Advisory board members said they are pursuing DNA testing to confirm the age and origin of large carp seen in local waters and that the city’s Herrera consultant report on waterways conditions will be released to the board before an upcoming town‑hall meeting.

At the meeting, a board member reported that Kenneth Bowen, who has worked on carp and vegetation issues, “will be here next month, November” to present data. The same board member summarized Bowen’s comments about testing: “Kenneth was saying that he feels like he has a place that they could take him and test him with DNA testing, and so we could find out the age and different things of them. So but we just need to catch a few of them first.”

Why it matters: DNA or age testing could clarify whether large carp are remnant fish from earlier infestations or more recent arrivals. That information could shape future control measures and the consultant’s recommendations that will be discussed publicly at a town hall.

Board members asked residents to help by catching or collecting carp carcasses and putting them in freezers for collection and testing. One board member said the city lawyer had reviewed proposed contractor verbiage and found no legal issues. The board also discussed inviting a Department of Ecology freshwater specialist to a future meeting; a board member said the Ecology staffer “would be happy to come to the meeting” if given notice.

The board said the Herrera report is being finalized and will be provided to board members “the same day” it is released; Becky said the report will be posted on the city page and on the waterways Facebook page prior to the town‑hall. Board members said they planned to have a representative sit with staff at the town‑hall to show the advisory body’s presence.

No formal votes were taken; actions reported were scheduling and information requests and a direction to collect fish samples for testing.