Updated Essential Salmonid Habitat Map Available Now - 03/31/26
The map identifies streams where removal-fill permits are often required to help protect critical habitat for salmon species
Salem, ORE. – The State of Oregon has published the 2026 essential salmonid habitat map, which shows streams where activities like building docks or adding riprap usually require a removal-fill permit.
The map identifies streams that are critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other sensitive, threatened or endangered fish species. Oregon law protects these streams by requiring a removal-fill permit for most projects that remove or add materials. View the adopted 2026 map and learn more.
The map is reviewed annually to reflect current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) data.
“As Oregon’s waterways face increasing pressures, keeping our map current with habitat data is more important than ever,” said Oregon Department of State Lands Director Kaitlin Lovell. “This map helps guide smart decisions today so salmon, steelhead, and other native fish can continue to thrive for generations.”
If you live near a stream, this map is one of the most useful tools you can check before starting a project on your property. It helps answer a simple but important question: what do I need to do to protect fish habitat here?
The 2026 update added approximately 45 stream miles of essential habitat in multiple areas of Oregon. Approximately 4 stream miles are no longer essential habitat due to changes in habitat barriers or improved accuracy and detail in GIS data. This change from 2025 to 2026 represents less than a 1% change to the overall 22,000+ stream miles of essential habitat. See the draft map to view the changes for 2026*.
This year’s update is unusual due to the historic removal of the four lower Klamath River dams in 2023-2024 and the rapid, ongoing changes to fish distribution that followed. This unprecedented action reopened more than 400 miles of historic fish habitat and spawning grounds.
Anadromous fish were first observed late in the 2025 season and have begun to re-populate newly accessible areas. Given both the timing and limited data on whether observed habitat use reflects long-term, repeatable patterns, it was determined that these observations did not support designation in time for the 2026 essential salmonid map update. Additional monitoring and coordination will be needed, consistent with the State of Oregon’s commitments under the Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement.
The annual map update process includes Tribal engagement and a public review and comment period. Stay informed about future map updates by joining DSL’s email list for essential salmonid habitat map information. Sign up to receive emails.
*Additional minor edits were made to the adopted map after the comment period, in response to feedback and with confirmation from ODFW. These are not reflected in the draft map.
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