Richland, Wash. – The State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office selected EAS fisheries biologist Dr. Dennis Dauble to serve on an independent expert review panel to advise the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) on policies related to funding habitat protection and restoration projects. The Washington legislature established the SRFB in 1999 to support salmon recovery programs and activities in the state.

The expert review panel comprises experts in engineering, fish ecology, and natural resource management. Dauble was selected for the independent panel because of his extensive research, knowledge, and experience in fisheries and regional salmon ecology, as well as salmon habitat protection and restoration approaches, watershed processes, strategic planning, and monitoring efforts. Dennis has worked for nearly 40 years with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders on regional salmon recovery plans and ESA-listed salmon stocks. His publication of more than 60 peer-reviewed journal and symposium articles, 50 technical reports, and 120 presentations at scientific symposia, educational workshops, and public forums also contributed to his being chosen for the panel.

Beginning in summer 2014, the panel will provide the SRFB recommendations for funding different salmon monitoring components and guide them in implementing monitoring programs according to Recreation and Conservation Office draft monitoring evaluation strategy. The aim of the strategy is to determine how well salmon restoration works in the state. Dauble will serve on the independent review panel until at least September 30, 2015.