Win for Wild Steel

OLYMPIC PENINSULA—Washington’s Sol Duc River is set to undergo a game-changing sustainability plan, becoming the first Wild Salmonid Management Zone for steelhead as designated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The zone covers the entire river, spanning 227 square miles—one the most productive systems for wild steelhead in the state.

According to the Wild Salmon Center, Wild Salmonid Management Zones (WSMZ’s) provide fish excellent opportunities to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The zones are selected for salmon and steelhead populations that are the most productive, genetically diverse, and abundant and where habitats are healthy enough for rearing and spawning.

“Maximizing genetic diversity in salmon and steelhead populations is the key to preserving fishing opportunities,” said Guido Rahr, President of the Wild Salmon Center. “Managing the Sol Duc as a wild steelhead zone is the critical first step of investing in our future fisheries.”

It’s time to put the Elwha next in line for WSMZ designation.

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