FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov
OLYMPIA — Rep. Derek Kilmer and Rep. Marilyn Strickland joined the Puget Sound Partnership, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and members of the community on Oct. 4 for Puget Sound Day on the Sound at the Nisqually Cultural Center. Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Strickland discussed salmon recovery efforts, protection of tribal treaty rights, Puget Sound restoration investments, and recovery funding opportunities. They also answered questions from attendees during a moderated Q&A session.
Puget Sound Day on the Sound brought together more than 100 attendees, including tribal citizens, representatives from state agencies and local governments, and members of the community for an in-depth discussion about recovering salmon populations and achieving a healthy and resilient Puget Sound.
“Federal funding for Puget Sound recovery matters,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer. “It matters to our region's environmental and economic future. It matters to our efforts to recover salmon populations. It matters if we are going to respect tribal treaty rights. And it matters to the taxpayers of our region who shouldn't have to shoulder the responsibility of recovering this iconic body of water on their own. That’s why we’re pushing hard to get this funding across the finish line.”
"The Puget Sound is a national treasure that is vital to our economy, fish and wildlife habitat, tribal treaty rights, biodiversity, and water supply -- which is why we must protect it," said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. "I will continue to advocate for federal investment in Puget Sound's recovery and revitalization.”
“Puget Sound Day on the Sound is a chance for the Puget Sound recovery community to get together to thank the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, led by Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Strickland, and talk about important opportunities and issues in the region,” said Laura Blackmore, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “It was wonderful to be able to see so many partners in person. I’m grateful to the Nisqually Tribe for opening their Cultural Center to us, and to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for co-hosting Puget Sound Day on the Sound with us.”
“Puget Sound Day on the Sound is yet another example where Reps. Strickland and Kilmer continue to demonstrate their commitment to better understand and address the many challenges we face in Puget Sound and with salmon recovery,” said Justin Parker, executive director of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. “Many of our treaty-protected salmon that are dependent upon the health of Puget Sound continue to decline. Restoring Puget Sound requires that we all come together to do our part, and we are thankful for the Congressional members, our partners, and the many participants in the Day on the Sound for taking the time to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.”
The first Puget Sound Day on the Sound was held in Oct. 2019 at the Puyallup Tribe Youth Center, where Rep. Kilmer spoke and participated in a discussion about the health of Puget Sound, recovery successes, and diverse perspectives on pinniped management.
Puget Sound Day on the Sound builds on the tradition of Puget Sound Day on the Hill, co-hosted by the Partnership and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Puget Sound Day on the Hill raises awareness about the need for sustained federal investment in Puget Sound restoration and salmon recovery. The event brings together representatives from tribes, state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, along with concerned residents, who lend their voices in support of action to save Puget Sound and uphold tribal treaty rights.
About the Puget Sound Partnership
The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of government agencies, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery.
For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.
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