WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER

WSR 05-17-196

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed August 24, 2005, 10:22 a.m. ]

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT OF
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
HATCHERY AND GENETIC MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR
MIDDLE COLUMBIA, UPPER COLUMBIA, AND SNAKE RIVER
SALMON AND STEELHEAD HATCHERY PROGRAMS

(Memorandum -- September 7, 2005)

аааа Draft hatchery and genetic management plans (HGMPs) for twenty Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) artificial production programs are available for a sixty-day public review and comment period. The HGMPs describe, in a format prescribed by NOAA fisheries, the operation of artificial production programs for salmon and steelhead and the potential effects of each program on listed species. The public comments, WDFW's response, and any resultant modifications to HGMPs will subsequently be posted on the WDFW web site and provided to NOAA fisheries for its consideration.

аааа Eleven of the HGMPs are for programs operating with Section 10 permits in the Middle Columbia and Upper Columbia recovery regions:

Х The direct take and propagation of endangered steelhead in the Upper Columbia from Wells and Eastbank hatcheries for the Wenatchee, Okanogan, Similkameen and Methow River systems (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1395).

Х The direct take, propagation and research of endangered spring chinook for the Methow, Chewuch, Twisp, and Chiwawa (Wenatchee) river systems (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1196).

Х The incidental take of listed fish during propagation of unlisted fish including Lake Wenatchee sockeye and summer and fall chinook programs from Eastbank, Wells, Turtle Rock and Priest Rapids hatcheries (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1347).

аааа An HGMP for one program in the Upper Columbia recovery region currently not covered by a Section 10 permit is also provided for public review and comment. The White River (Wenatchee River) spring chinook captive brood program was not previously included as part of the endangered spring chinook Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit #1196. Consistent with the biological opinion for ESA Section 7 Consultation on Interim Operations for the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2114), an HGMP describing this program has been developed and will be submitted to NOAA fisheries for consideration after the public comment period.

аааа Eight HGMPs for WDFW programs in the Snake River recovery region are provided for public review and comment. HGMPs for these programs were previously submitted (March 2001 to September 2002) to NOAA fisheries and the programs operated with Section 10 ESA permits (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) 1126 and 1129) until 2003.

аааа The draft HGMPs may be accessed for review through one of the following means: (1) Electronically via the internet to the WDFW web site (wdfw.wa.gov); or (2) in-person through a scheduled appointment at the WDFW office in Olympia, Washington. To schedule an appointment, or to obtain more information, please call (360) 902-2802 or (360) 902-2700.

аааа All comments must be received by WDFW by 9:00 a.m. on November 7, 2005. Comments must be submitted in writing to Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW, (Attention: Andy Appleby, Fish Program), 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 or electronically through e-mail addressed to HGMP@dfw.wa.gov.

аааа This notice can also be found on the Washington State Register web site at http://leg.wa.gov/CodeReviser/.

Х	The direct take and propagation of endangered steelhead in the Upper Columbia from Wells and Eastbank hatcheries for the Wenatchee, Okanogan, Similkameen and Methow River systems (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1395).
Х	The direct take, propagation and research of endangered spring chinook for the Methow, Chewuch, Twisp, and Chiwawa (Wenatchee) river systems (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1196).
Х	The incidental take of listed fish during propagation of unlisted fish including Lake Wenatchee sockeye and summer and fall chinook programs from Eastbank, Wells, Turtle Rock and Priest Rapids hatcheries (Section 10 (a)(1)(B) Permit Number: 1347).

й Washington State Code Reviser's Office