The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations for three vacant positions on a citizen advisory group responsible for reviewing proposals to maintain and improve sportfishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River.

The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board is composed of up to 10 members affiliated with Columbia Basin recreational fishing organizations. There are currently three vacant positions, one each representing northcentral Washington (Region 2), southcentral Washington (Region 3), and southwest Washington (Region 5).

The board’s primary role is to advise WDFW on implementation of the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Endorsement Program. Revenue generated by the endorsement – required by anglers fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River – helps support activities necessary for managing fisheries, including enforcement, data collection and monitoring.

Board members also serve as an important communication link with the fishing public.  Candidates seeking appointment to the board should have some understanding of Columbia River fisheries management, along with the ability to communicate effectively with anglers and anglers’ organizations.

The endorsement program – approved by state lawmakers in 2009 – and the board are set to expire next June. However, WDFW supports renewing the program during the 2016 Legislative session.

The board meets at least two times per year (February and August) to review and evaluate program implementation, program expenditures and provide recommendations consistent with the intent of the pilot endorsement program. WDFW will provide financial assistance with meeting-related travel costs.

Any group or individual can nominate a candidate. Nominations must include the following information:

• The nominee’s name, physical and email address and telephone number.
• The nominee’s affiliations, if any.
• The region the nominee is seeking to represent (Regions 2, 3, or 5).
• The name, address and contact telephone number of any organization submitting a nomination.
• Experience with Columbia River fisheries management and interactions with fishing groups.
• References.

Nominations for the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board must be received no later than Sept. 30, 2015.  Submit nominations by mail to: Jeff Korth, Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program, 1550 Alder St. NW, Ephrata, WA  98823, or by e-mail to Jeff.Korth@dfw.wa.gov. More information is available by contacting Korth at (509) 754-4624 ext. 224.