About
The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to protecting and restoring salmon populations and aquatic habitat with an emphasis on ecosystem function through scientifically informed projects, community education, and volunteer involvement. Part of our mission is to seek out and work in cooperation with other organizations to help plan, fund, carry out, and monitor fishery enhancement and habitat restoration projects.
VIEW A COPY OF OUR NEW BROCHURE!
Our Coverage Area
SPSSEG was formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1990 as a means of directly involving communities, citizen volunteers, and landowners in salmon recovery. There are 14 Regional Enhancement Groups statewide. Learn more about each group at our resources page. With the support of our community, SPSSEG is a key player in the state’s Lead Entity processes for strategically recovering endangered salmonid species and restoring critical salmon habitat. Click on this link to explore region 5 in more detail (based on watershed boundaries). Our region (region #5) is extensive and includes all of WRIA’s 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and parts of 15. The major watersheds that are part of our region are the Puyallup, Nisqually, and Deschutes Rivers, nearshore habitats and other watersheds draining into Puget Sound south of a line between Brown’s Point and the north side of the entrance to Gig Harbor. To learn more about the RFEG program and to review the 2005 annual report click on this link.
Our Funding Sources
The enhancement groups are partially funded by $1 and $100 surcharges on sport and commercial fishing licenses. The 1995 State Legislature added revenue from the sale of eggs and carcasses from state hatcheries to the pool of available funds. Other sources of funds may come from grants, membership dues, private donations, in kind contributions, and cooperative funding from different agencies and private companies. Click here if you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to help find our mission.
Our Projects
SPSSEG has sponsored or co-sponsored over 170 projects since our formation in 1990. We are an organization that relies heavily on a core of individuals with experience in the restoration and enhancement of salmon habitat. Projects that come to SPSSEG are proposed by private citizens, community action groups, and organizations like Trout Unlimited, South Sound Fly Fishers, U.S. Forest Service, Tribal Groups, and municipalities. Projects are focused in a variety of areas, including restoring spawning/rearing habitat; streambank riparian restoration; nearshore restoration and monitoring, and culvert/dam replacements or modifications to improve fish passage. Visit our projects page to learn more about specific projects, complete with before and after photos
Our Members
Over the past 20 years, SPSSEG has developed a following of devoted individuals willing to donate their time and energy to local salmon restoration and education. SPSSEG’s diverse membership includes sport and commercial fishers, fish biologists, foresters, lawyers, local business people, landowners and many others. Become a member of SPSSEG today and support on-the-ground salmon recovery!
