Restoring our wild salmon stocks is arguably the most complex and controversial public policy issue the Pacific Northwest has ever faced. Despite this intense public debate, however, many people still have major misconceptions about fishers, the fishing industry and what it will actually take to save our wild salmon. D.C. The testimony addresses the agency's position on proposed legislation dealing with salmon habitat restoration funding, how salmon recovery is proceeding in Washington state and what challenges remain. In this era of ESA listings with the federal government monitoring not only our fisheries but also our hatcheries and other operations we have to set up each fishing opportunity with the precision of a triple play. During a typical month, we at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife receive between 50 and 80 complaints from citizens concerned about cougar activity near their homes or property.
Most complaints stem from simple sightings, but some are much more serious.
Washington state's hatcheries, designed and operated to provide for the recovery of wild stocks and for sustainable harvest by citizens, should remain viable. Recently, the Washington Environmental Council interviewed Director Koenings. The interview was included in the Winter 2000 edition of Voices, a WEC newsletter. As part of its conservation mission, WDFW promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems of rivers. Natural ecosystems provide wild salmon the freshwater homes they need.