Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 131
PASCO — Fishermen can expect more Coho, Chinook and sockeye salmon to return to the Columbia River and its tributaries this season. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forecast is based on environmental indicators such as ocean conditions, numbers of juvenile salmon that migrated to marine waters and numbers of adult salmon that returned in past years. About 84,800 Upper Columbia River summer Chinook are forecasted to return in 2023, representing about 120 percent of the 10-year average return and higher than las...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Wheat Growers is objecting to a biased report designed to push Democratic efforts to breach dams on the lower Snake River. In comments opposing the dam-breaching effort and one-sided report, Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule said the organization is concerned about the push by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Shoreline, and Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island. “The dams play a vital role in providing a safe, efficient and affordable way for wheat farmers to get their product to mar...
TOPPENISH – The Yakama Nation has recognized two Democrats for their efforts to breach Snake River Dams. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the tribe recognized U.S. Sen. Patty Murry and Gov. Jay Inslee in connection with a report on the feasibility of breaching the dams as a way to improve salmon and steelhead runs. “Sen. Murray and Gov. Inslee have seen that the salmon, steelhead and other anadromous fish of the Columbia Basin are in serious trouble. We appreciate their recognition that the status quo is not a responsible option if we...
Last week, Fairchild Air Force announced it was erasing Col. George Wright because the history surrounding him is considered by some as divisive. In place of his name being associated with a housing area and street, the military opted for “Lilac Village” and “Willow Loop,” respectively. The move comes two years after Spokane canceled the highly decorated Army leader, as well – Fort George Wright Drive was renamed to Whistalks Way, in recognition of the wife of Spokane tribal w...
Late summer of my 12th year delivered two life changing moments. The first was a brief and thrilling encounter with a mighty chinook salmon, whose massive form ascended the Skykomish river and bit the garden worm I was drifting for trout. The second occurred on the first day school when I witnessed the summer transformation of the girls I'd known since kindergarten. Like a mint bright chinook, the girls were suddenly mysterious and alluring, stunningly beautiful and...
If you want a glimpse of parched river bottoms behind “would be breached” lower Snake River dams, look at recent photos of European rivers and lakes. On parts of picturesque Rhine River there is often more dry land than flowing water. Europe is in the clutches of another drought—the second since 2018. It is so severe that countries across the continent are imposing water restrictions. There are massive fish kills and desiccated croplands. Shipping is endangered on the Rhine...
WENATCHEE – Amid a record return of sockeye salmon to the Columbia River, sockeye fishing in Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River is opening. As of July 22, more than 23,000 sockeye passed over Tumwater Dam on the Wenatchee River, state Department of Fish and Wildlife North-Central Fish Program Manager Chad Jackson said. Fishing in Lake Wenatchee will be open from July 28 through Aug. 31, with a daily limit of four sockeye (minimum size 12 inches). Anglers must release a...
By Mark Schoesler Senator A draft of the “Lower Snake River Dams Benefit Replacement Report,” requested by Washington’s U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee last fall, recently was released to the public. While intended to make the case for breaching the four dams between Clarkston and the Tri-Cities, the report ironically makes a good case for keeping the dams. The report estimates it will cost between $10-$27 billion to replace the benefits provided by the four dams. Knowing how government projects usually go over...
I’ve loved fishing for over 60 years. Just as I’ve evolved as a human, so have the reasons why I enjoy the pursuit so much. In my youngest years, it was the excitement of just hooking and landing a fish. Later, it was successfully applying a growing body of skills and knowledge. More recently, I’ve loved putting others on fish they’ve been previously unable to catch or showing them a little something that will help them become better anglers. The one constant, however...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eastern Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, helped get legislation approved by the U.S House of Representatives on Wednesday night that includes language to protect four Lower Snake River dams. “Salmon and dams can-and-do co-exist,” she said Thursday. “Study after study has shown the critical benefits the Lower Snake River dams provide to our region: affordable and reliable hydropower, low-emissions transportation of goods, and irrigation for farmers in Washington who feed the world....
Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray, both Democrats, issued a draft report which estimates that breaching the four lower Snake River dams and replacing their electricity and other benefits would cost between $10 and $27 billion. Meanwhile, the lone Idaho Republican, Congressman Mike Simpson, supporting dam removal---impoundments located in a neighboring state--is willing to pony up $33 billion tax dollars. That’s a lot of taxpayer money even today when President Biden and C...
Fishermen won’t need a license, vehicle pass or two-pole endorsement this coming weekend if they head to the water. That’s because Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, are a “free fishing weekend.” The free weekend is required by the state law that also implemented Discover Pass vehicle access requirements. The free weekend coincides with National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 11, and Free Fishing Day on Sunday, June 12. During both days in Washington state, fishermen are not required to have a license to fish. Nor are...
