22 Nov 2017

Ongoing improvements for fish passage at Foster Dam to close road

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close the road on top of Foster Dam, Sweet Home, Oregon, to remove a large crane, Dec. 4-29. During this time, Foster Dam Road will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. For a time, the Corps used the crane and elevator system, which was innovative for its time, for adult fish collection and passage over Foster Dam; however, the equipment wasn’t fully successful in moving fish above the dam in an efficient manner. Corps biologists concluded there were better options.

7 Nov 2017

Corps awards hatchery operations contract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $6.2 million contract to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to operate and maintain the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, on the Columbia River. The firm-fixed contract is for one year, with two consecutive option years, if exercised, in-order-to produce fall Chinook to aid in mitigation obligations for The Dalles and John Day dams.

7 Nov 2017

Corps seeks Willamette Valley reservoir storage reallocation study review

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s system of 13 dams and reservoirs in the Willamette River Basin’s primary purpose is flood risk management. However, Oregon residents benefit from reservoir water in a variety of other ways, including hydropower generation and recreation. The Corps is in the process of determining if a reallocation of water storage could grant municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation and fish and wildlife better access to the stored water.