he goal of this publication "from Oregon State Univer- sity is simple: to promote k. thoughtful conversation among the citizens of Oregon. We hope to do this by providing a "snap- shot" of what may be the most com- plex, far-reaching and dynamic public issue in our state's history—what some have called "the salmon crisis." At first this seemed like a daunting challenge. There are enough books, articles and tapes on the topic, many of them excellent, to fill rooms (to say nothing of the information available through the Internet). But the OSU Extension Service's public issues education group felt something was missing—a brief, easily understood OREGON STATE UNnTRSHTY discussion of this fascinating issue. They decided to produce a nontech- nical publication that would address many topics and present many points of view to give citizens a broad pic- ture of the salmon issue, with its biological, economic and social sides. So, here's what you'll find in the pages that follow: At the beginning, there are several stories that provide background about salmon and re- search on salmon-related subjects. Starting on page 8, there are stories that take you from the fresh water where salmon are hatched to the ocean where many spend a large portion of their lives. Each of these stories presents, briefly, human perspectives on an activity, or a natural phenomenon, that may affect salmon. In the final pages, you'll find stories that look at human efforts to address the salmon issue, such as the public/ private Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, other government- related efforts, legal actions and rehabilitation projects. East, we'll tell you where to get more information. Across our campus and the state, Oregon State University faculty, staff and students are involved in teaching and research linked to the salmon crisis. But another important role our university plays in society is promot- ing constructive discussion among citizens. We hope this publication does that.

Paul Risser President, Oregon State University

Eyla Houglum /)ean and Director, OSU Extension Service Salmon have lived here for millions of years By Carol Savonen Salmon faced major physical disruptions long before humans The earliest fossil came to North America. Great Oregon's ocean-going salmon evidence for the volcanoes have shaken and ancestors of Pacific erupted for millennia, sending • They spawn in the winter and early spring, using Northwest salmon and mud flows and pumice into small pockets of gravel. They may spawn more trout dates back to the Eocene, rivers and streams. Massive ice than once. The spawning age of cutthroats seems to vary over their distribution area. about 40 million years ago. sheets and their meltwaters influenced many of the familiar • Cutthroat prefer the smallest, highest tributar- About six million years ago, ies in a basin. when saber-toothed tigers landforms in our region: the roamed the landscape, salmon Columbia Gorge, the scablands Chinook Salmon (ocean-rearing) were evolving into the species we of eastern Washington and the • Distribution includes coast and Columbia Basin know today. flat, silt-filled valleys of the mainstem rivers. Humans have used salmon Willamette Valley. Little is • Juveniles migrate to the ocean the first fall after they for food in the Pacific North- known about salmon during the hatch, rearing briefly in estuaries. west for thousands of years, Ice Age. But scientists think that • They rear over a broad ocean area, ranging from northern California to the Gulf of Alaska. since the end of the last Ice Age. they took refuge in areas not covered by ice or affected by • Adults, typically 3 to 5 years old, return to fresh Coho Salmon Commercial harvest data reveals water in the spring, summer cr fall. early Pacific Northwest salmon unstable rivers and coastlines, • Juveniles rear in upper watersheds, spreading • Spring and summer migrants prefer deep, cool pools out in summer, schooling in pools in the winter. runs were most likely the most such as southern Oregon, where they hold several months before fall spawning. • Juveniles migrate