Please read the following . I feel this is great news for steelheaders . I hope that we can all show our support .

NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT
OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091
Internet Address: http://www.wa.gov/wdfw

June 17, 2002
Contact: Chuck Johnson, (360) 902-2653

Meeting set on scoping notice for draft EIS on
Grandy Creek steelhead enhancement project

OLYMPIA * The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled a public meeting July 1 to gather public input on a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for a project to provide additional steelhead fishing opportunity in the Skagit River watershed.

The meeting is part of the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) public review process for the proposal in which WDFW is examining options for a steelhead-rearing facility in the Grandy Creek area, including building an acclimation pond where up to about 500,000 juvenile steelhead would be placed each year to imprint on the unique characteristics of the water before being released. Grandy Creek is a tributary to the Skagit River.

When the fish return as adults a few years later, they will home in on the Grandy Creek's "scent," providing increased local fishing opportunity for recreational fishers and treaty Indian tribes.

The meeting is set for 6-9 p.m. in hearing Room C of the Skagit County administration building. WDFW staff will have aerial photographs, maps and other information available about Grandy Creek facility options. The Skagit County administration building is located at 700 South Second Street in Mount Vernon.

Those interested in reviewing the documents online can do so beginning Monday, June 17, on WDFW's SEPA web page, at http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/hab/sepa/sepa.htm , on the Internet. Comments on the project must be received by July 15, and should be sent to Cynthia Pratt, WDFW, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA., 98501-1091, or via e-mail at prattcrp@dfw.wa.gov

###