Shanks to meet press on May 15

OLYMPIA -- Bern Shanks, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will hold his monthly informal meeting with reporters at 2 p.m. May 15 in his office at the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E.

Editorial writers and political and environmental reporters as well as outdoor writers are invited to attend. Shanks responds to any questions posed by reporters at the sessions. Key issues currently facing the 1,600-employee department include development of a state policy to rebuild wild salmon and steelhead runs, upcoming salmon harvest negotiations with Canada, the 1997-99 biennial budget and the continuing loss of wildlife habitat.

Shanks also will be prepared to demonstrate department efforts to improve communications with the public via the Internet.

The director's office is on the fifth floor of the Natural Resources Building.

A limited number of reporters can participate in the meeting via the telephone. Contact Debi Hewitt at (360) 902-2258 in advance to arrange for telephone participation.