Jon-Paul Shannahan is the Managing Biologist for the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe’s (USIT) Natural Resources Department. Jon-Paul has worked for the USIT for over ten years and fulfills a wide range of duties in his capacity to assist with the management of the department, and in the interest of USIT’s natural resources. He is currently representing and advising the USIT in a broad array of fishery management activities, including hatchery management, harvest planning and monitoring, as well as implementation of hydropower protection, mitigation, and enhancement activities in the Skagit River.
Jon-Paul is interested in serving on the Skagit Watershed Council’s Board of Directors because he feels his experience from the other forums of salmon recovery would be a benefit to the habitat related activities of the Skagit Watershed Council. Having a tribal representative who is knowledgeable and engaged with the groups working on land management for restoration and protection can also assist in other areas of salmon recovery. Jon-Paul wishes to bring connectivity to the work of the Skagit Watershed Council and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. Jon-Paul has a strong background in watershed science, but also understands how agencies must make tough decisions to restore salmon. It is with this type of understanding that Jon-Paul joins the collective group of individuals and agencies in advancing salmon recovery in the Skagit Watershed.
