Elochoman residents to work on fish restoration plan

A group of Elochoman Valley residents are in the infant stages of developing a long range plan to restore fisheries in the Elochoman River.

They'll host a meeting open to anyone interested in the river, according to spokesperson Dianne Froode. The meeting will be May 31, 10 a.m., at the Elochoman Slough Marina.

The group feels that one of the key elements for positive results is habitat restoration. Even though the river offers a great deal of pristine habitat, it still remains an unsustainable watershed, the group said. The group will work with the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, Wahkiakum County Conservation District and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish next steps for the desired results.

Kare Adams of the Fish Recovery Board will be the guest speaker at the May 31 meeting. She'll speak on ideas for a community driven process, isuses influencing salmon populations and restoration strategies. Restoration opportunities for landowners will also be discussed.