to the ocean at 1 year, in the productive salmon fisheries in California and the Queen • Adults spawn in large concentrations on mainstem spring. North America. Charlotte Islands of British gravel bars; may use both upper and lower • Most Oregon coho rear just off our coast. "The physical environment of Columbia. mainstems. • Adults return to fresh water in the fall and the Pacific Northwest made all of About 9,000 years ago, after spawn in late fall and winter. this possible," explains Oregon the end of the last Ice Age, the Chinook (stream-rearing) • Adults tend to spawn in concentrations on State University historian William Pacific Northwest slowly became • In Oregon, they are only in upper Columbia Basin gravel bars in upper watersheds. G. Robbins in The Northwest more favorable for salmon. Sea tributaries. • Most adults spawn when they are 3 years old. Salmon Crisis: A Documentary levels stabilized, creating more • Juveniles migrate to the ocean as 1-year-olds, in the History, published by the Oregon stable river mouths and estuaries. spring. Sea Grant program in 1996. Upwclling currents in the Pacific • Little is known about the ocean distribution of ". . . the [Columbia] river carried nutrients for salmon food. Oregon's stream-rearing Chinook. serves as a natural funnel, Archaeologists have studied • Adults return to fresh water in the spring, when 3 to ancient Indian sites around the 5 years old, and require deep, cool pools to hold for providing a water highway several months over the summer before fall spawning. through which four varieties of Pacific Northwest. By analyzing • They spawn in concentrations on gravel bars in Sockeye/Kokanee Salmon salmon . . . passed upstream to and dating piles of clam shells upper tributaries. spawn." and fish bones, the scientists • There is both an ocean-going form (called concluded that large numbers of sockeye), and a resident form (called ko- This "funnel" also made it kanee). salmon were used by humans as relatively easy for humans to • Juveniles rear in a lake, spending 1 to 2 years catch them with nets, spears. long as 9,000 years ago. The in fresh water before migrating to the ocean in traps and poles. Salmon sup- fish probably were more the spring. ported up to 100,000 people in plentiful during cooler, wetter • Columbia Basin sockeye migrate to the Gulf of this region for thousands of years. climate periods and less plentiful Alaska for ocean rearing. (.uirirv wiirmcr "ier periods • Adults typically spend 2 years in the ocean. Chum Salmon • Loss of Oregon sockeye resulted from blocked • Shortest freshwater residence of all salmon. Adults access to lakes. Kokanee are thriving in some stay only about a week prior to spawning; juveniles lakes. migrate to the ocean hours after hatching. • Juveniles rear briefly in estuaries. • Most Oregon chums migrate to the Gulf of Alaska for ocean rearing. • Adults spawn at 3 to 5 years of age. << • Spawning occurs in lower mainstems, concentrated on large gravel bars. • Adults are unable to pass even minor barriers. Steelhead • There are two subspecies of steelhead in Oregon. Each also has a resident form. Coastal steelhead are closely related to rainbow trout. Inland steelhead are closely related to redband trout. • Most juveniles rear in fresh water for 1 or 2 years and migrate to the ocean in the spring. Coastal Cutthroat • Most steelhead spend 2 years in the ocean. • Some coastal cutthroats migrate to the ocean. But Their distribution is poorly known but appears others may migrate only to the estuary or river main- to be further off-shore than other salmon. stems, or they may not migrate at all. • Most inland steelhead return to fresh water in • Those that do go to the ocean migrate out in the the summer while most (but not all) coastal spring, stay only a few months close to shore, then steelhead return in the winter. return in the fall. • Summer-run steelhead require cold deep • The ones that migrate may rear in fresh water for pools where they hold until spawning. All several years before going to the ocean. steelhead spawn in the winter and may spawn more than once.

