Greetings to all,
PO Box 2898 Palmer, AK 99645
Tel: 907-272-3141 Toll free: 877-999-8566
Fax: 907-272-3142 E-mail: wayne@yukonsalmon.org
As in your life right now, there is a lot going on with the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association (YRDFA) and we wanted to share some of it with you.
First the good news.YRDFA has hired a new Director, Serena Fitka. Mrs. Fitka began work March 2nd and is working closely with our Board, Director and staff. During the transition period, Serena will be working daily in preparation of full duties and leadership by the end of April, 2020. We are all excited and working hard to create a smooth and successful transition for YRDFA’s next chapter of work with Yukon River fishers, communities, fishery managers, partners and other stakeholders. For more info about Serena see her bio on our website: https://yukonsalmon.org/new-executive-director/
You are likely aware of the many disruptions and unknowns associated with the Coronavirus in Alaska and the rest of the US. You are also likely wondering about the usual annual Spring meetings YRDFA hosts and many of you participate in. These include:
Yukon River Panel winter meeting planned for Fairbanks, Early April 2020
YRDFA Annual Board meeting planned for Anchorage, late April 2020
YRDFA Preseason Planning meeting planned for Anchorage, late April 2020
YRDFA Surveyor Training Event planned for Anchorage, late April 2020
Yukon River Comprehensive Salmon Plan meeting planned for Anchorage, late April 2020. YRDFA 30th Anniversary Celebration planned for Anchorage, late April.
All of these meetings have been canceled or postponed due to the health and safety precautions in place for managing the spread of the Coronavirus.
YRDFA understands how important these meetings are to the fishers and communities of the Yukon River, the fisheries managers at ADFG and USFWS, and others. We are working together for planning approaches to sharing fisheries related information and for receiving questions and feedback from Yukon River stakeholders that will not require gathering in large groups but will effectively address the need to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.
We will be sharing these approaches and invitations to participate as the plans are finalized and look forward to working together to prepare for the 2020 Yukon River fishing season. Stay tuned.
Thank you.
Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association