WFPA - Washington Forest Protection Association

Taking Steps Toward Salmon Recovery

Pacific salmon species vary in many respects, but the basic features of their life cycles are similar: Young salmon emerge in streams and rivers, and then eventually make their way to the sea. As adults, they return to their natal freshwaters to spawn and die. In death, they continue to form a vital part of forest ecosystems, providing a bounty of nutrients to animals, insects, and even plants.

Removing barriers and designing culverts to facilitate salmon migration is a key part of salmon recovery efforts. In 2006, about 485 fish passage barriers were corrected in Washington, and 522 stream miles were opened. (2006 State of Salmon in Watersheds, Washington State Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office.)

Washington's streams and lakes are home to at least five different species of Pacific salmon: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chum, and Pink. Over the last century, the Pacific Northwest has experienced significant declines of these fish species causing them to be listed on the Endangered Species list.

A landmark study sponsored by the Washington State Department of National Resources and WFPA showed that no single cause, but rather a multitude of factors, have contributed to the reduced abundance of Washington's native salmon. Some of these factors include fishing, hydroelectric dams, agriculture, mining, an increase in natural predators, poor ocean conditions caused by a shift in winds, water currents, plankton concentration, and water temperature.

Private Foresters Doing Their Part to Recover
Salmon Population

While forestry is not noted as a major cause in the decline of our wild salmon, private foresters are doing their part to help bring the salmon population back by providing better habitat, food, and creating the cool, clean water that salmon need to thrive. They have played an active role in the creation of the Forest & Fish Law which is the basis of Washington Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan. These policies have been put in place to require foresters to follow strict guidelines to safeguard the water quality of Washington's streams and rivers. In addition, new forest practices for forest road and culverts, buffer zones, and unstable slopes have been implemented as part of the overall strategy to recover salmon population levels.