The Osprey: Elwha River Dam Removal

 

  • Elwha Dam Removal, by George R. Pess, Sam J. Brenkman, Gary A. Winans, Michael L. McHenry, Jeffrey J. Duda, Tim Beechie, pp 1 & 4-8, Issue No. 65, January 2010. The researchers explain the damaging effect of dams on the Elwha, including over 146 rkm of habitat blocked for anadromous fish and reduced population sizes. Dam removal in 2011 offers a chance for recolonization of near pristine habitat by many salmonid species and the restoration river processes. Keywords: Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Marmot dam, Condit Dam, Glines Canyon Dam

  • Editor's Message: Dams Away!, by Jim Yuskavitch, p. 2, Issue No. 65, January 2010. The editor reports that dam removal is becoming an increasingly viable option to restore fisheries and economies.

  • Chair's Corner: Culverts, Habitat and Hatcheries, by Bill Redman, p. 3, Issue No. 65, January 2010. Redman reports that in the recent lawsuit by northwest tribes the former WDFW Director Koenings testified that removing culverts may hurt wild fish. Redman points out the lack of logic and the need for the WDFW to establish wild fish management areas. Keywords: Judge Ricardo Martinez

  • Savage Rapids Dam Gone, by Robert G. Hunter, pp 9-10, Issue No. 65, January 2010. Hunter of WaterWatch of Oregon reports that in October 2009 the Savage Rapids dam on the River was finally removed. Irrigation is now provided through a pumping system and the original Grants Pass Irrigation District power right of 800 cfs has been transferred to an instream water right. Keywords: GPID, Gold Ray

  • California's Smith River, by Jon Goin, pp 11-13, Issue No. 65, January 2010. Goin describes this northern California �gem� as part of a healthy watershed that faces several fisheries challenges. Harvest and hatchery practices compromise the Smith's ability to live up to its potential of producing large and abundant wild Chinook and Steelhead. Keywords: Northwest Forest Plan, Six Rivers National Forest, Smith River Alliance, Friends of Cal-Ore Fish.

  • WDFW's Kalama River Wild Broodstock Research Program, by Will Atlas, pp 14-16, Issue No. 65, January 2010. Atlas reviews the history of the Kalama river steelhead which have declined to low levels like many PNW rivers. A wild broodstock hatchery experiment is currently underway, but if previous research holds true the mining of wild fish and domestication may reduce productivity of this fragile river. Keywords: Araki, Blouin, Hood River, Hulett, Sharpe, HSRG, Skamania.

  • Gear, Methods and Seasons, by Pete Soverel, pp 17-19, Issue No. 65, January 2010. Soverel makes several suggestions to lengthen fishing seasons that maintain or even reduce fishing mortality on steelhead: ban bait, ban fishing from boats, catch and release only, fly fishing only, limited entry, limited guides, limited fish caught or hooked. A combination of these alternatives offers a better result than shorter seasons with potential for poaching.

 
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