Strategic Plan, September 2004

Vision

We believe that the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG) will lead the process of salmon and steelhead recovery in a way that ensures community involvement in habitat restoration so that abundant, naturally self-sustaining runs occur throughout the Lower Columbia River region.

Principles

Develop strategic relationships with key stakeholders:

• Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB)
• State & Federal resource agencies
• NWPPC, BPA
• Tribes
• State Government
• Local Government
• Land Owners
• Conservation Organizations
• Private Donors/Businesses

Develop and implement education and outreach activities to build moral and financial support for key programs:

• Schedule regular events with legislators, scientists, members (board and paid), and other key individuals for continual program and project development. 
• Cultivate strong ties with agencies, academia, and other local citizen groups. 
• Educate citizens at various functions on LCFEG's role in salmon recovery
• Educate various groups about salmon recovery issues (such as the impacts of non-native plants and fish, etc.) and use non-regulatory status to educate about other alternative recovery action such as nutrient enhancement.

Assist LCFRB, WDFW and NOAA Fisheries in identifying, prioritizing and implementing the best possible salmon restoration projects in each watershed:

• Assist LCFRB in establishing criteria for project identification and evaluation by the TAC. 
• Acquire and maintain 10a1a permit authority from NOAA Fisheries to facilitate time and cost effective project implementation. 
• Maintain quick responsiveness to projects of opportunity.
• Acquire technical knowledge to increase project capacity and effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with other project sponsors in region · Assist corporations and local governments with identification and implementation of mitigation opportunities in local watersheds 
• Develop programs with local and State governments to stockpile materials for projects

Funding for Program Stability

• Focus on program funding through direct grants (primary) & membership (secondary) rather than overhead from project grants. 
• Locally promote our abilities as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit (non-governmental, low overhead, leveraging ability) and permitting authority from NOAA to generate various program funding opportunities at the local level. 
• As program funding increases, hire staffing to include: project manager, biologist, office manager, and/or program coordinator. 
• Provide adequate technical training and field/office equipment for staff. 
• Develop a list of qualified technical consultants and/or construction contractors to undertake specific project and permitting-related actions.

Board Structure/Membership 

• Develop board structure with wide geographic and professional representation (including fisheries science/native plants, engineering, hydrology, corporate/small business, union, timber owners, commercial/sport fishers, accounting, academic, tribes & legislators). 
• Encourage board members to: a) assist in outreach and project-related activities, and b) to participate in other relevant programs such as the LCFRB, LCREP, etc. 
• Develop Standing and Special Committees to be chaired by individual Board Members
• Develop a Membership Program to include annual dues from: a) individuals, and b) conservation groups, local governments, and corporations. 
• Hold an Annual Membership Meeting to discuss relevant issues and update membership (paid and board) status each year. 
• Maintain and actively support statewide RFEG Coalition.