Last week, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the state’s 2022 supplementary budget into law, which included almost $15 million for a voluntary buyback program in the Columbia River for non-tribal commercial gillnet licenses.
The 2022 Washington state legislative wrap-up: What’s in it for steelhead?
March 10 marked the end of the 2022 Washington State Legislative Session. For a short session, it was a remarkably busy non-budget year in which several important issues on steelhead were decided.
January Legislative Update: Washington
In January, the Washington legislature commenced a “short session” that will end on March 10. We are tracking a variety of bills during the 2022 session that relate to wild steelhead issues.
Governor Inslee uses veto power to strike down voluntary Columbia gillnet license buyback program
Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee took two actions over the past week that represent steps backward in steelhead and salmon conservation.
Washington state legislative preview: What’s in it for steelhead?
Monday the 11th marked the start of the 2021 legislative session in Olympia, with important implications for steelhead in Washington State. Washington operates on a biennial budget system, and this year — a budget year — the state must fund its state agencies and programs for the next two years.
Science Friday: Steelhead hopscotching from one cold-water refugia to another in the Columbia
This is a topic we have discussed several times in the past, but given the critical nature of cold water refugia, and as the warming climate makes the warmest time of year even hotter, it’s a good time to review what we know about these crucially important habitats.