Washington's 14 Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups 2015 Annual Report

This year marks the 25th year of the RFEG program! RFEGs work at the local level to involve the community in the state’s salmon recovery efforts.

Volunteers have logged thousands of hours planting trees, removing weeds, and scientifically monitoring salmon and their habitat to improve the likelihood of salmon and steelhead survival into future generations.

We engage people of all ages in hands-on education and outreach programming that helps shape the next generation of conservationists. These programs teach stewardship practices to reduce negative impacts to salmon and salmon habitat.

Our nature-inspired, science-based curriculum builds skills such as problem solving, communication,

and creative thinking, which are central to building strong communities and ensuring balanced decision making in our future leaders.

These programs encourage people to make connections between economic prosperity, environmental health, and quality of life, and to make better-informed choices that have a big impact in addition to on-the-ground restoration efforts.

Not only are RFEGs a good investment for salmon, but they also generate economic activity through job creation. Habitat restoration projects require talented staff, environmental consulting, and contracted services to complete the work.

Restoration also provides the diversity and quality of habitat necessary to support salmon and a robust fishery that generates economic activity as other goods and services are purchased.

As you read through this report, I hope you find yourself connecting through salmon to the places you love throughout Washington.

Salmon have much to teach us about our role in the ecosystem and the impact of our actions on future generations. RFEGs provide opportunities to learn to become better stewards and actively engage in restoration in meaningful, lasting ways. Please get in touch if you would like to volunteer!

COLLEEN THOMPSON
Managing Director