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OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations through Feb. 27 for membership on its Cowlitz River Advisory Group.

The ad hoc group generally meets about four times a year to develop recommendations designed to support sustainable fishing opportunities on the Cowlitz River, while conserving wild native runs.

"We want a diverse group of individuals to promote sustainable fisheries that meet our recovery and conservation goals," said Jim Scott, who administers WDFW's fish program. "Cowlitz River hatcheries produce salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout that support a vast array of fisheries."

WDFW initially formed the group in 2010 to advise fishery managers engaged in updating the Cowlitz River Fishery and Hatchery Management Plan, which establishes Tacoma Power's obligations to support hatchery production and fish management activities in the Cowlitz Basin. The plan is scheduled to be updated again in 2016.

Specific issues addressed in the plan include the quantity and size of fish produced at the Cowlitz Hatchery Complex as well as strategies for maximizing the natural production of fish stocks and species in the basin.

The plan also addresses fishery management strategies, including monitoring and evaluation efforts that support conservation of naturally produced fish and sustainable fishing opportunities.

A nomination form, along with email and postal addresses for submissions, is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/crag/nominations.html . Nominees for the advisory group do not have to be affiliated with an organized group.

For more information, contact Cindy Le Fleur at (360) 906-6708.