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State budget cuts imperil Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group’s programs, services

Nonprofit has reduced operating budget 30%

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category icon Clark County, Environment, Government, Outdoors
Fort Vancouver High School junior Carlos Lopez plants a yellow monkey flower plant April 9, 2025, at Baz River Front Park in Camas. Students from Hudson’s Bay and Fort Vancouver high schools spent the morning removing invasive species and planting trees and other plants to help restore salmon habitat through Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group’s Seeds to Salmon program, which is in danger after cuts from the Legislature. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

Fort Vancouver High School junior Carlos Lopez plants a yellow monkey flower plant April 9, 2025, at Baz River Front Park in Camas. Students from Hudson’s Bay and Fort Vancouver high schools spent the morning removing invasive species and planting trees and other plants to help restore salmon habitat through Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group’s Seeds to Salmon program, which is in danger after cuts from the Legislature. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

A yellow monkey plant sits in a freshly dug hole April 9, 2025, at Baz River Front Park in Camas.

A yellow monkey plant sits in a freshly dug hole April 9, 2025, at Baz River Front Park in Camas.

Budget cuts approved by the state Legislature could bring an end to some programs and services provided by Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group.

Morgan Morris, executive director of the Vancouver-based nonprofit, said popular programs like Seeds to Salmon and habitat restoration projects could be reduced or eliminated if replacement funds are not found. The cuts were approved by the 2025 Legislature and remained in place after this year’s session, despite lobbying by advocates.

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