2 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON" STATE UXRERSITT EXTENSION SERVICE ■

Oregon has nine salmon-like fish Status of Oregon's Pacific salmon under the Endangered Species Act The word "salmon" the complexity of the salmon chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, brings to mind different issue. Different forms of each of pink and steelhead, and, to some things to different the above species have adapted to degree, the sea-run form of the people. When you different aquatic environments. cutthroat trout. Yet some of the discuss the future of salmon and For example, some forms of a principles described are relevant the Endangered Species Act, it's species can be "anadromous," to conservation of all the forms of important to recognize the diverse meaning they were hatched in our native salmon-like fish. kinds offish in the salmon family. fresh water but spend a large part The federal Endangered Nine species of salmon-like of their lives in the ocean before Species Act is meant to protect fish are native to Oregon, but this returning to fresh water to species, subspecies or distinct group includes many subgroups reproduce. Yet other forms of the population segments. With with very different biological same species live in fresh water salmon, maintaining the diverse characteristics. The species: throughout their lives. For biology and diverse forms of • Seven salmon: chinook, coho. instance, rainbow and redband distinct population segments has sodkeye, chum, pink, steelhead and trout, which remain in fresh water been deemed essential to the cutthroat trout (all members of the throughout their life cycles, are fish's existence. scientific genus Oncorhynchus). No "resident" forms of the steelhead Generally speaking, the breeding populations of pink species. abundance of various species of salmon are left in the stale, although Also, some groups ol anadro- salmon in the West varies from one occasionally appears in the mous tlsh travel from the sea into north to south. Pink, chum and Columbia River. fresh water at different times of sockeye salmon predominate in • Bull trout (actually a char and the year. Thus, there are "spring British Columbia and Alaska. a member of the genus .SV/Ac///»(,s). chinook" and "fall chinook" in Chinook, coho. steelhead and sea- • Whitefish (genus Prosopium). some rivers. Sometimes these are run cutthroat are the major Chinook Salmon Biological differences within called different "runs." species in Washington. Oregon. 1. Southern Oregon and California each of these species and This publication deals mainly Idaho and northern California. Coasts (Proposed Threatened) 2. Oregon Coast (Not Warranted) with the anadromous fish— subgroups of them contribute to 3. Lower Columbia River (Proposed Threatened) 4. Upper Willamette River (Proposed Threatened) 5. Middle Columbia River Spring-run (Not Warranted) 6. Snake River Fall-run (Listed Threatened) 6x. Snake River Fall-run (proposed Many have vanished; extension of range of listing) 7. Snake River Spring/Summer-run (Listed Threatened) Chum Salmon 8. Pacific Coast (Not Warranted) others are in jeopardy 9. Columbia River (Proposed Threatened) By Carol Savonen In the early 1990s, Sen. Mark summer chinook. coho, sockeye, Coho Salmon Hatfield asked the National sea-run cutthroat and steelhead 10. Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts (Listed Threatened) ild salmon once Research Council to organize a are generally in greater trouble 11. Oregon Coast (Listed Threatened) filled the rivers of broad range of leading aquatic than those that spend less time in 12. Southwest Washington/Lower Columbia River (Candidate Species) the Pacific North- and social scientists to share their fresh water, such as fall chinook, Pink Salmon west. Scientists expertise on "the salmon prob- chum and pink salmon. No distinct population segments identified in Oregon. westimate that during the mid- lem" in the Pacific Northwest. • Where runs are as large as 1800s, up to 16 million adult The questions asked were they once were, hatchery fish Sockeye Salmon salmon returned each year to basic. Which salmon runs are in make up the majority of fish in No distinct population segments identified in Oregon. spawn in the Columbia River trouble? What is causing their the runs. drainage alone. In addition, salmon decline? What are the options to "In the 1990s, native, also reproduced in all Oregon stop the decline? anadromous Pacific salmonids Sea-run Cutthroat Trout coastal drainages south of the In 1996. the National [ocean-going Pacific salmon] 13. Umpqua River (Listed Endangered) Other populations to be defined after completing coast-wide status Columbia, such as the Nehalem. Academy Press published the are at a crossroads," wrote fish review. Alsea. Siuslaw, Umpqua and scientists" findings in a book biologists Willa Nehlsen, Jack Rogue. called Upstream: Salmon and