The Hatchery Issue

The Osprey vol. 79 is out and it's generating some buzz among the conservation and angling community. In this issue are:

• To Save Wild Steelhead, Get Rid of Hatcheries. by Bill McMillan
• Science Shows Better Marine Survival in Wild Steelhead. by Dr. Elizabeth Daly
• Victory for Puget Sound Wild Steelhead. by Nick Gayeski
• Implementing Washington's Wild Steelhead Management Plan. by Pete Soverl
• Nickel Mining Threat in Southern Oregon and Northern California. by Michael Dotson

Read it HERE

Wild Sky Steelhead

This wild steelhead is resting behind a boulder exactly where Snohomish County wants to build a hydroelectric project on Washington's Skykomish River. The 24 foot in diameter water intake would be drilled into the bedrock within yards of where this fish is swimming. After this fish spawns it will out-migrate to the ocean, passing over two class VI waterfalls, the latter, Sunset Falls drops 104 feet in 300 feet. The same is true for a the tiny salmon, whitefish, bull trout and trout born above the falls. these fish will experience a much different trip if a hydroelectric project is built here.

You can learn more about the proposed hydroprojct on Washington's Wild and Scenic Skykomish River here.

"Be Steelheaded" essay contest

On Nov. 20, Trout Unlimited will launch the Wild Steelhead Initiative and Wild Steelheaders United, an ambitious and hopeful effort to protect and restore the wild steelhead throughout the West.

As part of the launch celebration, they are inviting writers to submit essays about their connection to steelhead, the storied fish of coastal streams and major river systems up and down the West Coast. The specific subject is up to you and the winning entry will score $1,000 and a spot in TROUT Magazine.

LINK

Wild Reverence now available via Vimeo on Demand

There are some very inspiring individuals that have motivated me to fight for the preservation of wild steelhead. Bill and John McMillan, Dick Burge, Rich Simms, Dylan Tomine and Yvon Chouinard to name a few.

You can now add Shane Anderson to my list.

His film Wild Reverence, now available for download on Vimeo, is a testament to the resilience of wild steelhead and the dedication of Shane and others to raising awareness around the plight of these magnificent fish.

Anyone who cares about preserving what is still truly wild will be inspired by this film.

Download it today!

For those of you that would also like to see the film on the big screen stay tuned for details on a multi city tour of the film kicking off in mid September.

Take Action - Your Voice Needed for Wild Steelhead!

There is a very important Washington State Senate Natural Resources & Parks Committee hearing tomorrow Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 10:00AM.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the recent Puget Sound steelhead hatchery litigation and settlement between the Wild Fish Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The hearing called by committee chair, Senator Kirk Pearson (R - Monroe) will include presentations from WDFW, WFC, Puget Sound Tribes, NOAA Fisheries, recreational fishers, and fishing businesses. At this hearing there may be NO other invited speakers voicing support for wild steelhead.  

But there will  be time for public input - your chance to show state legislators your support for wild steelhead recovery, and so it is crucial that you show up, stand up, and speak up for rivers managed for wild steelhead.  

When: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 10:00 am

Where: Senate Hearing Rm 1

J.A. Cherberg Building

304 15th Ave SW

Olympia, WA 98501

Wild steelhead advocates will be meeting up after the hearing at the Fish Tale Brew Pub in Olympia (515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501) so come unwind with some food, drinks and like-minded people post-hearing.

The Wild Fish Conservancy office will be coordinating ride sharing, so if you need a ride or can provide space in your vehicle, please contact their office at 425-788-1167.

More information about the current state of Puget Sound wild steelhead.

Can't make the meeting? 

Send a message to the Senate Natural Resources Committee and let them know you support steelhead managment reform in Puget Sound!

Thank you for standing with WILD STEELHEAD and science-based policy.

River Snorkel: Wild Steelhead

These wild Steelhead have managed to make it through fishing season and now can get back to the business at hand- spawning in Washington State's Methow River. Join them for a few minutes as they stage for the run upstream.