JOHN DAY – A $41,633 grant will fund habitat improvements and the construction of an accessible fishing dock for the physically disabled at the public fishing pond located at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Screen Shop in John Day. The grant comes from the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program.

“They are now in the process of deepening the pond to increase fish survival and to reduce the amount of aquatic vegetation,” ODFW district fish biologist Tim Unterwegner said. Once the excavation work is completed, a floating accessible fishing dock will be constructed.

The pond provides good fishing opportunities for stocked trout and is popular with local residents. Because it is located in a fenced area, the pond is open to the public during regular business hours, although arrangements may be made for group outings and special events.

The project is expected to be completed in May.

The Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1989 and is funded by a surcharge on sport and commercial fishing licenses and commercial poundage fees. The program is overseen by a seven-member citizen board.

For additional information on the fishing dock project contact biologist Tim Unterwegner at (541) 575-1167.-For more information on the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program go to www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/RnEProgram/R&EHistory.html, or contact program coordinator Dan Van Dyke at (503) 947-6232 or program assistant Lisa Kingsley at (503) 947-6211.