Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group

Overview

The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the recovery of self-sustaining, naturally spawning salmonid populations and healthy aquatic ecosystems. It operates within the Lower Columbia River region, focusing on habitat restoration, nutrient enhancement, and community engagement in salmon stewardship.

Mission and Objectives

The organization's mission emphasizes the importance of restoring river and stream habitats, providing nutrients for juvenile fish growth, and engaging the community in hands-on stewardship and education programs. This approach ensures community involvement in salmon and steelhead recovery efforts, fostering a collaborative environment among local residents, agencies, and businesses.

Activities and Projects

• Habitat Restoration: The group works on restoring habitats to support the recovery of focal species such as Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, and Chum salmon. This involves collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including private landowners and government agencies.

• Nutrient Enhancement: LCFEG implements programs to increase marine-derived nutrients in target watersheds, which are crucial for the growth and survival of juvenile fish.

• Community Engagement: The organization promotes community involvement through education and hands-on projects, ensuring that local residents are well-informed about salmon conservation and actively contribute to it.

Partnerships and Funding

Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group is part of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs) Program, established by the Washington State Legislature in 1990. This program facilitates partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, businesses, and community members to support salmon recovery. Funding is derived from portions of commercial and recreational fishing license fees, as well as grants from government and private entities. Community donations and in-kind contributions are also essential to the organization's activities.

Governance and Leadership

The organization is governed by its board of directors, which includes local leaders and experts. While specific current board members are not detailed in the available sources, past members have included notable figures such as Hal Mahnke, Ed McMillan, and Pete Ritson, PhD. Each RFEG, including LCFEG, operates as a separate nonprofit entity within the broader RFEG framework.

Education and Outreach

LCFEG's education programs aim to educate the public about salmon conservation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. These programs often include hands-on activities that engage volunteers in habitat restoration and monitoring. By fostering awareness and participation, the organization seeks to ensure long-term sustainability of salmon populations in the region.