The Fish and Wildlife Commission supports the agency's involvement in the Timber, Fish, and Wildlife (TFW) forum for riparian habitat protection, provided that a) substantial progress is being made, and b) these negotiations have a goal of conforming with state law, the federal Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.

The Commission views the TFW forum and its proposed work plan as an ideal opportunity for WDFW to begin early progress toward addressing the issue of fish habitat protection on nonfederal forest lands.

WDFW will provide periodic briefings on progress TFW is making on this important aspect of fish habitat conservation.