For years, Bill McMillan has conducted extensive annual spawning surveys across several key tributaries in the mid-Skagit River basin as an independent volunteer. At nearly 80 years of age, this life-long advocate and citizen scientist is passing the torch to a new generation of volunteers stepping up to continue his work.
Take Action to Reduce Harvest Impacts on Columbia River Steelhead
On Thursday, February 2, the Washington State Legislature will have its first hearing on SB 5297, the bill to limit non-tribal commercial gillnetting in the Columbia River mainstem.
Steelhead Conservation in Washington’s 2023 Legislative Session
Last week, the Washington State Legislature kicked off its 2023 legislative session. A few priorities this year that we will be working on include an important policy bill, and several funding items important to steelhead management and recovery.
Key Questions Surrounding the WDFW’s Hatchery White Paper
In Part Two of our hatchery white paper review, our Science Advisor provides further insights into the impacts of hatchery steelhead management on Washington Coastal systems.
Legislation Introduced to Remove Non-Tribal Gillnets from the Lower Columbia Mainstem
Kicking off the start of the 2023 Washington Legislative session, Senator Van De Wege (D-24) has introduced a new piece of legislation at the request of Governor Inslee that would permanently remove non-tribal commercial gillnet fisheries from the Washington side of the Lower Columbia River.
NOAA recommends an estimated $20M in funding for Trout Unlimited fish passage work
Last week, the NOAA Restoration Center recommended an estimated $20 million in funding for TU’s fish passage work, which includes our steelhead restoration efforts in both Washington and California.
A WDFW Internal Evaluation of Coastal Steelhead Hatchery Programs Points to Needed Changes
In late August, WDFW published a white paper that highlights data gaps and lack of compliance with Statewide Steelhead Management Plan guidelines for coastal steelhead hatchery programs.
A Wake-Up Call for the Washington Coast
A long-anticipated petition to list the Olympic Peninsula’s wild steelhead under the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been submitted to federal agencies.
Steelhead Find an Unlikely Friend in Beavers
Beavers deliver conditions steelhead require in their spawning grounds — cold water, longer duration of wetted streambeds, and food-rich rearing habitat. Here’s why beavers are now part of the recovery toolbox for upper Columbia River steelhead.
Dirt low and slotted up: Coastal Washington recap
WSU ambassador, Lee Geist, shares his winter report from the Washington coast and provides his reflections on the current management quagmire.