Dr. Jeffrey P. Koenings, Director Director's Reports to the Fish and Wildlife Commission - 2008 Aug 8, 2008 (PDF format) Jun 6, 2008 (PDF format) May 2, 2008 (PDF format) Apr 11, 2008 (PDF format) Mar 7, 2008 (PDF format) Feb 1, 2008 (PDF format) Jan 11, 2008 (PDF format) Reports Archive

Testimony of Jeffrey P. Koenings, Ph.D., Director, WDFW, to the United States Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Field Hearing, Seattle, Washington - May 27, 2008 When we embark on a discussion of global climate change impacts, let's first acknowledge that we are heading into uncharted territory. Unlike other areas of natural-resource science and management, we have no body of research to guide us, no historic models to foreshadow the shape of things to come, no proven formulas to follow. Keynote speaker at the Environmental Education Association of Washington Executive Summit Meeting by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - November 7, 2007 Any natural resource professional recognizes that nature provides us an ever-changing world. Ecosystems transform themselves little by little everyday – meadows become forests, straight streams begin to meander, and lakes slowly fill to become meadows. The Economics of Sport Fishing and Hunting in Washington - presentation by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings to the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations - October 19, 2007 The following slide presentation, "The Economics of Sport Fishing and Hunting in Washington," was delivered to the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations on Oct. 19, 2007. The presentation provides an overview of sustainable wildlife programs and the economics of sport fishing and hunting. Memorial celebration of Rocky Spencer's life by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - September 15, 2007 In my mind as director of the agency, Rocky was a walking, talking billboard of the following advice: Avoid unchallenging occupations - they waste your talents. Panel Speaker at the Shared Strategy and Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council Meeting comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - August 30, 2007 Salmon managers must rely on objectively derived scientific knowledge to make management and/or policy decisions. Science doesn't make those decisions, but it does significantly inform those decisions. Keynote Speaker at the North Pacific International Chapter American Fisheries Society, comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - June 6, 2007 Salmon managers must rely on objectively derived scientific knowledge to make management and/or policy decisions. Science doesn't make those decisions, but it does significantly inform those decisions. Testimony of Jeffrey P. Koenings, Ph.D., Director, WDFW, to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Issues - April 19, 2007 Fish and wildlife species face multiple threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to conversion for a multitude of other uses; diminishing water quality and quantity; and encroaching invasive species. These perils -- ominous as they are -- pale in comparison to the looming specter of global warming. Pygmy Rabbit Recovery - USFWS/WDFW Safe Harbor Agreement Signing Ceremony - remarks by WDFW Director Dr. Jeff Koenings - October 24, 2006 Those of us who have been in the natural resource government service for some time realize that all of the rules and regulations and laws and best available science in the world don't mean a thing if the citizens and private landowners who live and make a living on the land are not part of the deal. WDFW statement presented by Regional Director Guy Norman at a Sea Lion Press Conference Sponsored By Congressmen Brian Baird and Doc Hastings - October 16, 2006 As we address impacts limiting salmon recovery in the Columbia basin - increasing predation by birds, fish, or marine mammals must be addressed as part of an overall recovery process. 2006 Wild Salmon Hall of Fame - Elwha Chinook Award - introductory remarks by WDFW Director Dr. Jeff Koenings - September 23, 2006 Bill Ruckelshaus has helped steer this state toward conservation, toward sound stewardship, and towards a healthy environment. Working Together on the Path to Salmon Recovery, H-Integration and Adaptive Management - opening remarks by WDFW Director Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 20, 2006 We will need a commitment from all managers in a watershed to remain engaged and to understand how our budgets, policies, programs and decisions affect salmon recovery. Tieton Forest Collaborative Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony - comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - May 17, 2006 A keystone feature of this agreement is a successful private public partnership. Partnerships help agencies in a variety of ways. Shared funding and diverse expertise are but a few easily recognized benefits, but in addition partnerships help in a more fundamental way. Salmon 2100: The Future of Wild Salmon - comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - January 25, 2006 Comments presented by Director Koenings at a conference held in Portland, Oregon. Governor's news conference: Cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation - comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - November 14, 2005 The Hanford area produces the largest population of wild salmon in the Columbia Basin. These wild fall chinook are one of only three healthy and non-ESA listed Columbia River chinook populations in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Opportunity and Stewardship - presentation by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings to the Washington Democratic Central Committee - November 12, 2005 The following slide presentation, "Opportunity and Stewardship," was delivered to the Washington Democratic Central Committee Meeting in Ocean Shores on Nov. 12, 2005. The presentation focused on the ways WDFW meets its dual mandates of providing resource stewardship and fishing and hunting opportunity. The talk also highlights the importance of fish and wildlife resources to Washington state's quality of life and economic vitality. Hatchery Reform: Managing For Success Conference - WDFW Director Dr. Jeff Koenings, Conference Co-Chair - October 28, 2005 Hatcheries are the present and future cornerstone of meaningful future fishing opportunity in Washington. Select Forum on Restoring Puget Sound: A Meeting with National Experts - Jeff Koenings, Ph.D. - September 14, 2005 We need to make Puget Sound once again "fit for a King" and I believe we need a "visible center" to make that happen. 