Background
The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) is a grant program established by the Legislature in 2022 to help small forestland owners (SFO) implement projects that result in environmental benefits to fish bearing streams and mitigate risks to natural resources arising from the construction, operation or maintenance of forest roads or related activities. The program provides up to 100 percent of the cost for eligible projects. The program also provides technical assistance to landowners.
The program is administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry, in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The program provides information and assistance to small forestland owners and project sponsors regarding their projects from project eligibility to project completion.
Eligible project types
- Projects must benefit fish species covered under the Private Forest Accord Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan.
- Replacement of culverts or fords that are no longer functioning or do not meet the Oregon Forest Practices Administrative Rules design standards.
- Abandoned road repairs that prevent sediment delivery to waters of the state or improve fish passage.
- Remediation of roads with a perched fill that present a significant hazard to fish-bearing streams.
Photo: Small forestland owners can protect fish bearing streams and mitigate risks to natural resources by using the SFISH Program for failed or failing stream crossings.
Left photo: The SFISH Program provides assistance and up to 100 percent funding of fish passage projects under forest roads. Right photo: Juvenile coho salmon like this one benefit from properly functioning fish passages.