The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program is taking applications for projects, like this new 50X15 foot culvert above, to help improve fish passage. Oregon. 2023
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon is offering owners of small forested property money to help improve fish habitat in rivers on their land.
The grant is for individuals, businesses and tribes that own smaller forested properties.
The goal is to help property owners replace culverts and fords in fish-bearing streams and to repair abandoned roads. Crumbling roads and broken culverts can fill salmon spawning beds with sediment.
“Our goal is to improve fish habitat and water quality, while helping small forestland owners fix their roads which are essential for the management of their forestlands,” said Josh Hanson, program coordinator for the state’s Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat program.
“The grant program will provide more than six million dollars to fund the replacement of culverts or fords in fish streams, repair abandoned roads, and fix roads with perched fill that pose a significant hazard to fish-bearing streams.”
Hanson said the program can also fund 100% of a project, including design and construction.
There is no deadline for applications, but the first round of funding is scheduled for spring 2024, so forest owners are being encouraged to act quickly.
The application process includes filling out an application form and completing a road condition assessment.
More salmon have returned to spawn at Finn Rock since the restoration work began.
Tim Giraudier / McKenzie River Trust