"I want to give you a big fat thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You’ve done an enormous amount of work...It’s been our local citizens and leaders, working with our tribal partners, who are taking control and shaping the future of Washington State.” —Governor Christine Gregoire

The 2005 Salmon Summit was a milestone event for the Puget Sound region’s efforts to bring salmon back. Over two days more than 600 officials and community leaders gathered in Tacoma to forge the region’s first-ever plan to protect and restore salmon runs.

Development of the Puget Sound salmon recovery plan will represent the first time in the history of the Endangered Species Act that local communities are joining together to develop plans to save a species from extinction.

The Summit confirmed that people care deeply about salmon and our quality of life. Elected leaders from local, state, tribal and federal levels also expressed their appreciation for this collaborative, community-based approach by people living and working in the watersheds. They also emphasized their commitment to support our efforts to achieve a future for both people and salmon.

For complete summary information and conference resources, visit our Speeches, Presentations, & Summaries page.