E. Williams and James A. Steelhead Today. Pacific Northwest Society in the Pacific Northwest. Lichatowich in their 1991 paper 14. Klamath Mountains Province (Candidate) salmon are in trouble. For instance, Overall, the scientists identified "Pacific Salmon at the Cross- 15. Oregon Coast (Candidate) in the Columbia River drainage the following trends, w ith a few roads." in the scientific journal 16. Southwest Washington (Not Warranted) 17. Lower Columbia River (Listed Threatened) fewer than one-tenth of the early exceptions: Fisheries. "The habitats of these 18. Upper Willamette River (Proposed Threatened) historic numbers of salmon return • Salmon are threatened, once wide-ranging fishes are 19. Middle Columbia River (Proposed Threatened) to spawn in rivers and streams. endangered or extinct in two- severely curtailed, many stocks 20. Snake River (Listed Threatened) And most of those that come back thirds of their previous ranges in are extinct and many remaining are not wild. On many streams. Oregon. Washington. Idaho and stocks face a variety of threats." hatchery fish can make up 70 California. They go on to say. "In most • An Endangered Species is any species in danger of extinction percent or more of the population. • Coastal populations are better cases, enough of the native throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Nine of 10 wild salmon runs off than populations that spawn in resource remains to allow a and 100 distinct salmon stocks interior drainages such as the variety of remedial actions. If • A Threatened Species is any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or have vanished in our region since Columbia or the Klamath rivers. the salmon and their habitat a significant portion of its range. European settlement. Three times • Populations of salmon are at continue to diminish, however, that many are at risk of disap- greater risk in the southern ends available options for present and • A Candidate Species is any species under review but not yet the pearing. Habitat is disappearing. of their ranges. For example, coho future generations will diminish subject of a listing proposal. For example, in the Columbia are in greater trouble in southern or disappear. The challenge for • Not Warranted means a distinctive group of Pacific salmon has Basin more than half of the Oregon and northern California the 1990s is to take maximum been studied and judged not ready for protection at this time. original drainage area salmon than they are in Washington. advantage of technical, legal once occupied is no longer • Salmon species that spend a and management avenues accessible because of passage greater proportion of their life in available to us now." barriers such as dams. fresh water, such as spring and

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITV EXTENSION SERMCE SALMON IN OREGON 3 Why try to save wild salmon? Here are some people's views

By Theresa Novak prices; more land-use restrictions The Endangered Species Act and limits on personal freedom. requires that wild populations of For centuries, the muscular Despite such reports, public fish he rescued from the brink of fish whose life flashes opinion polls indicate that extinction whenever possible. between woodland Northwestemers favor saving Overshadowing whatever streams and ocean depths salmon. A poll released in philosophical, scientific, ecologi- has embodied the bold health and December 1997 by the state's cal, economic, historic or cultural vitality of the Pacific Northwest. largest newspaper. The Orego- objections people may have to For the past few decades, nian, indicated that 85 percent of that idea is a powerful answer: scientists and average citizens the 514 Oregonians polled think Knowingly allowing wild alike have watched as more than it's important to preserve salmon salmon runs to go extinct violates 100 of the major West Coast runs. About 60 percent believe federal law. salmon runs have gone extinct. improving salmon runs should The 1973 Endangered Species Now, nine of 10 remaining wild be a higher priority than other Act requires an all-out recovery runs are threatened. commercial uses of salmon rivers. effort to save species in trouble Seven out of 10 salmon About 38 percent are willing to pay from extinction. Once set into swimming in Oregon streams were $5 or more a month to help salmon. motion, a listing under the ESA bom in a fish hatchery, not a stream. But when it comes to taking can have the same effect as it did On Aug. 3, 1998, the National bold steps on behalf of salmon, in 1991, when the listing of the Marine Fisheries Service an- such as breaching dams, urban northern spotted owl as a nounced that coastal coho would and rural Oregoiuans have threatened species required be added to the list of species different responses: changes in forest land manage- under protection of the Endan- In the larger cities of Portland ment to