the Long Tom River.
Public participation and feedback are important, and the Corps and its partners will seek input during an info session Nov. 3, 4-5 p.m.
The public can attend the session virtually or by calling in, using the information below:
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 4-5 p.m.
Link: https://usace1.webex.com/usace1/j.php?MTID=mbecc28b83044eefa9931de952d8fce65
Call: 1-844-800-2712 (US) (Call-in toll-free number)
Access Code: 2762 496 5934 #
Password: jaSHTZa$633
The organizations encourage feedback but ask participants to send questions or comments in through the “chat” function in the WebEx during the call.
The City of Monroe and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, along with the partnership of the Long Tom Watershed Council, are collaborating with the Corps to advance this ecosystem restoration project. This group recognizes that the Long Tom River is a vital watershed for its potential high-quality juvenile salmon rearing habitat, as well as spawning and rearing habitat for cutthroat trout, lamprey, and other native species.
The public can also submit comments via email or written correspondence, or electronically (GIS):
Mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENWP-PM
ATTN: Kat Herzog or Sarah Knowles
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946
503-808-4510
Email: NWP-LongTom-EcoRes@usace.army.mil
GIS platform: https://cenwp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fd51ed2a8a784011b2878af058635a8e
Background: The drop structure reduces high-flow velocities in the river that resulted from previous channel improvements; however, it also acts as a fish barrier. The disconnected historic segments of the river receive little to no fresh water during summer months and become stagnant ponds. Overall, the existing limiting habitat has reduced channel complexity, cover, and pool habitat used by salmonids and other native fishes and wildlife. This ecosystem restoration project is important to restoring aquatic habitat and fish passage. For more information and public meeting links or information, visit: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/Willamette-Valley/Fern-Ridge/.
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