Dear Interested Parties:

Attached for your information is the final report of the Scientific Review Panel on forest practices and salmon protection. This Report was commissioned by the Resources Agency and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on steelhead recovery, which was signed by both agencies in March 1998.

The report reflects an independent scientific review of forest practices. The science panel was comprised of two fisheries biologists, two silviculture experts and a watershed specialist. The panelUs activities involved the public, State and federal agencies, landowners and other interested parties. A total of 29 different constituency groups were identified and 127 individuals were interviewed. Additionally, the science panel also conducted field research and THP site inspection. No State or federal scientists participated in preparing the report; nor has the State or NMFS reviewed or edited the findings of the report. While the Agencies do not endorse the specific findings of this report, we thank the authors for a thoughtful and thorough review and for their numerous recommendations for improving the current system.

The State is currently reviewing the report recommendations. We anticipate that the report will lead to a considered discussion by the Board of Forestry, the various technical departments and others on changes to the rules which are needed to protect salmon and restore watershed health.

Yours sincerely,

Mary D. Nichols
Secretary for Resources