Reader Opinion

Opinion on 'fish barrier removal' projects

Posted

I believe that the particular “fish barrier removal” project occurring just east of the Thurston-Mason county line on Highway 101 is a misguided project, and I will attempt to outline the reasons for this belief.

If one takes a close look at the stream in question, it is extremely unlikely that any salmon will ever visit this tiny stream, let alone attempt to spawn in it. I would be very surprised if any qualified fish biologist could identify any stretch of this “stream” that would qualify as a spawning ground for any fish in the state, let alone the likely candidates to benefit from such actions, like salmon. So, the obvious question becomes: Who identified this project as necessary for the amount of money being spent? The money allocated for two such projects, of which this is the major one, is over $51 million.

My understanding may be misguided, but I recall the reason for such projects was to benefit salmon runs by opening more spawning habitat. If that is the intent, and the expected result of these projects, then why isn’t the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) making adjustments to their salmon run estimates that reflect this increased spawning habitat after such projects are completed? For example, in the huge construction project just west of McCleary on Highway 8 where two large culverts (fish-friendly passageways) were installed, there was apparently no change to spawning habitat numbers which would have raised escapement numbers for salmon in the Chehalis watershed. So another obvious question becomes: if there is no impact on salmon production from such projects, where is the accountability? If this is indeed taxpayer money, shouldn’t there be some analysis that shows how many salmon the taxpayers are getting for this fifty million dollar expenditure?

The opinions expressed above are those of the writer and not necessarily those of  The JOLT's staff or board of directors.  Got something to say about a topic of interest to Thurston County residents? Send it to us and we’ll most likely publish it. See the Contribute your news button at the top of every page. 

Comments

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  • JnNwmn

    There are 3 culvert projects on Hwy 109 near Ocean Shores on similar small streams. If they build it will the fish come? Where is the accountability for scarce resources?

    Monday, September 23 Report this

  • ChuckCross

    ALL good observations and questions. There doesn't seem to be ANY accountability. One might even ask what fish biologists made significant recommendations concerning the projects mentioned. For further consideration, note that the Biden administration is recommending removal of four dams on the lower Snake River, to facilitate salmon growth and recovery. (cost unknown). These dams provide ELECTRICITY, water transportation and irrigation waters. With the Biden Administrations push for electric vehicles and increased reliance on electrical production, does it make sense to REDUCE our electrical generation capabilities. and increased reliance on electrical production?? Invest in nuclear generation and enjoy your fishing experiences.

    Tuesday, September 24 Report this

  • JasonS

    If there has been no increase in spawning levels in response to the Hwy 8 area and no increase in WDFW's estimates, that is because the project isn't complete. In addition to additional barriers still being in place at other points along the way (about 350 of them as of July), there is additional work which has not yet been done, including new bridges. The beneficial effects for fish may not be evident until the project's estimated completion in 2030.

    As one WSDOT engineer put it: “Restoration has to start somewhere. We feel like removing our barriers, which are typically the most expensive and complex in a system, really paves the way for other barrier owners to correct their barriers.”

    Tuesday, September 24 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    Loren Gee,

    These restoration Project have been studied for years.

    Money for these projects are not allocated without Actual numbers and records tjat support such projects....

    Did you think someone just Made up reasoning for such projects? Possiably do more reasearch for actual Data supporting such Projects.

    As well Chuck Cross, those Dams slow waters that sypport spawning salmon as well as other species.

    Electricity is Not needed in quantities enough to warrant the Decimation of the Wests Ecological Systems that had SO MANY MORE NUMBERS that are seen today.

    All because of 4 Dams.

    Enough of the BS and Misinformation in the Name of Republicanism.

    Get your head out of your political rants, and smell the restoration happening in the name of SAVING Ecology for FUTURE Generations.

    Tuesday, September 24 Report this

  • JW

    Boatyarddog is the reason I can't take the Salmon nuts seriously. You're nearly foaming at the mouth.

    Tuesday, September 24 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    JW. Apathy is a Disease best cured by realistic commentary, not chiding fellow Community members.

    Please stay respectable and on topic. Sorry your triggered by others comments.

    Salmon recovery is of utmost importance in The PNW. Actions supporting these efforts are Ongoing and Productive. Salmon fishing supports Families and the Economy and IS Washingtons Legacy Tourisms Apex Species and Is The Right Course for restoring a thriving Ecosystem.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • olympia49er

    Very well written opinion Ms Gee. I believe this mis-guided project has diverted this years entire WSDT budget from road maintenance to the folly of replacing culverts with bridges. Enjoy this year's potholes and wash outs. I have BS in Ecology from UW, and believe what is necessary for increased salmon is neither dam removal nor culvert replacement. The focus should be the spawning grounds which have been destroyed by sedimentation/ run off from nearby logging and population growth. The spawning beds need a larger protective barrier around them. they need the shade of the trees to keep the eggs from being boiled.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • LorenG

    JasonS & Boatyarddog: The Hiway 8 project referred to has been complete a few years. The current project referred to is still under construction. Maybe I don't have all the facts. Only talked to WDFW biologist from the proper region to determine the impacts of the completed projects on their escapement numbers. Guess that isn't enough research, eh? So where do you suggest an accountability answer might be found...?

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    Jason S. Has a Great Answer. Let's Finish the Projects and Monitor the Results. I assume Decades of Interruption of Spawning by Dams, Culverts, and past planning, as well Overfishing and other changes must be given time to Correct damage that has occured.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • JasonS

    LorenG, one analogy would be to compare the restoration of these connected waterways to links in a chain. If there are five broken links in a chain and two of them are repaired, that's a good start but you still have a broken chain which won't function correctly until all of the work is completed.

    As to your last question, I generally search a variety of primary sources as well as focused articles and op-ed pieces to arrive at an informed opinion on each issue. In terms of the issue of financial accountability, I haven't felt a need to search things out from that angle. I know a great deal of federal funds were allocated for these projects as well as more local funds but I don't recall the specifics.

    Thursday, September 26 Report this