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Board hears proposal for student-run fish hatchery and CTE construction project
Summary
District staff described a proposed fish hatchery project on Pony Slough that would involve Coos County partners, ODFW testing and construction by the district CTE program; no vote was required and the board received the update.
District staff on Feb. 6 presented an overview of a proposed fish hatchery project intended to provide hands-on learning for middle- and high-school students and to support local salmon stewardship.
Wade Lester described early-stage discussions with partners including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Coquille Tribe, the STEP workforce program and local marine interests. The plan would place a hatchery on Pony Slough and use the districts CTE (Career and Technical Education) program to build a roughly 20-by-30-foot pole-barn to house fish traps and rearing infrastructure. Lester said the project would be structured to avoid costs to the district by applying for partner grants (STEP) and by using CTE labor for construction.
Officials noted technical obstacles remain: ODFW-led salinity testing is underway to confirm whether egg and fry survival is feasible in the chosen tidal site, and water-right or permitting questions will require resolution. Staff said they would work to present site plans showing potential impacts to lower athletic fields, access and parking and would return to the board with photos, site plans and proposed solutions.
Board members expressed support for the educational and stewardship opportunities and praised the CTE integration. The district did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they will continue design work, pursue necessary tests and report back.
