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please contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator. Phone: (360) 902-2252 Fax: (360) 902-2157 Email: volunteers@dfw.wa.gov RFEG Information
RFEG Annual Reports Other volunteer information:
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Executive Summary RFEG Program Overview In 1990, the Washington State Legislature created the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Program to involve local communities, citizen volunteers, and landowners in the state’s salmon recovery efforts. The 14 Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs) share the unique role of working within their own communities across the state to recover salmon. The RFEGs have a common goal of restoring salmonid populations and habitat to their regions, relying on support in local communities. The RFEGs create dynamic partnerships with local, state and federal agencies; Native American tribes; local businesses; community members; and landowners. Through these collaborative efforts, RFEGs help lead their communities in successful restoration, education and monitoring projects.
RFEG Program Structure Each RFEG works within a specific geographic region based on watershed boundaries. Every group is a separate, nonprofit organization led by their own board of directors and supported by their members. The RFEG Advisory Board, made up of citizens appointed by the Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), advocates for and helps coordinate the efforts of the RFEG Program. Each RFEG, the Advisory Board and the WDFW unit administering the RFEG Program has developed a strategic plan.These Strategic Plans together have resulted in a clear, longterm direction for all partners in the RFEG Program. The RFEGs form an integral part of Washington State’s local salmon recovery Lead Entity processes. Lead Entities are charged with developing local strategies to recover endangered salmonid species and prioritize projects for funding by Washington’s Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Funding For the Program Partial funding for the RFEG program comes from a portion of commercial and recreational fishing license fees, administered by the WDFW. A portion of the revenues generated by the state’s sale of salmon eggs and carcasses also go toward the program. In recent years the RFEG Program has also worked with U.S. Representatives and Senators to secure funding from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The RFEGs also obtain many individual grants from government and private entities to supplement declining income through the WDFW program. Individual donations and in-kind contributions from local community members and businesses are also essential to the success of each RFEG.
RFEG 2002-03 Accomplishments and Outcomes The cumulative effect of RFEG activities around the state is impressive. During the last year, RFEGs used the $1.1 million generated by WDFW and federal appropriations to leverage more than $9.9 million from other sources. Volunteers donated nearly 107,000 hours to salmon enhancement efforts through the RFEG Program during this same period. These hours extrapolate to nearly $1.5 million dollars in salmon restoration attributed to volunteers, or the equivalent to over 50 full-time, yearround employees. Over the last year, volunteers with the RFEG program were involved with:
The RFEG program makes a special contribution to Washington’s salmon recovery efforts by leveraging local and private money; promoting stewardship through volunteer involvement; working cooperatively with diverse interest groups; and building on the success of its 12 year history. To read more about the specific activities of each RFEG, please refer to the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Program’s Annual Report for 2002-2003.
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