FY 2017 ESA-Listed and Related Salmonid Recovery Planning in the Skagit Watershed and Puget Sound Region

This project continued to support the increased role of tribal resource management and policy decision making that is required by the listing of Puget Sound Chinook and Puget Sound steelhead as threatened species. The Tribe: 1) consulted with the NMFS during the listing period to develop and implement appropriate recovery actions; 2) worked with other tribes and agencies to ensure the Chinook Recovery Plans are being followed; 3) worked with other tribes and agencies to complete the Harvest Management Plan for Puget Sound steelhead and obtain NOAAs approval of that plan, as well as completing renewal of the Puget Sound Chinook Resource Management Plan; 4) coordinated with other tribes and agencies to insure that the guidelines of NOAAs interim biological opinion on listed salmonids are achieved; 5) monitored activities of Puget Sound Partnership to ensure implementation of the Chinook Recovery plan as adopted by NOAA, and that Partnership actions are consistent with steelhead recovery; and 6) maintained consultation with the following agencies which are currently involved in recovery planning and resource management affected by the listings : ACOE, NOAA, WDFW, PFMC, PSC, SRSC, Puget Sound Partnership, local governments, and the agricultural community in the Skagit Valley. The tribe continued to work with these agencies to ensure the Chinook recovery plan, as adopted by NOAA, is implemented, and that the actions of these agencies are consistent with steelhead recovery.

Project provides essential policy direction for recovery planning efforts, including intertribal and interagency coordination, specific implementation schedules, staff work plans, restoration and protection projects, harvest management, fisheries enforcement and regional planning. Direct involvement with agencies and local governments helps ensure policies for the protection and enhancement of endangered species are implemented and monitored.