This is a conversation with Audrey Squires, Umpqua Restoration Program Coordinator for the mitigation funds from the North Umpqua Hydro Project. The Hydro Project’s 2001 settlement agreement required PacificCorp to pay annual funding for restoration projects to mitigate their wildlife impacts. Audrey describes the types of wildlife impacts, types of restoration projects, and volunteer opportunities.

For more information:

• The North Umpqua Hydro Project, see https://www.pacificorp.com/energy/hydro/north-umpqua-river.html
• The Umpqua National Forest page with mitigation fund information:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=stelprdb5387276 (The FY 22 projects, soon to be announced, will be posted there).
• Audrey Squires: asquires@nationalforests.org
• National Forest Foundation:  https://www.nationalforests.org/