preserve the old-growth gered Species Act. and the Mid-Willamette Valley, forest habitat of the bird. Already listed are fall, spring 41 percent support breaching or Since salmon roam between and summer chinook, sockeye, removing dams. But in eastern shallow creeks and the deep West Coast coho. West Coast Oregon, where agriculture oceans, their recovery could mean stcclhead, Umpqua River sea-run depends on irrigation and dams, more changes in human activity cutthroat trout, Mid-Columbia that percentage drops to 29 everywhere from urban drive- River summer chinook and Deer percent who favor such a move. ways to forests, farms, rivers, Creek summer steelhead. Some ask a good question: coasts and the ocean. The state of Oregon has Wouldn't it make more sense The decline is a concern close to developed its own salmon and simply to give up the idea of the hearts of many Native Ameri- watershed recovery plan, which it restoring the natural life cycle of cans in the Northwest. They gave up would like to put into action to salmon and concentrate on a great deal to assure that they save coastal coho, avoiding the improving production of salmon would always have salmon. strong regulations that would in hatcheries? In 1855, the Columbia River come with a formal federal Henry Yuen, a fish scientist tor tribes signed a treaty giving the listing. The matter now is before a the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Middle school students examine an Alsea River salmon with fisheries biologist U.S. government control of more federal appeals court, with a Fish Commission, said that the Carl Schreck. Oregon Trout, a fish conservation group, sponsored the tour. than 40 million acres of the ruling likely in 1999. distinction between wild and Northwest in exchange for Yet amid all of the impas- hatchery fish is debatable after 50 runs also have been declining the conservation biology division assurances of their safety, health sioned talk surrounding salmon, years of aggressive hatchery rearing sharply in the past twenty years. for the Northwest Fisheries and continuing access to their many Oregonians are asking a and intermingling. He suggests that Further, Oregon's Wild Fish Science Center in Seattle. traditional salmon fishing areas. good question: How can salmon salmon runs can be restored with Management Policy is based on "There is no question that there Losing the wild salmon runs be near extinction and still be sold genetically selected hatchery fish. the assumption that some wild still are wild salmon populations will mean a loss of cultural as cat food for 60 cents a can? "Hatchery fish have descended fish runs still remain and should that have relatively little hatchery identity, tribal leaders say. They hear reports that the cost from wild fish," Yuen said "They be preserved. influence," Waples said "But it is Having watersheds that are of saving salmon could mean have the diversity within them." It is not a clear case of either also true that we've seen hatchery able to support salmon means higher electricity rates, job losses, But the problem is that hatchery salmon or wild salmon, fish almost totally replace natural having healthy watersheds and an crop losses, increased wood hatchery-supplemented salmon said Robin Waples, the director of populations." appealing image for Oregon. In 1972 when Oregon's former governor, the late Tom What makes a salmon will McCall, wanted to illustrate the restored health of the Willamette Hearing people talk about and recreational fishers before hatchery fish has been blurred River to a reporter from National "wild" and "hatchery" salmon they reach the hatchery (many because some hatchery fish are Geographic magazine, he can be confusing. Under salmon sold in grocery stores straying and interbreeding with showed her salmon spawning in Oregon's Wild Fish Manage- and fish markets are hatchery- wild fish. the creek behind the governor's ment Policy, adopted by the reared fish). But some hatchery A wild fish isn't always a residence in Salem. The media- Oregon Department of Fish and fish stray into streams. native fish. For example, brook savvy governor knew that image Wildlife in 1992. wild salmon Historically, each wild trout in Oregon reproduce in would illustrate the successful are those that are hatched in a salmon belonged to a specific streams and lakes and are wild, reclamation of the Willamette stream and return to a stream for genetic clan, which scientists but they aren't native to the River better than anything he spawning. call "local breeding popula- state. The Oregon Plan for could say. Hatchery salmon are released tions," adapted to return or Salmon and Watersheds (see Healthy salmon are a sign of a into streams when they're "home" to a particular spawning related article, page 20). a robust, livable business climate as young. They migrate to the stream. However, some people statewide public/private effort. well, according to Duncan Wyse, ocean and try to return to the now argue that after more than is geared to restoring wild, the executive director of the hatchery when they're mature. 50 years of hatchery rearing, the native salmon. Most are caught by commercial distinction between wild and (continued on page 5)

