Revised hatchery genetic management plans (HGMPs) for seventeen of the WDFW lower Columbia artificial production programs are available for a thirty-day public review and comment period. The comments, WDFW's response, and any resultant modifications to HGMPs will subsequently be posted on the WDFW web site and provided to NOAA fisheries for its consideration.

     The HGMPs describe, in a format prescribed by NOAA fisheries, the operation of the artificial production program for chinook salmon and steelhead and the potential effects of each program on listed species. The HGMPs will be provided to NOAA fisheries for consideration as a significant conservation measure under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act.

     The HGMPs may be accessed for review through one of the following means: (1) Electronically via the internet on WDFW's web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov/; or (2) in person through a scheduled appointment at WDFW's headquarters in Olympia, Washington. To schedule an appointment or to obtain more information please call (360) 902-2782.

     WDFW will be accepting public comments on the HGMPs for the lower Columbia artificial production programs until October 5, 2012. Comments must be submitted in writing to Phil Anderson, Director, WDFW, (Attention: Hatcheries, NRB 6th Floor), 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, or electronically through e-mail addressed to HGMP_LCRcomments@dfw.wa.gov. All comments must be received by WDFW at the appropriate address or via e-mail by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on October 5, 2012.

     This notice can also be found on the Washington State Register web site at http://www.leg.wa.gov/CODEREVISER/Pages/Washington_State_Register.aspx.