News from the NCCFFF

California Fish and Game Commission supports

Salmon Stronghold Act

by Chuck Bucaria
May 13, 2009 -- Acting today at the request of California Fish and Game Commission Member Mike Sutton, the five member commission acted unanimously on a motion to support the Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act of 2009.  Mr. Sutton will prepare letters of endorsement to be sent to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. 

This legislation, if enacted as proposed, will provide $15,000,000 in grants and an additional $300,000 in technical assistance to qualifying programs each year from 2009 through 2013.  Western States that would benefit from the funds include Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  Cooperation through international exchanges of scientific data generated from the program would be encouraged among Pacific Rim countries having salmon and steelhead populations. 

While our instant focus as Federation of Fly Fishers advocates has been California's Smith River, it is possible other California waters may qualify for funding if this legislation passes.  On the Smith our immediate need is for a scientificly based multi-year fish count.  However, that is just the first step in an FFF proposal to develop Strategic and Management plans for that designated Salmon Stronghold river. 

The State Fish and Game Comission and Department of Fish and Game are strong partners with us in our advocacy for the financial resources to move forward to reach our goals.  While the Congress works its will on the Stronghold legislation we will seek additional sources of funding to start the program. 

Realistically, it may be some months before consideration of the federal legislation takes place.  And then developing the mechanisms to consider and select projects for funding will take more time.  In the meantime public and private funding sources that you may know of might help us start our program.  Please pass them on.

As California Fish and Game Commission member Jim Kellogg said in supporting Mr. Sutton's Salmon Stronghold supporting legislation, "This is a no-brainer."  For the resources we seek to protect and enhance, we agree.  Thank you Commission Members.  

Chuck Bucaria