The Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Program by Alison Studley             "Salmon recovery will only succeed through the actions of local citizens in their watersheds"                 --Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW Did you know that the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group is actually part of a statewide network of community-based salmon enhancement efforts? 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 the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group within their own communities across the state. The RFEGs have a common goal of restoring salmonid populations and habitat to their regions, relying on support from local communities. The RFEGs create dynamic partnerships with local, state and federal agencies; Native American tribes; local businesses; and landowners. Through these collaborative efforts, RFEGs help lead their communities in successful restoration, education and monitoring projects. Each RFEG works within a specific geographic region based on watershed boundaries (see map pg 5). Every group is a separate, nonprofit organization led by their own board of directors and supported by their memberships. 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. Partial funding for the RFEG program comes from a portion of commercial and recreational fishing license fees, administered by the WDFW. 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 are also essential to the success of each RFEG. The cumulative effect of RFEG activities around the state is impressive. During the past 2 years, RFEGs used the $2 million generated by WDFW to leverage an additional $10 million from other sources. Over 9,000 volunteers donated over 126,375 hours to salmon enhancement efforts through the RFEG Program during this same 2 year period. SFEG is proud to be part of the RFEG program which 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 10 year history. If you are interested in other RFEG regions, please refer to the following map and listing. Excerpts from the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Program Biennium Report for 1999-2001