Meeting set for June 4 to discuss Lewis, Washougal steelhead plans

A public meeting will begin at 6 p.m. June 4 at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2108 Grand Blvd., to develop steelhead management plans for the Washougal, North Fork Lewis and East Fork Lewis rivers plus Salmon Creek.

The agency hopes to enlist 10 to 15 people to participate in the planning process, which will involve a series of meetings over six months beginning in July.

Washington is developing regional plans for steelhead in the Columbia Basin, said Cindy LeFleur, regional fish program manager.

One group already has provided comment for the tributaries in the Columbia River Gorge and another is working on the Toutle, Coweeman and Kalama rivers.

The plans will consider natural spawning goals, hatchery production, fishing regulations and other topics.

Nominations for the work group are due to the Department of Fish and Wildlife by June 30.

A nomination form and address for submission are available at http;//wdfw.wa.gov/news/attach/may2213a.doc.

Members of the group will be selected by July 15, LeFleur said.