SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8006

As Passed Senate, March 14, 2001

Brief Description:  Requesting fish passage modifications be made to the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Swecker and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/15/01, 2/19/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/14/01, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, Morton, Oke, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Background:  The United States Fish and Wildlife Service operates a salmon hatchery on the Icicle River near Leavenworth, Washington.  There are currently three Icicle River species of salmonids listed as either threatened or endangered by the federal Endangered Species Act.

The fish hatchery utilizes a water withdrawal design that does not provide protection for naturally spawned salmon or trout.  The hatchery withdrawal structure could be modified to provide more protection to wild salmonids.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature requests the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to modify the water withdrawal structure at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in order to make it more compatible with wild salmon and trout.  Congress is asked to provide sufficient funding for the project.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Fish passage problems at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery should be corrected.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bill Robinson, Trout Unlimited (pro); Josh Baldi, WA Environmental Council (pro).