North of Falcon
Setting 2012-2013 Salmon Fishing Seasons

State, federal and tribal fishery managers are currently planning the Northwest's recreational and commercial salmon fisheries. As part of the salmon-season setting process, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled several public meetings. This series of meetings between federal, state, tribal, industry representatives and other concerned citizens is known as the North of Falcon process.

The North of Falcon planning process coincides with the March and April meetings of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PMFC), where ocean commercial and sport salmon seasons are set.

2012 North of Falcon
Public Meeting Schedule

February 28

2012 Salmon Forecasts and Fishing Opportunities:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. Olympia.
• WDFW presents Puget Sound, coastal Washington and Columbia River salmon abundance forecasts. Fishery management objectives and preliminary fishing opportunities for 2012 are discussed.

March 2-7

Pacific Fishery Management Council:

• Doubletree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, Calif.
• The PFMC adopts a range of ocean fishery options, including catch quotas for sport and commercial fisheries.

March 12

North of Falcon Meeting:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. Olympia.
• Discussion of management objectives and preliminary fishery proposals for Puget Sound, coastal Washington and Columbia River area sport and commercial fisheries.

March 13

Willapa Bay Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Raymond Elks Lodge, 326 Third Street, Raymond.
• Public discussion of Willapa Bay salmon forecasts and fishing opportunities.

March 14

Columbia River Fisheries Discussion:

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Vancouver Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, Wash.
• Public discussion of management objectives and preliminary options for Columbia River fall commercial and sport fisheries.

March 15

Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Port Angeles City Hall Council Chamber, 321 E Fifth St., Port Angeles.
• Discussion of local salmon fisheries.

March 20

Grays Harbor Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main Street, Montesano.
• Public discussion of Grays Harbor salmon forecasts and fishing opportunities.

March 21

Pre-season Columbia Basin salmon forecasts and fishery outlook:

• 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Benton PUD, 2721 W. 10th Ave. Kennewick.
• Public discussion of potential recreational and commercial salmon fisheries statewide.

March 24

Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Discussion:

• 10 a.m.-noon. WDFW Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek.
• Public discussion of management objectives and preliminary options for Puget Sound marine and freshwater sport fisheries.

March 26

North of Falcon Meeting – Columbia River & Ocean discussion:

• 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Room 175 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.
• Public meeting to present results of state-tribal negotiations and analyses of Ocean and Columbia River fisheries proposals. With public participation, preferred seasons are developed for Ocean and Columbia River area sport and commercial fisheries.

 Public Hearing on Ocean Salmon Management Options:

• 7 p.m., Chateau Westport, 710 W. Hancock, Westport.
• Public hearing, sponsored by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, to receive comments on the proposed ocean salmon fishery management options adopted by the council during its March meeting.

March 28

North of Falcon Meeting – Puget Sound discussion:

• 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Embassy Suites Hotel, 20610 44th Ave. West, Lynnwood.
• Public meeting to present results of state-tribal negotiations and analyses of Puget Sound fisheries proposals. With public participation, preferred options are developed for Puget Sound area sport and commercial fisheries.

March 30

Final Grays Harbor/Willapa Bay Fisheries Discussion:

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.
• Public meeting to reach final agreement on sport and commercial salmon seasons for Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.

April 1-6

Final Pacific Fishery Management Council:

• Seattle Sheraton, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle.
• PFMC adopts final ocean fisheries regulations and state-tribal fishing plans are finalized for all inside area commercial and sport salmon fisheries.