The project provides immediate and long-term protection for anadromous and resident fish species in the Mid-Columbia Plateau Province (Deschutes, John Day, Umatilla, and Walla Walla subbasins) and the Blue Mountain Province (Grande Ronde and Imnaha subbasins).  The project improves survival of native fish species with the implementation of fish screen and passage projects on private or publicly owned irrigation diversions, dams, culverts and habitat structures.  These projects reduce or eliminate fish loss associated with irrigation withdrawals and passage barriers.  Along with funds from BPA, the program uses cost share from PCSRF, OWEB, Oregon General Fund, and ODFW Surcharge funds for implementation.  Since 1993, the program has focused on fish screens that needed to be replaced due to the change in NOAA criteria for Salmonids in the John Day, Umatilla and Walla Walla Basins.  Over time, the program has included, in its focus, habitat connectivity as directed by the Mid-C Steelhead Plan.  The program wishes to expand into the Grand Ronde and Imnaha subbasins since BPA is now funding O&M is the same area through ODFW.  

The program will solicit a subcontractor to complete cultural resource surveys on ground disturbance projects (through the supplemental Cultural Expense Contract).  Once the subcontractor has completed all surveys for the contract year, the report will be reviewed by ODFW and then submitted to BPA for final compliance review and approval.  Work on ground disturbance projects will not begin until BPA has provided approval.