ODFW release - SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's Fish Passage Task Force will meet Thursday, October 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Red Lion, 1313 N Bayshore Dr, Coos Bay. The meeting will be open to the public. Members of the public who are interested in the meeting are encouraged to attend in person or participate virtually. The meeting can be accessed virtually via Microsoft Teams at this link on the day of the meeting or by calling: +1 503-446-4951 and using conference ID 127-471-208#.  The meeting agenda includes ODFW Fish Passage Program updates and several presentations about recently completed tide gates in the Coos and Coquille Watersheds. The focus of the meeting is to educate and inform the Task Force on the purpose, function and operation of tide gates and to frame up the complexities and issues associated with tide gate project permitting, funding and ownership. The full meeting agenda is available on the ODFW Fish Passage Task Force website.  Public participation is encouraged. To testify verbally during the meeting, register at least 48 hours in advance (by Tuesday, October 14 at 8:00 a.m.) by emailing [email protected] or calling (971) 678-4871. When registering please provide your first and last name, which agenda item you wish to discuss and a valid email address and phone number.  Public comments will be heard during the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Written comments will be accepted before the meeting and are encouraged. Pre-registration is not required to provide written comments.  The nine-member Fish Passage Task Force meets regularly to advise ODFW and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on fish passage policies and issues. Task Force members represent water users, fisheries and conservation interests, and the public-at-large.  Additional information on the Fish Passage Task Force and the ODFW Fish Passage Program is available online or by contacting Mac Barr, ODFW Fish Passage Program Coordinator, at (971) 678-4871 or [email protected].