4 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE Why save salmon? fisheries had seen the loss of (continued from page 4) 25.000 family-wage jobs, according to Radtke. In Columbia Oregon Business Council. The One study found 22 kinds River Basin communities, this group represents the chief translated to about $500 million executive officers of Oregon's 45 in lost earning power as reflected largest companies. Saving the in closed businesses and people salmon is a practical decision that moving elsewhere for work. of birds, mammals feed the CEOs endorsed two years ago. In the Klamath Basin in "(The salmon) are an indicator Southem Oregon, which encom- of the Northwest's biodiversity— passes fisheries in northern its health," Wyse said. Companies California as well, Radtke on salmon carcasses locate in the Northwest mainly estimates job losses at more than because it has a reputation as a 1,600 family-wage jobs and By Andy Duncan wholesome place to live and economic losses of up to $32 work. Lose the wild salmon, and million a year. About 60 percent When some people Oregon's livable reputation is of those losses were in Oregon. think about damaged as well. Keeping the Ken Currens, a fisheries salmon they see salmon is sound business that will geneticist for the Northwest more than a fish. take hard-headed management. Indian Fisheries Commission in They see an ecological sys- "We have to rethink harvest Washington, said losing salmon tem—a long name for a rela- policies both in the ocean and on amounts to losing the reason why tively simple concept. rivers, so we won't have sole the Pacific Northwest is different Think of it in terms of your reliance on hatcheries as our from places where the green body: The foot is connected to the strategy (for saving salmon)," primordial earth has retreated into ankle, the ankle to the knee, the Wyse said. memory. knee to the thigh, and so on. In a The loss of salmon already has "My best reason (for saving way, your body is a system. If any had a significant economic salmon) is that they have been part has problems, other parts, or impact, said natural resource part of everything we think of as your entire body, may suffer. economist Hans Radtke. In his the Northwest for hundreds of The system salmon are part 1996 study, Radtke calculated the thousands of years," Currens said. of is huge. With many species, it Ducks move in to feed on a dead salmon in the Willamette River south of Oregon City. cost of the salmon decline in the "If we value that landscape, if we stretches from the mountain Columbia River Basin compared value all the things that go into headwaters of streams all the chain. For example, in the Many people have heard of to the days when catches of 8 that, salmon are really a key part way to the ocean. With some ocean, where many salmon El Nino, a weather cycle that million fish were possible. of that picture." species, it stretches thousands of species spend most of their tends to bring warmer, less As of 1996, the decline of miles into the ocean. lives, the creatures feed on tiny nutrient-rich water to the Pacific Salmon are hatched in animals called zooplankton, and Ocean areas where Northwest 1 streams that are part of water- on small fish and crustaceans. salmon live. An opposite cycle, A salmon's life starts as a 'fry sheds. A watershed is the area These "salmon foods" need a called La Nina, tends to cause drained by a distinct stream or certain range of temperatures upwellings of colder, more Depending on the species, life for a newly hatched salmon, called river and separated from other and salinity to thrive, conditions nutrient-rich water that a fry, begins in a headwater stream or mainstem river, or at the watersheds by topographic tied to short- and long-term interface of a coastal estuary and freshwater stream. Each female boundaries such as ridgetops. weather patterns. (continued on page 6) salmon lays hundreds to thousands of eggs in the gravel, where the Uplands often make up more eggs develop after the male salmon fertilize them. than 99 percent of a watershed's Beyond the newly hatched stage, young salmon are called juve- area, and the floodplain and niles. They may live in fresh water a few weeks or up to 2 or more stream channel make up the rest. years. Juvenile salmon ready to migrate to the ocean are called The area immediately adjacent smolts. They make this journey mostly during the spring and summer. to the water is called the Ocean-bound juveniles may riparian zone. spend days, weeks or even ^—FUVER- From the ecosystem perspec- months in