Salmon in the Schools Program

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) started Salmon in the Classroom in 1992.  WDFW continued this program through 2012 when budget cuts led to the decision to limit the State’s participation to issuing permits.

Toward the end of the 2015-16 school year, the FISH board decided to scale back its role as Regional Coordinator and support schools located within the Issaquah School District only. 

A coalition of educators, agency staff members, and environmental advocates formed the “Salmon Education Alliance” to administer the program throughout King County and some schools in adjacent counties as area coordinators supporting schools with training, maintenance, curriculum, and support.  

Coordinators throughout the region work directly with teachers, from securing eggs to assisting with releases in local creeks and Lake Washington. 

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