For Immediate Release:

Saturday, April 17, 2004

Senator Murray receives a briefing by Tammy Sanders, Director of Education of the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, on the Lacamas Creek project in Camas, Washington. This project will aid the recovery of Washougal area chum (listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act) by improving egg-to-fry survival with construction of a spawning channel in lower Lacamas Creek. The project will provide chum salmon returning to Lacamas Creek with a protected spawning and incubation environment.

The LCREP receives funding through the EPA’s National Estuary Program. Senator Murray has worked for years to ensure the program is fully funded. LCREP implements a comprehensive management plan for the 146 miles of the lower Columbia River and estuary. They work with 28 cities, 9 counties and two states. The three categories LCREP focuses on are: ground improvements for habitat and land use, reduction of toxic and conventional pollutants, and heightened education, information and government coordination.