In March 2021, the McKenzie River Discovery Center was awarded $19,054 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Restoration & Enhancement Board to repair and restore the historic hatchery rearing pond into a Community Fishing Pond. The project will begin July/August 2021 with the removal of sediment and invasive plants from the pond, intake repairs and installation of a fish screen which allows water to flow into the pond (but not fish). The pond will then be stocked with trout and open for special event, ADA accessible angling opportunities in the spring of 2022. Ten distinct community groups have expressed their support of this project including McKenzie Flyfishers, Cascade Family Flyfishers, Late Bloomers Garden Club, McKenzie Community Development Corporation, Northwest Youth Corps, Upper Willamette Stewardship Network, Lane County Parks, Bob Peek & Family, Bob Bumstead, McKenzie River Discovery Center and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Thank you to everyone for your support and to the ODFW Restoration & Enhancement Board for investing in this important community project. See you next spring!
photo: Old McKenzie Hatchery Rearing Pond by Brent Ross www.landairimaging.com