33 



"...to optimize natural production while maintaining the 

 existing genetic adaptation of wild spawners and allowing the 

 highest compatible level of hatchery production." 



To meet this goal, eight objectives and many associated tasks were identified. 

 The report recommends that the goal and these objectives be accomplished 

 through a cooperative 20-year restoration program at a cost of about 

 $1,000,000 per year. The tasks identified span a wide range of restoration 

 approaches, including opening inaccessible habitat, creating new spawning 

 and rearing habitats, improving water quality, using small-scale hatchery 

 programs to enhance depleted wild runs, improving fishery resource 

 population and habitat management techniques, and public education. 



Last year a cooperative Chehalis Fishery Resource Restoration Program was 

 established to rebuild the Basin's environmental and economic infrastructure 

 by: 



1. restoring fisheries habitat; 



2. revitalizing fish runs; and 



3. creating meaningful short- and long-term employment. 



Public and interagency involvement and cooperation are vital to the success 

 of the Chehalis Fishery Resource Restoration Program. The public was 

 invited to participate in a basin-wide fisheries conference last fall where study 

 findings were presented and suggestions for restoration priorities were 

 sought. 



