Oct. 26, 2009
Media contact: Tom Martin, Tacoma Power license implementation coordinator, (253) 502-8298
Cowlitz River hatchery production levels for various salmon and trout species will serve as the topic of discussion at a public meeting from at 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 at Centralia College in Room 103. The meeting will take place in the college's Washington Hall located near Washington Avenue and Walnut Street in Centralia.
The Cowlitz River Fisheries Technical Committee (FTC), an oversight group for the fisheries portion of Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project License, is working on a required update to a fisheries and hatchery management plan.
The FTC is focusing on production levels of salmon and trout hatchery stocks. The committee has set a goal to manage hatchery production in a manner that improves recovery of naturally spawning salmon in the middle and upper Cowlitz River basin while also supporting the river's sports fishery. The FTC will present details about different hatchery production options under consideration at the meeting.
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About Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power serves 167,000 customers in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest and portions of Fife, Lakewood, Federal Way, Steilacoom, Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and other portions of Pierce County. www.tacomapower.com.
About the Cowlitz River Fisheries Technical Committee
The Cowlitz River Fisheries Technical Committee was formed as part of the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project Settlement Agreement. It includes representation from Tacoma Power, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Ecology, and the Yakama Nation; and one individual representing Trout Unlimited and American Rivers.
