News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 22, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

New Web site offers information on salmon and steelhead restoration

OLYMPIA - The state today unveiled a new Web site that will help people stay informed and become involved in the massive restoration effort needed as the federal government moves forward with proposals to list salmon and other fish as threatened or endangered species.

The new Web site will provide general information about the Endangered Species Act, restoration plans as they are developed for specific species of fish and links to state and federal agencies involved in this effort. The Web address is: www.governor.wa.gov/esa/index.htm

Eight species of salmon, steelhead and trout in Washington, including Puget Sound chinook, are expected to be listed as threatened or endangered in the coming year. Lower Columbia steelhead were proposed for listing as threatened by the National Marine Fisheries Service last August. A final determination is expected in early February. The pre-draft plan for restoration of lower Columbia steelhead and the proposed statewide strategy to restore fish habitat currently are posted on the Web site.

"Wild salmon, steelhead and trout are among our most precious and prized natural resources," said Curt Smitch, special advisor on natural resources to Gov. Gary Locke. "It will take new partnerships in our communities and at all levels of governments to restore the health of our salmon and protect our future economic vitality. This new Web site will keep people informed of our work to meet federal law and help people become involved in local efforts in their own communities."

Smitch noted many of the efforts that will be undertaken also will help ensure enough clean water for people across Washington. "Community-based watershed plans will be a critical part of the massive effort needed to make sure people and fish have enough clean water in coming years," Smitch said.

The federal government could intervene and direct Washington salmon restoration efforts if state agencies don't formulate plans that meet National Marine Fisheries Service approval.

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