WDFW Seeks Nominations For Willapa Bay Salmon Advisory Group

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations through Sept. 15 for membership on its advisory group for salmon management in Willapa Bay.

The advisory group consists of up to 12 members. The group advises WDFW on policy issues associated with conservation and management of salmon stocks in the Willapa Bay watershed.

While the advisory group will primarily discuss salmon management, it will also advise the department on issues associated with steelhead and sturgeon management in the watershed, said Steve Thiesfeld, regional fish program manager for WDFW.

"We are looking for a diverse set of people who represent various interests and affiliations to serve on the advisory group," Thiesfeld said.

The advisory group will meet approximately six times a year with most meetings scheduled from January through April in conjunction with the salmon season-setting process, known as North of Falcon.

Advisors may be asked to comment on written material throughout the year. Advisors serve two-year terms and can be reappointed. Appointments become effective in January 2016. Current members are encouraged to reapply. Advisors do not receive compensation for their work.

Any group or individual can nominate a candidate to the advisory group. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominees do not need to be affiliated with an organized group. Nominations must include the following information:

The nominee's name, address and telephone number.

The nominee's affiliations, if any.

The name, address and telephone number of any organization submitting a nomination.

Experience, including the type of experience, and any species or areas of interest, as well as references.

Nominations to the Willapa Bay Salmon advisory group must be received by Sept. 15, 2015. Nominations may be submitted to Mike Scharpf, by mail: 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA, 98563; or by email at Raymond.Scharpf@dfw.wa.gov . More information is available by contacting Steve Thiesfeld at (360) 249-1201.