Salem, Ore.–The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) funded its first-ever round of projects, awarding more than $5 million in grants to 20 projects throughout Oregon.
The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), collaborated with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and key stakeholders to prioritize forest road improvement projects that improve fish habitat on forestlands owned by small forestland owners.
“The projects will restore passage to more than 74 miles of habitat for native salmon and trout and improve water quality by replacing or removing 37 culverts across 19 watersheds,” said Josh Hanson, SFISH Coordinator for ODF’s Small Forestland Owner Office.
The SFISH Program was established by the Legislature in 2022 to provide grants to small forestland owners to implement road improvement projects that result in environmental benefits to fish species addressed in the Private Forest Accord Report. The fund can also be used to mitigate risks to natural resources arising from forest roads.
“Project planning is underway, and most projects will start next summer,” said Hanson. “Some projects may require extended planning, with implementation occurring in the summer of 2026.” Several fish species will benefit from the funded work, including steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon. Two projects funded east of the Cascades will benefit Columbia River Redband Trout.
To be eligible for the program, a landowner must own less than 5,000 acres of forestland in Oregon and harvest no more than an average yearly volume of 2 million board feet of merchantable forest products. A landowner can apply for an SFISH grant at any time, and length of time waiting for funding is considered when awarding grants.
“The program anticipates awarding more money for projects in July 2025,” said Hanson. “So be sure to check the SFISH webpage for program updates.”
For more information and an application for an SFISH grant contact your local ODF office or visit the SFISH webpage.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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