Gov. Chris Gregoire announced last Thursday that Commissioner Josh Brown has been appointed to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, according to a statement.

Brown will fill the vacant seat left by Clallam County Commissioner Steve Tharinger, who resigned when he was elected to the state Legislature. Brown’s appointment is effective upon approval by the Senate and will run through July 2013. The Legislature created the Board in 1999 to provide grants to protect or restore salmon habitat. Brown also serves as the chair of the Hood Canal Coordinating Council.