8th Mountain Lion Workshop - introductory remarks by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - May 17, 2005 Cougar management is very difficult - scientifically because their population size is so difficult to assess, as one example - but more importantly because people - our neighbors - like to see them and know they are out there. Yet some don't feel safe for themselves, their children, pets, livestock, etc. WDFW Employee Awards - remarks by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - May 6, 2005 WDFW employees and volunteers recognized for their hard work and dedication to the natural resources of Washington state. Habitat "All-hands" Workshop - comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - April 26, 2005 Comments presented by Director Koenings at a workshop attended by WDFW Habitat Program staff. "Monitoring for the Future" - A Workshop on Implementing Statewide Status / Trend Monitoring - comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings, Ph.D. - April 13-14, 2005 The Governor's Forum on Monitoring Watershed Health and Salmon Recovery was created by executive order in 2004 to help develop a coordinated monitoring strategy that answers two basic questions: - Are we making progress in protecting and restoring our watersheds? - And are these efforts benefiting the salmon and other species that live in those watersheds? Columbia River Initiative Roll-Out - statement by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - December 17, 2004 The issue has been too often viewed as fish vs. people, as if solutions were mutually exclusive. The Initiative says No, this is not the case and holds the promise that we can sustain a future for both people and fish in the Basin. The Lower Columbia Salmon Recovery Plan: Celebrating a Partnership of Success - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - December 15, 2004 You have my pledge to do our part in assuring hatchery programs are operated to assist in recovery of wild salmon populations while at the same time providing the economic benefits from local fisheries at low risks to the wild fish we are protecting. Washington State - Tribal, 15th Annual Centennial Accord - comments by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - December 9, 2004 The tribes and DFW have long recognized a range of human value systems here in Washington relative to the critical role of nature in their lives. Some come from the view that everything in nature has its own absolute right to exist. Others are of the view that nature exists only for use by people - of course many sides exist in between. Washington Association of Conservation Districts - talking points by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - November 30, 2004 WDFW is committed to building upon the positive relationships we have with the conservation districts, their staff, and our other partners. Clearly, in the end, it is not only us that benefit, but our constituents and the fish and wildlife of Washington State. Natural Resources Leadership Academy Collaborative Learning Workshop - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - October 20, 2004 Many of our natural resource problems are the result of "progress" i.e., policy choices made at the time in the best interest of the general public. News Conference: Environmental Education Association of Washington "Report Card" - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW - October 13, 2004 One of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure as director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife has been the "real world" initiatives we've forged with students and school districts. Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition Breakfast - remarks by Director Jeff Koenings - October 7, 2004 Although most of our habitat acquisitions are critical to protect threatened and endangered fish and wildlife, most of these acquisitions also provide incredible opportunities for wildlife related recreation, an economic engine that generates over $2 billion in consumer spending in Washington each year. Salmon Homecoming Alliance - remarks by Director Jeff Koenings - September 15, 2004 State, tribal and local organizations have completed hundreds of habitat-restoration projects throughout the state in the past 5 years alone. Many of those initiatives would have been inconceivable without "cooperation" between everyone involved - particularly the state and the treaty tribes. 