OAR 635-500-1150. Mainstem Willamette Subbasin Fish Management — Habitat

(1)(a) The following operating principle applies to the Main Stem Willamette subbasin: (b) Habitat protection shall be emphasized over habitat rehabilitation and enhancement. (2) In accordance with this operating principle, it is the objective of the Department to: (a) Maintain or improve upstream and downstream passage for fish at dams, water diversions, other obstacles, and existing passage facilities; (b) Reduce delay, stranding, injury, and mortality of adult salmon and steelhead at Willamette Falls; (c) Protect necessary in-stream flows for fish production; (d) Maintain high water quality; (e) Protect riparian and in-stream habitat from degradation associated with agricultural, residential and commercial development, and other human activities; (f) Develop subbasin specific knowledge that integrates fish distribution and abundance information, habitat characteristics and potential for improvement, and sensitive watershed areas into the Department's Habitat Database system; (g) Minimize any impacts of Portland Harbor Development on fish passage and fish rearing; (h) Meet the mainstem Willamette habitat needs identified in the Upper Willamette River Conservation and Recovery Plan for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead (OAR 635-500-6600) for achieving the desired status for spring Chinook salmon and winter steelhead.