In 1990, the Washington State Legislature created the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (RFEG) Program to involve local communities, volunteers, and landowners in the state’s salmon recovery efforts.
The 14 RFEGs work within communities across the state to recover salmon. The RFEGs create partnerships with local, state and federal agencies; tribes; local businesses; community members; and landowners. Through these collaborative efforts, RFEGs help lead their communities in successful restoration, education and monitoring projects.
Each RFEG works within a geographic region based on watershed boundaries. Every group is a separate, nonprofit organization led by their own board of directors and supported by their members.
Partial funding for the RFEG program comes from a portion of commercial and recreational fishing license fees, administered by the WDFW. The RFEGs also obtain many individual grants from government and private entities. Individual donations and in-kind contributions from local community members and businesses are essential to the success of each RFEG. The Regional Fisheries Coalition supports and advocates for the RFEGs in their missions of salmon recovery with representation from each RFEG on the Coalition. Visit the Regional Fisheries Coalition website to learn more.
Volunteering
Volunteers with the RFEG program can learn about salmon habitat, plant trees, count returning salmon, perform habitat assessments, conduct water quality monitoring, teach others about salmon habitat, and much more.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help salmon through the RFEG program please contact the RFEG in your community.
RFEG contact information
WDFW Contact
Chris Waldbillig
Restoration Coordinator
360-480-8128
Chris Waldbillig, Restoration Coordinator, is the liaison between the RFEG's and WDFW. Chris keeps the RFEG's informed of WDFW activities and policy, strengthens connections, nurtures partnerships, and provides support for RFEG's statewide. He also helps to build relationships, support Enhancement groups, and elevates our partners' work!