estuaries feeding and tive, the uplands and floodplain adjusting their body chemistry and riparian zone all affect the before they enter the ocean, life in the stream. The surround- depending on the species and ings farther down the stream population. affect it, too. Once in the ocean, salmon Generally speaking, a good stay there 1 to 5 years, depend- salmon stream has relatively ing on the species. During this cool and clean water, although time, they eat small fish and tiny the fish can adapt, within limits. animals called zooplankton. Salmon need gravel to spawn. Some salmon travel thousands Too much sediment can disturb of miles out into the north their spawning beds, called Pacific. Others remain relatively redds. They need a steady food close to shore. supply, and structure in streams As adults, the salmon return such as large woody debris and to fresh water to spawn. Some, rocks for resting, hiding, such as chinook salmon in feeding and rearing. Idaho, migrate more than 900 When they migrate to the miles to their spawning grounds. ocean, salmon depend on an Most return to the stream of adequate flow of water to move their birth, although there is ■OCEAN" them downstream to the estuary, some straying. Straying ensures where fresh and saltwater mix. that salmon will colonize new areas if their old streams get destroyed Once in the estuary, they also by natural disasters. For example, when the Mount St. Helens 1980 need relatively cool, clean water eruption destroyed spawning habitat in the Toutle River in Washing- and places to feed, hide and rest ton, scientists observed the salmon spaw ning elsewhere. With the while they adapt to saltwater. Wild salmon are hatched and live part of their lives in a watershed. A water- exception of steelhead and sea-run cutthroat, salmon die after spawning. In fresh water and the ocean, shed is the area drained by a distinct stream or river and is separated from —Carol Savonen they are part of an intricate food other watersheds by topographic boundaries such as ridgetops.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 5 reveal disagreement nerates knowledge

By Andy Duncan scientists' thoughts in a few areas. First of all, on what they With the salmon call habitat: issue, why can't Many biologists agree that a we simply turn to large amount of the salmon's science for all the inland home—forested and neat, tidy answers we need? grass-covered uplands, and One reason is that some of stream and streamside areas the questions involve public from headwaters to estuaries— choices, not just science. has been degraded. Some a Another reason is that science little, some a lot. isn't tidy. Scientists often disagree "This is a huge area of with one another. scientific consensus and we "But we know a lot— need to make decisions flowing enough to give informed advice out of that," asserts Bill Liss, a and help the people of Oregon fisheries biologist at Oregon help the fish," says Jim Martin, State University. an assistant director of the What caused the habitat Oregon Department of Fish and problem, and how bad is it? In Wildlife and a developer of the Oregon, the list of contributors Oregon Plan for Salmon and to habitat degradation that Watersheds (see related article scientists and others have about the Oregon Plan, page 20). identified leads to just about "Years ago," recalls Logan every resident of the state, as Norris, the head of Oregon State well as to natural processes. University's Department of The list of human-related Forest Science, "we [scientists] factors includes: dams, many didn't fully understand the parts of urban and suburban life, system salmon are a part of and fishing, forestry, farming, told people to take the woody ranching, mining, manufactur- debris out of streams. It turns ing and many other kinds of out we were wrong. Large industry. There's still some woody debris like logs provides disagreement and uncertainty important habitat for salmon. among scientists over the amount, "People who expect perfec- and causes, of habitat problems in tion in human decision making particular areas. The greatest are certain to be disappointed," debate is over the relative Norris continues. "Almost importance of each factor. certainly some things we Another area where scien- conclude now will prove to be tists' opinions vary is on how to wrong years from now when fix salmon habitat problems. more information is available. But "In my opinion, the first and in science the only way to avoid most critical step is to halt or A stream ecologist photographs salmon on Knowles Creek in the Oregon Coast range. The stream feeds into the Siuslaw River. being wrong is to do nothing, and (continued on page 7) that's certainly wrong." Martin uses a medical analogy. "We all know medical Salmon carcasses (continued from page 5) knowledge is imperfect," he says, 'but we usually take the offers better food conditions for