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Dear Colleagues,
It
is with a great deal of excitement that I invite you to the
2005 Shared Strategy Summit on January 26th and 27th. The
Summit is a key milestone for the Shared Strategy in that
it begins to integrate the final stages of the planning phase
with the beginning of the implementation phase. It is the
place for tribal leaders, elected officials at all levels
of government, federal and state agency directors, watershed
leaders and community members representing a variety of interests
to direct our collective efforts for the salmon and affirm
our commitments.
Everyone attending will have the opportunity to influence
key elements of the regional recovery plan that will be
completed in June 2005. Participant input and recommendations
from breakout sessions will be reported to the whole assembly,
and will guide final plan content.
Leaders from all interests participating in the Shared
Strategy will confirm regional and local watershed recovery
goals, 10-year objectives, the conditions that need to
be in place to make implementation commitments, and the
funding needed to achieve plan actions.
The Summit is also the first chance for people
to see how individual planning efforts will come together to
create a comprehensive regional salmon recovery strategy—a
shared strategy built on the foundation of local initiatives.
You will hear about innovative and significant proposals,
projects and incentives that meet the needs of both people
and salmon.
We are also bringing back, by popular demand,
the Awards Banquet on the evening of the 26th. You won’t
want to miss this fun and energetic celebration of the
many fine examples of progress to restore salmon runs underway
across the Puget Sound.
Please come and help us launch
the next 10 years of recovery!
Sincerely,
Jim Kramer, Executive Director
Shared Strategy for Puget Sound
 Summit Goals
- Recognize and celebrate the many successes to date.
- Hear about specific agreements and help refine commitments
for the future.
- Discuss innovative projects and incentives that
meet the needs of people and salmon.
- Help launch the next 10 years of actions to restore
Puget Sound watersheds and salmon runs.
Special Features
The heart of wild salmon’s cultural significance in
the Puget Sound will be represented by northwest sculptors,
photographers, painters and poets. Their artistic work will
surround us in the beautiful and spacious Greater Tacoma
Convention & Trade Center, reminding us of those who
are not present, but who care as we do, for a future where
both people and salmon can co-exist.
An interactive sculptural
piece entitled: “Words
for the Future of Home” will invite Summit participants
to relax in a contemplative setting before contributing
their pithy thoughts and dreams on a post-it note stuck to
the surface of a “soul salmon.”
Participate in creating a 100-year conservation vision
through the Cascade Dialogues. The Cascade Land Conservancy
will have surveys for you to fill out to describe your
desired future for the waters that sustain us, cascades
that inspire us and communities that define us.
Groups from across the Sound supporting salmon recovery
and Puget Sound health will showcase their proudest
accomplishments from their past, present and proposed
future work.
Copies of the draft Bull Trout Recovery Plans will
be available at the Summit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is working with the Shared Strategy process
to identify specific actions that will meet these goals
in concert with salmon recovery in Puget Sound.
A revitalizing event to honor accomplishments and highlight
salmon recovery heroes, we will begin the evening with
a no-host reception and follow with dinner and Recognition
Awards. The Honorable (dynamic and humorous) Ralph
Munro, Master of Ceremonies, will lead us in this evening
of festivity and merriment as we celebrate the good
work being done by so many around the Puget Sound.
Stay connected! A complimentary Internet Café service
will be available allowing you to check e-mails,
search the Web and conduct online business during the Summit.
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