Photo by Pat Myers - Forks Creek Hatchery is currently under construction.
The Forks Creek Hatchery is presently under a large construction project, and local fishers and retailers are concerned about whether or not it will be collecting fish this year. Losing a spawning season would result in lower future salmon returns which, in turn, would affect the local commercial fishing industry, sports fishing, and the local retail economy. The effects on the local retailers would be losses in the sales of fuel, gear, groceries, restaurants, and such.
All in-water construction is required by Federal and State regulations to be finished by October 1. These regulations set the dates that construction can begin and end for all in-water projects. In this case, the new weir is due to be completed by that date, and the spawning salmon will enter the ponds once the weir is complete. The final concrete pours for the weir were done on September 19. The site construction manager remarked that they will be finished with the weir well ahead of the October 1 deadline.
Once the weir and all in-water construction work are complete, the project will continue with the remaining out-of-water work. This phase is scheduled for completion in December. This portion of the project does not affect the hatchery's ability to conduct its duties regarding this year's spawning season. That phase will include a new, more efficient fish ladder.