TEKOA — Better fishing and other recreational opportunities may be on the horizon for Little Hangman Creek. Last month, the Terry Hussman Account awarded a $50,000 grant to the Pine Creek Conservation for fish restoration, bank stabilization and habitat improvements. The funds will be used to help clean up bacteria in Little Hangman Creek that make the water risky for people to swim, wade, float or fish in. Moneys will also be used to create a better forested habitat in an 8-acre segment of the watershed. “We are working wit...
Gov. Jay Inslee and Senator Patty Murray have their priorities backward when it comes to rebuilding Snake River salmon and steelhead runs. Instead of focusing on ripping out dams with fish passages and navigation locks, they should find ways to reopen traditional spawning areas up river which are blocked by dams without fish ladders. Breaching Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite dams is costly and counterproductive. Over the last 30 years, northwest...
Washington Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee announced in October, they’ll listen to diverse viewpoints with open minds to recover salmon and potentially breach the four Lower Snake River dams. Their focus on restoring Snake River salmon and steelhead runs is too limited. It needs to be expanded to cover the entire Snake River drainage. Currently, the four lower dams---all in Washington---are targeted to determine if they should be torn down to improve ocean-going fish r...
Washington Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee announced in October, they’ll listen to diverse viewpoints with open minds to recover salmon and potentially breach the four Lower Snake River dams. Their focus on restoring Snake River salmon and steelhead runs is too limited. It needs to be expanded to cover the entire Snake River drainage. Currently, the four lower dams---all in Washington---are targeted to determine if they should be torn down to improve ocean-going fish r...
Increasing river flows to wash young salmon to sea works; however, once water goes down stream, it is gone. What if we could recycle it in key parts of the Columbia River system allowing us to increase electricity generation as well? The Columbia River and its tributaries offer enormous potential for innovation. Power planners are looking for new ways to increase electricity output while providing sufficient water for migrating salmon and steelhead. The good news is we are...
Under the guise of water conservation, the state Department of Ecology is once again moving to take water rights from farmers, ranchers and other private holders. Last month, the agency announced plans to fund creation of local “water banks,” in addition to the state “water bank” already in existence. The agency says the program helps municipalities buy water rights from private owners. It has set $14 million aside for the program. The goal, agency spokesman Jimmy Norris...
CHENEY — All Aboard Washington (AAWA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting state-wide connectivity through passenger and freight rail services, stopped in Cheney Friday, Aug. 20, to discuss expanding passenger rail routes from Seattle to Spokane. The “2021 Train Trek” team presented a project that would renew daily rail travel across Stampede Pass, Yakima, Kittitas Valley and into Eastern Washington by utilizing dormant tracks across the region. The route could potentially utilize Ritzville and Cheney at an estim...
MEDICAL LAKE - Medical Lake held its 24th annual Tennis-A-Thon beginning on July 21 at noon and ending at the same time on July 22. Leroy Lemaster, the former high school tennis coach who began the endeavor in 1997, was there to watch the continued tradition. The Tennis-A-Thon's main goal is to raise funds for the Medical Lake Food Bank and Medical Lake Community Outreach, but a percentage of the funds go to the high school tennis teams. With the help of sponsors, the event...
Power shortages, rolling brownouts and blackouts? In the Pacific Northwest? One regional utility alone – Avista – had brownouts that affected 15,307 ratepayers last Monday, 6,793 last Tuesday and another 602 last Wednesday. Other utilities, too, had brownouts. I know we’ve had a day or two of record-setting high temperatures. But that’s not an excuse to shut down power to residents and businesses here in Eastern Washington. Columbia River basin dams generate roughly 44% of...
As climate change concerns grow, researchers are turning to small tree farmers for help. Actually, they have been helping for nearly a century, but their efforts have largely gone unrecognized. For decades, the American Tree Farm program has emphasized sustainability and managing lands for water quality, wildlife, wood and recreation. Now, it is adding climate change. According to the American Forest Foundation, families and individuals collectively care for the largest...
OLYMPIA — Anglers across Washington will be able to fish without a license on the state’s lakes, rivers, and marine waters during this year’s annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 12 and 13. Residents and non-residents can fish or gather shellfish across the state on those days, in any waters open to fishing, all without a license. “Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time, or maybe the first time in a long time,” said Steve Caromile, Inland Fish Program manager with the Washington Departmen...
Curtis W. Erickson 1941 - 2021 Curtis W. Erickson passed away on April 29, 2021. He was born on July 3, 1941 in Sisseton, S.D., and the youngest of six siblings. His family moved to the Northwest in time for him to start school in the North Shore District where he graduated from Bothell High School in 1959 while wooing his future wife by throwing spit balls in English class. After serving for two years in the Navy by working as an aircraft mechanic in Guam, he returned to Seat...
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign a bill today that would begin the process of removing statues of perhaps the state's most prominent figure from the Capitol building and the National Statuary in Washington, D.C. The governor has called an 11:30 a.m. signing ceremony, where he will sign House Bill 1372 into law. The bill would replace the statues of Pacific Northwest pioneer, teacher and missionary Marcus Whitman. They will be replaced with statues of Billy Frank Jr., a Nisqually tribal fishing rights activist. T...