2nd National Conference on Coastal & Estuarine Habitat Restoration - How Co-Management Works from a Technical Perspective - remarks by Director Jeff Koenings - September 12, 2004 We have good reason to be thankful this year: Fourth good salmon run in a row; Anglers are just finishing up another good season on the coast, and large numbers of chinook and coho salmon are now moving into Puget Sound; 85% of listed wild stocks have gained strength and increased the numbers of fish in the spawning grounds - many significantly - since the mid-1990s. "The Future is in Your Hands" State Wildlife Strategies - One Year Out Conference - Closing remarks by Director Jeff Koenings - August 4, 2004 Director Koenings' remarks at the State Wildlife Strategies Conference. The National Advisory Acceptance Team was established by the USFWS to guide the development and review process for Comprehensive State Wildlife Strategies (CSWS). The CSWS are necessary for states and territories to receive future federal funding under the State Wildlife Grant appropriation after October 2005. Region 1 Office Groundbreaking Ceremony - comments by Director Jeff Koenings - July 27, 2004 The start of this construction project has been a long time in coming - over a decade since the department identified the need for more space. "Get and Keep Your Neighbors Involved" - Schlee Ranch dedication - speaking points for Director Jeff Koenings - May 14, 2004 The landscape before you has been our number one priority for the protection of both fish and wildlife for a long time. This addition to Asotin Creek Wildlife Area helps us address locally identified watershed management problems by connecting state and federal lands so we can manage the mid and upper reaches of this watershed more cohesively for endangered spring Chinook salmon, threatened steelhead and bull trout, Rocky Mountain elk, as well as other fish and wildlife species, some of which may be less charismatic than salmon and elk, but no less important. Hatchery Scientific Review Group Press Conference - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - April 23, 2004 The bottom line message is clear: hatcheries have been, are, and will be a very important tool for fish management in Washington State. National Fish Habitat Initiative, Stakeholders Meeting/69th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference - March 19, 2004 Washington may be viewed as "poster child" for what happens when fish habitats are traded for other purposes. Those alterations have, in part, led to the federal listing of salmon and trout populations under the ESA that affect 70% of the geography of the state: an area that affects 90% of the population. Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - March 6, 2004 In the last eight years alone, RFEG's have overseen the completion of nearly 400 fish passage projects, the release of more than 50 million fish, the restoration of 300 miles of river and streams, and the distribution of 340,000 nutrient rich salmon carcasses. American Association for the Advancement of Science - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - February 15, 2004 There are a number of exciting, science-based initiatives now underway aimed at rebuilding functional ecosystems. A number of projects led by top scientists, and supported by top policymakers, including Governor Gary Locke and others, are taking place. Testimony to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - February 11, 2004 Director Koenings testimony before FERC in Washington, D.C. The testimony supports the proposals by Chelan and Douglas Public Utility districts to amend their licenses to incorporate the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Agreements. Washington Forest Protection Association, Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation program - February 04, 2004 The Department's roles and responsibilities include managing fish and wildlife populations and setting fishing and hunting seasons. We base our management decisions on a sound science-based framework. Chehalis Rotary - remarks by Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - Nov. 26, 2003 In some rural areas, you can easily make the case that fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and other types of outdoor recreation have significantly increased in economic importance in recent years as other industries, such as mining and logging, have decreased in importance. Special to The Seattle Times - Outdoor recreation plays big role in state's economy - by Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - Nov. 19, 2003 As anyone who has stood in a checkout line at a sporting goods store can attest, outdoor recreation is big business in Washington state. Orca Whale Recovery - Press briefing with Senator Maria Cantwell and Bob Lohn, NOAA Fisheries - remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - Oct. 26,2003 The WDFW is prepared to provide our scientific expertise, equipment and enforcement presence on the water to assist Luna in a fashion similar to that we provided to Springer. Tenth Annual Meeting of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association - Benefits of Sound Stewardship, presentation by Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - Oct. 25,2003 The Benefits of Sound Stewardship not only extend to healthy fish and wildlife populations, but also to the economic value to this state as people pursue fishing and wildlife-related opportunities. Talking points on WDFW's role regarding wild salmon - Salmon Hall of Fame, Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - Oct. 4,2003 Just as it took decades to bring many wild salmon populations to the brink, so too will it take decades of hard, organized work to restore wild salmon populations to their past robust state. Wildlife Viewing Workshop - Strategic Plan for Wildlife Viewing in Washington, Olympia, WA - Comments by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - September 3, 2003 We are ready to take the plunge and actually buy into the fact that wildlife viewing is vitally important to the state of Washington, both biologically through promoting biodiversity and economically through people viewing that diversity. Game Management Workshop on Public Involvement, Ellensburg, WA - Talking points by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - August 23, 2003 Director Koening's talking points for a workshop to begin discussions on how to improve the public's involvement in the management of game species. