Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force          
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The Task Force grants funding to projects that assist in the accomplishment of Task Force enhancement goals and promote its mission.  Projects in search of funding may request a funding application and a copy of the Task Force project evaluation criteria.  Applications are accepted prior to January 1st of each year.  Project funding is allocated on a cash reimbursement basis from January 1st through December 31st each year.

Another function provided by the Task Force is that of technical assistance.  Projects participants can receive support in coordinating with government agencies, facility design, permit acquisition, stock selection, coordinated facility operation equipment, and volunteer management, among other resources.

Long Live the Kings:  Mayr Brothers Hatchery was purchased by the Washington Department of Fisheries (WDF) as a foundation for Long Live the Kings projects, a pioneering effort charged with restoring native Chinook salmon runs on the Wishkah River. (see Long Live The Kings)

The Coho Survival Study by WDF explores possible causes of low Coho Smolt survival as they out-migrate through Grays Harbor. 

Satsop Springs:  This WDF rearing pond was a closed facility and not stated for further production. With the assistance of the Task Force, Grays Harbor Trout Unlimited, Grays Harbor Poggie Club, and the Elma Game Club acquired the use of this facility and have since turned in into a model enhancement effort. (See Muller Satsop Springs)

The Simpson Hatchery was slated for closure by WDF in 1990. If enacted it would have been a major loss for the Chehalis Basin. Today it remains operational and is interconnected with multiple volunteer enhancements projects, including: Muller Satsop Springs, Chehalis Native Chinook, and multiple volunteer Coho projects throughout the basin.

The Chehalis Restoration Act allocated federal funds for the development of restoration plans within the Chehalis River system. Two members of the Task Force Board of Directors share a position on the Chehalis Restoration Act Advisory Committee. These funds are federally administered by US Department of Fish and Wildlife (USF&W)

State Regional Enhancement Groups were created in 1990 by the Washington State Legislature. Twelve (12) enhancement groups were established throughout the state and modeled after the CBFTF. These groups are making rapid progress in volunteer enhancement efforts in their regions.

The Environmental Excellence Award was presented to the Task Force in 1990 by Governor Booth Gardner. This prestigious acknowledgment highlighted the success of the Task Force.

The Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to the Task Force Board of Directors for the dedication to the preservation of the environment and of all fish and wildlife by the Northwest Steelhead and Salmon Council in 2000.

Increase fish production in the Chehalis Basin to optimal levels.

Objective A.1:  Continue to support existing enhancement projects while initiating and supporting new efforts. Action:  The Task Force will initiate, encourage, assist and support efforts by the community in the following areas: Augmentation of wild fall Chinook Augmentation of wild spring Chinook Expansion of conditioning ponds for the out planting of Chinook Wild Coho smolt program Chum augmentation program Expansion of summer and wild winter Steelhead programs Stream and river habitat protection and restoration efforts

Objective A.2:  Insure that projects funded will contribute to fishery restoration in an effective and efficient manner.

Help to create an aware and educated Chehalis Basin community, which displays personal concern and ownership for the river and its fisheries resources.

Objective B.1:  Develop an understanding of fisheries issues through education, communication and marketing by targeting user groups, members, federal, state and local government agencies, community members, businesses, Tribes and schools. Action:  Areas to be pursued by the Public Information committee. Develop a series of presentations for community education. Create a means by which fish producing projects can also be educational projects. Compile a photo library of projects. Produce a high quality video production. Establish interactive website with project updates and links to outside resources.  Web site goals and objectives were established to: Openly distribute information Involve a larger group of participants Tie all groups together Develop a network of volunteer resources Involve more people in fisheries restoration Better connect communities with agencies Increase support Provide the history and purpose of the Task Force

Administrative Direction

Objective C.1:  Provide positive support for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chehalis Basin through effective Action Plan implementation. The Task Force realizes that achievement of these goals and objectives will require a strong, long term commitment by the Board of Directors.  This section addresses internal actions that will be pursued by the Finance/ Administration Committee to insure successful plan implementation. Seek funding for ongoing administrative needs. Improve basin-wide participation on the Board of Directors. Evaluate by-laws annually for accuracy and reliability.