The Columbia

A historic look at the harnessing of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Woody Guthrie was hired by Bonneville Power Association in 1941 to write the songs for this movie but production was delayed by World War II. Finished in 1949, this film contains rare footage of Grand Coulee Dam construction, Indian fishing at Celilo Falls and the 1948 Vanport flood.

A film about life, death, science and streams

RiverWebs is a 1-hour documentary film that chronicles the inspiring life and work of the pioneering Japanese ecologist, Dr. Shigeru Nakano. From his boyhood exploration of Japan’s mountain streams to his leadership of an international effort to understand river ecosystems, Nakano’s life demonstrates the unquenchable curiosity and bold creativity that drive scientific discovery. Yet it is Nakano’s tragic death that shows us the profound personal impact of his life, and reveals what is perhaps the greatest scientific strength... community.

R.I.P. - Utah Stream Access

A tip of the hat to all of you who made their voices heard regarding this flawed piece of legislation.

From Bryan Gregson at the Utah Water Guardians.

Subject: Gov will sign HB-141

Yesterday, we learned of the Gov's decision to sign HB141 today. Recognizing it's flaws he will ask the AG to not interfere with any injunctions. Outside of the issue, which has personal ramifications, the Governor support for a flawed process, closed door politics and for a bill that will eventually cost tax payers time and money, shows a glaring lack of leadership at a time when we can ill afford such.

Its a shady blow I think most of us saw coming... it just sucks to know your going to get punched in the face, and you got to just "take it" like a fisherman. Small defeat, but the long term will be an overall victory.

FISHERMEN AND FISHERWOMEN --->THANK YOU ALL!! Locals and non-residents alike!! In the end, we are all fishers, thanks for banding together and fighting along side us.

Bryan

Here's an interesting tidbit from the post mortem in yesterday's Salt Lake Trbune.

Governor Herbert's sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Steve Ault, own about a mile-and-a-half stretch of the lower Provo River, some of the premier fishing waters in the country, and were actively involved in lobbying the Legislature to pass HB141.

During the dry season 98% of the Eel River flows are diverted to the Russian River

In a last ditch effort to save crashing salmon and steelhead runs, the Friends of the Eel River have brought legal action before the State Water Resources Control Board to get the state to significantly cut back on the diversion of Eel River water to the Russian River. Conversely, the resulting elevated flows on the Russian are also threatening the State and federally listed Russian River’s endangered salmon and steelhead.

Prior to the diversion project the Eel used to get a run of 500,000 salmon and steelhead....the run today averages 15,000 fish.

LINK (Via: The Times Standard)

The Stillaguamish Steelhead Society Blog

This is a spot one can come to support and find out whats happening with the river. It's a place to learn about the river and share positive supportive information.

The site also posts a daily picture of the river, appears to be a bit blown today. LINK

The Stilly used to support a run of 90,000 steelhead.

River on the Rebound

From Way Upstream -

This Androscoggin River segment is from the film ExNE, produced by Gray Ghost Productions LLC. It's an 8 minute piece which chronicles a river born pure that gets infected by industrialization and then is nurtured back to a healthy set of vital signs.