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a new 2003-09 Game Management Plan last December. One of the key strategies identified in the plan was to improve public involvement in the management of game species. Western Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), Port Angeles, WA - Welcoming Speech by Jeff Koenings, Ph.D., WDFW Director - July 21, 2003 Following is the welcoming speech given by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Port Angeles, Washington on July 21, 2003. Lead Entity Strategies Workshop, Seatac, WA - Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - May 16, 2003 I strongly believe that sound hatchery management practices are an important component of ESA recovery. Juvenile salmon appropriately produced from our hatcheries can immediately seed new habitats-jump starting the recovery process. I believe NOAA's new hatchery policy will be consistent with this approach. Wildlife Society Meeting, Port Townsend, WA -"What makes a good field biologist?" - Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director - April 16, 2003 Lasting solutions to complicated natural resource issues require collaborative processes, and it is the job of the field biologist to facilitate these processes and hopefully bring them to a meaningful conclusion. Natural Resources Leadership Academy -"Meeting the Collaborative Leadership Challenges of the 21st Century" - Speech by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings - February 25, 2003 If natural resource managers have learned one thing from the spotted owl and other highly contentious issues that have come our way in recent years, it is that to be successful, we must be willing to sit down with our constituents, as equals, and collaboratively resolve our differences. Sound Stewardship of Fish and Wildlife [PDF Format - 8.52MB] Following is a presentation by WDFW Director Jeff Koenings to the Washington State Senate Parks, Fish and Wildlife Committee on January 21, 2003. The presentation focuses on the many economic benefits of fish and wildlife-associated recreation. Washington Association of Conservation Districts - Theme: Expanding the Partnership - Comments by Dr. Jeff Koenings - December 3, 2002 WDFW has a good relationship with conservation districts as we have been working together as partners for a long time. It has been through the districts that WDFW has been able to share our knowledge and science with landowners and producers. Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board "Salmon Summit" - Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - November 21 2002 We've come a long way in a few short years in putting in place the people and infrastructure to make salmon recovery a reality. Director's Column, Crossing Paths Newsletter - Fall 2002 Wildlife watching in Washington is enjoyed by 2,105,000 Washington citizens, according to the recently-released results of the 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recreation survey. Annual meeting: Washington Native Plant Society and the Pilchuck Audubon Society - Talking points prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - October 17, 2002 Progress Report on the Forest and Fish Accord. The Forest and Fish legislation was one of several statewide policy initiatives developed during the late 1990s to address pressing natural resource issues – particularly wild salmon recovery. Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center /Vancouver Trout Hatchery - Talking points prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - October 10, 2002 Not much else is more vital to the future health of our environment and the wildlife it supports than educating our young citizens about the importance of protecting and restoring our state's renewable natural resources. Skagit Watershed Council / Skagit Recovery Goals Meeting - Talking points prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - August 14, 2002 It is my intent that WDFW lead the way in the restoration of critical salmon habitat in the Skagit estuary. WDFW as a public landowner will partner with private landowners in the effort-landowner to landowner! Landsburg Fish Project / City of Seattle - Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 26, 2002 The Landsburg fish passage project will open up some 17 miles of spawning habitat for three specific species–namely coho, chinook and steelhead populations. This addition almost doubles the existing spawning habitat. Department of Natural Resources - Federal Assurances Retreat - Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 21, 2002 The bottom line is that the Forest and Fish agreement provides a critical step forward to protecting and recovering the state's fish and wildlife resources. Yakima Salmon Recovery Board Workshop - Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 14, 2002 The Department is organizing around "regional planning" and our intent is to implement salmon recovery through those regional plans. 2002 Pacific Coast Herring Workshop - Introductory Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 11, 2002 As the multiple roles of individual species become increasingly recognized in our thinking, our management vision needs to expand beyond the traditional simple species view. Western Wildlife Law Enforcement Association annual meeting. Introductory Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - June 3, 2002 Today, to be truly effective, enforcement programs must focus on new, expanded strategies emphasizing partnerships, environmental protection, public education, conflict resolution, voluntary compliance and cooperation; and yes, grass roots empowerment. "The Endangered Species Act in Washington State - Where do we go from here?" - Workshop. Comments prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - Apr. 5, 2002 The department continues to aggressively streamline the HPA process to ensure proper protection for fish and their habitat, while meeting statutory requirements at a time of tremendous population growth in the state. Lead Entity Strategies Workshop - Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - Apr. 3, 2002 In the span of only a few short years, lead entities have literally come from nowhere to become an integral and indispensable part of our state's salmon recovery strategy. Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition - Remarks prepared by Dr. Jeff Koenings - Feb. 27, 2002 Acquisition of critical fish and wildlife habitat is one of the most effective tools we have for establishing a "safety net" of critical habitats. Hatchery Reform Project News Conference - Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - Feb. 19, 2002 For more than a century now, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has operated hatcheries in our state. These hatcheries have played–and continue to play–an indispensable role in providing sustainable fisheries. False Data Submitted to the Interagency Lynx Survey - Jan 16, 2002 Director Koenings' remarks and presentation to a joint Senate and House Natural Resources committees meeting held Wednesday, January 16, 2002 in Olympia to discuss the interagency lynx survey and submittal of unauthorized study samples. Nooksack Recovery Team Salmon Summit 2001 - Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings - Oct. 12, 2001 We are not entering a Brave New World with regard to salmon recovery, but simply tweaking the one we are already working in. Drought: It ain't over ‘til it's over, Director's Column in The Trout and Salmon Leader - Fall 2001 For most anglers, 2001 will be remembered as a banner year for salmon fishing, but this is also the worst drought year since 1977, and that could have some serious implications for future salmon runs. Genetic management plans important for hatchery operations in ESA era , Director's Column in The Trout and Salmon Leader - Spring 2001 The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife this spring reached an important milestone in its efforts to ensure its hatchery operations are compatible with wild salmon recovery initiatives. Improvements on way for North of Falcon, Director's Column in The Trout and Salmon Leader - January 2001 The state and tribes have initiated a series of steps that should improve the process not only for tribal and state fisheries managers, but for fishers and all other citizens who have an interest in the way our state's fisheries are managed. Shared Strategy: Port Ludlow 2 A presentation delivered to the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Forum on January 18, 2001 Speech to Northwest Wildlife Council - January 20, 2001 Washington State has experienced explosive population growth in recent decades and five new Seattles are expected within 20 years. This growth, both existing and projected, will quite literally place our fish and wildlife populations in peril. Conservation of Marine Resources in Puget Sound: Development of Cooperative Management Efforts On November 15, 2000, Director Koenings was invited to speak at a Tribal Marine Protected Area Forum, co-sponsored by the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Policy and Shellfish Committees. The forum was held at the Tulalip Tribal Center in Marysville, WA. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is beginning discussions with Tribal Governments regarding our co-management responsibilities for marine fishes (non-salmonid fishes) in Washington waters. The Director took the opportunity to address the gathered Tribal representatives on the topic of marine fish conservation, the need for joint development of conservation plans and the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in furthering those plans. Cowlitz settlement ceremony - October 23, 2000 This past August, a dozen state and federal resource agencies, conservation groups, The Yakama Tribe and the City of Tacoma negotiated a comprehensive mitigation plan which focuses on the restoration of wild fish on the Cowlitz River watershed, while ensuring continuing opportunities for sustainable fisheries. The intent of the settlement agreement was to fulfill requirements by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing of the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project operated by the City of Tacoma Public Works Department. The licensing ceremony was held Monday, Oct. 23, at Union Station in Tacoma. Commencement Bay dedication ceremony - October 11, 2000 The Commencement Bay dedication was held at the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma to recognize the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees for their completion of five significant resoration projects in Commencement Bay, with funds, properties and services obtained from those responsible for contaminating Commencement Bay over the past century. The Trustees include NOAA, the Puyallup Tribe, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the State of Washington, represented by the Department of Ecology, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, all working with the City of Tacoma and the Port of Tacoma. More than $20 million in funds, property values and in-kind services have been generated to date to restore the intertidal areas and tideflats of the Puyallup River delta near the bay. State, tribes working to develop new selective commercial fishing tools, Director's Column in The Trout and Salmon Leader - September 2000 Recently, two types of commercial selective gear - the tangle net and the floating trap net - were chosen by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and tribal fishery managers for testing. Both are aimed at providing