Here's the reply I got:

Gary,

Good morning and thank you for your email. I did reach out to WDFW and wanted to be sure to share with you that they said they have heard the concerns about not funding this vital program and that they understand the importance of the Skagit Catch and Release Fishery. As a result, they’ve decided to change course on the original proposal to balance the budget. They are planning to fund the Skagit Catch and Release Fishery in the first fiscal year, but seek a supplemental request to restore their expenses in FY1 and to fund it in FY2. If the Department does not receive funding for this work in the 2020 supplemental, or funding for our other at-risk activities, then unfortunately, they will have to reduce or eliminate a number of services.

Kind regards,


Senator Keith Wagoner
39th Legislative District
CDR USN (ret)
USNA '84