Here are the dates for the state Fish and Wildlife and Pacific Fishery Management Council salmon fishing season setting process:

Each year state, federal and tribal fishery managers gather to plan the Northwest's recreational and commercial salmon fisheries.

This series of public meetings, known as the North of Falcon process, involves federal, state, tribal and industry representatives and concerned citizens.

The North of Falcon process starts on Feb. 28 in Olympia when the run-size forecasts are first available.

Wild and hatchery run sizes for all salmon species from various areas of the state are considered in planning fisheries for the upcoming season.

Expected Alaskan and Canadian harvest levels are also considered, as fishery managers and the public consider the seasons that will meet conservation goals for all salmon stocks.

2012 North of Falcon Salmon Preseason Planning Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, February 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Forecast Presentations & Preliminary Fisheries discussion at WDFW Offices, Olympia in Natural Resources Building, Room 172.

March 2-7, Pacific Fishery Management Council Ocean Salmon Fishery proposals developed at Doubletree Hotel Sacramento, California, 2001 Point West Way 95815.

Monday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., North of Falcon Meeting 1 to Develop Inside Fishery proposals matching ocean proposals at WDFW Offices in Olympia at the Natural Resources Building, Room 172.

Tuesday, March 13, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Coastal Regional Public Meeting Willapa Bay fishery discussion at the Raymond Elks Lodge - 326 3rd St. in Raymond.

Wednesday, March 14, Columbia River Public Meeting commercial & sport fishery discussions in Vancouver, Washington, site and time TBA.

Thursday, March 15, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Puget Sound salmon fisheries discussion at City Hall Council Chamber, 321 E. 5th Street in Port Angeles.

Tuesday, March 20, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Coastal Regional Public Meeting at Grays Harbor Montesano City Hall, time TBA.

Wednesday, March 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., North of Falcon Meeting 2 define preferred ocean and inside salmon seasons & regulations at Lynnwood Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. West.

Friday, March 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Coastal Regional Final public discussion of Willapa Bay & Grays Harbor salmon seasons at WDFW Offices in Olympia at Natural Resources Building, Room 172.

Sunday to Friday, April 1-6, all-day, Pacific Fishery Management Council all ocean and inside salmon fisheries finalized at Seattle Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Ave.

(Photos by Keith Robbins, Mark Harrison and Gerald Chew)