non-target stocks a better chance at being returned to the water unharmed. Commencement Address: University of Washington, College of Forest Resources June 9, 2000 As you celebrate your arrival in the ranks of professional scientists and resource managers, it is a day of celebration for me, too Anglers battle public misconceptions, Director's Column in The Trout and Salmon Leader - July 2000 Restoring our wild salmon stocks is arguably the most complex and controversial public policy issue the Pacific Northwest has ever faced. Despite this intense public debate, however, many people still have major misconceptions about fishers, the fishing industry and what it will actually take to save our wild salmon. Testimony to U.S. House of Representatives on proposed legislation dealing with salmon habitat restoration funding - May 18, 2000 Director Koenings testimony before the House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans in Washington, D.C. The testimony addresses the agency's position on proposed legislation dealing with salmon habitat restoration funding, how salmon recovery is proceeding in Washington state and what challenges remain. Speech to Northwest Sportfishing Association - May 12, 2000 In this era of ESA listings – with the federal government monitoring not only our fisheries but also our hatcheries and other operations – we have to set up each fishing opportunity with the precision of a triple play. Cougar-control measures protect public by Director Jeffrey Koenings, Guest Columnist - Seattle Times May 8, 2000 During a typical month, we at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife receive between 50 and 80 complaints from citizens concerned about cougar activity near their homes or property. Most complaints stem from simple sightings, but some are much more serious. Senate Field Hearing on Washington Salmon Recovery Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings for testimony at April 20, 2000 Senate Field Hearing on Washington Salmon Recovery. Washington state's hatcheries, designed and operated to provide for the recovery of wild stocks and for sustainable harvest by citizens, should remain viable. Washington Environmental Council interview Recently, the Washington Environmental Council interviewed Director Koenings. The interview was included in the Winter 2000 edition of Voices, a WEC newsletter. CONSERVATION - State must make rivers viable for salmon Special to the Longview Daily News, March 19, 2000 As part of its conservation mission, WDFW promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems of rivers. Natural ecosystems provide wild salmon the freshwater homes they need. They provide spawning gravel; cold, clean water when the ocean-going fish need it; hiding places; food and other life needs. The Role of Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups in Salmon Recovery Remarks to the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, March 9, 2000 Since becoming the Department's director 15 months ago, I have maintained that if we're going to recover troubled wild salmon stocks, the job isn't going to get done in Olympia, or Washington, D.C. As its said in the real estate business — it's location, location, location. In salmon recovery the key word is local, local, local. Agriculture and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Remarks to the Farm Bureau, February 1, 2000 Sound science and reasoned thinking key to restoring wild salmon stocks Article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, November 11, 1999. By rejecting I-696 at the polls, state voters demonstrated not only compassion for Washington's fishing families but also an understanding of the real conservation issues involved in recovering our state's troubled wild salmon stocks. Speech for Northwest Burn Center/Salmon Derby Fund Raiser, July 25, 1999 This event brings together two things I have enjoyed throughout my life - running, jogging, walking as well as fishing. People ask the connection between the two - to me it obvious - both are good for the heart... Speech Before the Olympia Chamber of Commerce Speech delivered to the Olympia Chamber of Commerce on July 22, 1999 on the beneficial economic impacts of fish and wildlife populations in Washington state. Salmon Politics Speech made to teachers in Bellingham, WA on July 16, 1999 WDFW Accomplishments - July 1998 through June 1999 Outline of the remarks delivered by Director Koenings at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference in Durango, Colorado, July 10-14, 1999. Memorandum of Understanding between the Confederated Umatilla Tribes and the WDFW Speech by Director Koenings at the WDFW/Confederated Umatilla Tribes MOU signing, June 25, 1999 Director Advisory Committee Decisions and Personnel Changes Several months ago we initiated a wide-ranging review of long, unresolved Departmental issues. With the formation of Director Advisory Committees, staff members from across the state began an in-depth look at many aspects of the Department, including reporting structures, roles and responsibilities, business practices, and communications processes and training procedures. The committees ultimately were charged with making recommendations to me on how to improve or clarify these and other operations so employees could focus on the functions critical to their success and the Department's success. Remarks on Haskell Slough Speech made on June 2, 1999 in Monroe during a ceremony celebrating the success of the Haskell Slough habitat restoration project. The project, a collaborative effort among private land owners, state and federal agencies and non-profit groups, restores critical salmon habitat along the Skykomoish River. Address to Enforcement Officers May 14, 1999 Fishing restrictions help, but salmon solution lies closer to home Op-Ed, Tacoma News Tribune, April 4, 1999