Governing for Results 2 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Fish and WildlifeAgency works to restore fish populationsPopulations of salmon, steelhead, trout and char have become severelydepleted, which in turn represents a serious threat to other populations. Suchdeclining fish populations affect recreational angling opportunities, commercialharvests and the economic stability of small communities and businesses acrossthe state. The state must protect and restore salmon populations and theirhabitats to prevent further losses.The state Legislature directed the Department of Fish and Wildlife to adopt apolicy for restoring such populations. Making sure the policy is put into place isone way to achieve significant improvements restoring wild salmon populations.This quality improvement project will track the results of the restoration policy.Results★ Provides a basis for monitoring performance of watershed restoration plans.It will help to answer questions like “will action strategies likely restoreconditions that fish populations need to be healthy?”★ Implementation strategies are being coordinated and tracked.★ Developed a joint state/tribal policy and staff guidance language for the Fishand Wildlife Commission’s adoption.★ Negotiated with Western Washington tribes to agree on final state/triballanguage for the document.★ A number of planning activities will deal with habitat, harvest and hatcheries.Team members: Bruce Crawford, Karen Terwilleger, Larry Peck, Sandi Snell,Ron Swatfigure, and Elyse Kane.CONTACT: Bruce Bjork (360) 902-23739