The issue of salmon protection

Washington's Statewide Strategy to Recover Salmon "Extinction is not an Option" was published in 1999. It recognized strategic regional and watershed actions are essential to success. Since then, six self-created groups developed plans that have been submitted jointly with GSROto the federal agencies as recovery plans under the federal Endangered Species Act section 4(f). These plans also meet the requirement of Washington's Salmon Recovery Act RCW 77.85.030(1).

In 1999, the Washington State Legislature created the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB). Composed of five citizens appointed by the Governor and five state agency directors, the Board brings together the experiences and viewpoints of citizens and the major state natural resource agencies. The Board provides grant funds to protect or restore salmon habitat and assist related activities. It works closely with local watershed groups known as lead entities. SRFB has helped finance over 500 projects. All meetings are open to the public. The Board supports salmon recovery by funding habitat protection and restoration projects. It also supports related programs and activities that produce sustainable and measurable benefits for fish and their habitat.