Times Observer file photo Atop the Kinzua Dam, overlooking the fish hatchery.

The Audubon is offering a tour into the bowels of Kinzua Dam and through the Allegheny National Fish Hatchery.

The tour will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 and is an Audubon exclusive event. A donation of $45 to the Audubon Community Nature Center just across the New York line in Chautauqua County is required for those who wish to participate in the tour.

The tour starts at the hatchery at the end of Hemlock Road. After that, participants will drive across the top of the dam and tour inside.

“Guests will begin the day with a guided tour inside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Allegheny National Fish Hatchery,” according to an Audubon release. “Located at the base of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kinzua Dam, the hatchery is one of eleven National Fish Hatcheries working to restore, enhance, and maintain heritage fisheries throughout the Northeast Region. The Allegheny Hatchery produces lake trout for restoration in lakes Erie and Ontario.”

“Following the hatchery tour, ACNC guests will enjoy a rare, scenic drive across the top of Kinzua Dam followed by a picnic lunch at the USACE Visitor Center and then an afternoon tour inside the hear of USACE’s Kinzua Dam.”

Lunch will be provided for an additional $10, or participants may bring their own.

Registration is required by Friday, Sept. 28, by visiting auduboncnc.doubleknot.com and finding the tour under events. Registration is limited to the first 50 people sign up. Kinzua Dam is a secure federal facility. Registration is open to U.S. citizens who are 18 and older. Children 9 years old and older may also register and accompany an adult.

Further details are available at the Audubon website.