FISH wishes you a happy 2011!

Organization ends year on firm financial footing

In spite of a drop in legacy funding, FISH managed to finish 2010 in the black, thanks mainly to increased memberships, new donations and by reining in expenses.

"We really count 2010 as a successful year considering the number of local non-profits that either had to close or make cuts because of the dire state of the economy," said Gestin Suttle, FISH executive director. "We are deeply humbled by the continued dedication provided by our volunteers and donors, and I hope our success shows how much the community values FISH and the education programs that we provide."

FISH wrapped up the year with a 27 percent increase in membership revenues. Meanwhile, the year ended with expenses about 5 percent below budget expectations.

"I thank the people whose support and generosity make FISH's work possible," said Ava Frisinger, president of the FISH Board of Directors. "We are fortunate, indeed."

While FISH ended the year financially healthy, that does not mean there is not a concern for this coming year.

"There is no doubt that FISH is going to have to weather more budget storms in 2011," Suttle said. "We are again going to tighten our belts, look for even more efficiencies and continue to offer high value for our donors. It's as important as ever that we are able to provide our educational services to visitors, especially as so many other programs in the community and throughout the state face elimination."

FISH thanks all the volunteers and contributors for their enduring support and looks forward to another great year of informative tours, classroom presentations and other innovative educational opportunities!

You're invited to "ante up" for kokanee   

The Bellevue-Issaquah chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding an "Ante Up for Kokanee" fundraising event to help in their partnership with the King County Kokanee Work Group to restore a healthy kokanee salmon population in Lake Sammamish.  

The organization has been a vigorous advocate for Lake Washington kokanee conservation. The fundraiser will help continue the chapter's fish census taking, fish tagging, citizen awareness and habitat restoration activities -- all which target the threatened kokanee population in the lake.

The fundraiser will be held at the Lake Sammamish Elks Lodge in Issaquah on Saturday, January 22, starting at 5:30 p.m.

A donation of $50 is requested at the door. Activities will include a cod and chips dinner, a hold-em poker tournament, and a silent auction for donated sporting goods and associated art.

Contact Trout Unlimited Member Dallas Cross at fishjournal@aol.com or 425-392-2881 for additional information.

State budget deficits impact Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

In an effort to address the state's revenue shortfall, Gov. Christine Gregoire is proposing to merge Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which includes the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, with other agencies to form a new Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The plan is part of a call to reduce the number of state agencies from 21 to nine and could result in more than $30 million in savings, according to the governor's office.

The proposal merges WDFW with the WashingtonState Parks and Recreation Commission, the Recreation and Conservation Office and the law enforcement unit of the Department of Natural Resources.

One area already affected by the budget is WDFW's popular Salmon in the Classroom program, which enabled school children throughout the state to raise salmon in their classrooms and then release them as fry in local creeks. More than 80 classes obtained eggs from the Issaquah Hatchery as part of this program. WDFW eliminated the program last month, although classes that had already obtained permits will be allowed to pick up eggs early this year, however there will be no additional support from the state for this program moving forward.

The Issaquah Hatchery also faces reduced staffing because of the budget crisis. Every year the hatchery hires a temporary worker to help with salmon rearing for several months out of the year, but that temporary position has not yet been authorized for this season.

Meanwhile, the current hatchery staff again faces monthly furlough days - or temporary layoffs - in 2011. The governor's office reports that the furloughs will save the state an estimated $269 million over two years.