salmon. These weather patterns people say our salmon problems are simply a result of poor ocean doctor's advice." affect populations of ocean creatures that eat salmon, and creatures conditions. But what happens in the ocean and in fresh water are Exactly how could scientists, that compete with salmon for food. Also, scientists believe there are connected. Things that happen in fresh water can affect salmon's with all their degrees and expertise, longer-range climatic shifts in the ocean that affect salmon. These ability to cope with the ocean, and vice versa. It's all connected. reach different conclusions ? shifts play out over decades. "An example is that, within limits, larger smolts [young salmon In part, it's the process they Salmon have other functions in this ecological system: The huge that migrate to the ocean] tend to have higher survival rates in the use: observing, hypothesizing. salmon runs of the past in the Northwest played an important role in ocean." Liss continues. "High water temperatures, poor food supplies testing, debating and validating. transporting nutrients from the ocean to the inland environment, and that sort of thing in fresh water make the smolts smaller and thus To fully understand something, biologists say. When salmon die after they spawn (deposit eggs that poorer survivors in the ocean—probably less able to cope with ocean they study it from different will become the next generation), their carcasses carry important cycles that don't favor salmon." angles, or disciplines. And they're nutrients from rich ocean environments inland to the relatively Not everyone supports the systems view. But Dan Bottom, a research human. They look at the world nutrient-poor freshwater environment. One study determined that 22 biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, does. through their life experiences. species of forest-dwelling birds and mammals fed directly on the "One thing that's unique about a systems view is that it requires an "It is in the limelight of carcasses of spawned-out salmon. historic, evolutionary view that wild salmon populations have disagreement that new knowl- Ecological systems are not continually stable, notes Bill Krueger. adapted to very specific conditions of a watershed in terms of edge is developed." says Robert head of OSU's rangeland resources department. rainfall, stream flow, water temperature at certain times of the year, Beschta. a hydrology professor "There is always change and compensation for that change." says the timing of their runs and so on." says Bottom. Also, each popula- in the OSU College of Forestry Krueger. "You'll never have the same ecosystem tomorrow that you tion may be adapted to certain ocean conditions. who does salmon-related have today." "That's why when we try to put those systems back together," he research. "In my opinion, it's very important to take the ecosystem perspec- asserts, "we have to consider a process that happened over millennia. The field of salmon science is tive in dealing with the problems of salmon." says Bill Liss, a We need to consider what the system was like so we know what to try broad. Let's look at some fisheries biologist at Oregon State University. "These days I hear and emulate."

6 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNIV-ERSITT EXTENSION SERVICE Scientists' views with the Oregon Department of chipped away at shrinking for the Columbia River Inter- their lives at sea. There's an (continued from page 6) Fish and Wildlife. "We now populations of wild salmon. Tribal Fish Commission, based awful lot about salmon in the know wood is important "We swamped the wild fish in Portland. He notes that the ocean we don't know." That because we have a lot of data to with these hatchery fish for hatchery fish used in restoration also makes it hard to calculate modify activities causing show this. But we still do not decades with the best intentions, should be descendents of the impacts of inland problems degradation or preventing have a lot of experience 'fixing' thinking that was the right thing salmon that evolved in the area. more precisely, he says. recovery," says Beschta, the things in complex systems. to do," says Jim Martin. "But However, some people Like a lot of other scientists. OSU hydrology researcher. "We can put wood back in rather than hand-wringing and contend that restoration suc- Chapman believes a wide range "This is sometimes called some locations and hope it blame-slinging, I think we cesses with hatchery-reared of human activities and natural passive restoration. It allows recreates the functions we lost. should celebrate that we're salmon have not been tested processes are responsible for the nature to do the job. We have some data to suggest finally smart enough to know over an extended period of time salmon decline. '"Where such efforts are still this is possible, but nothing long that hatcheries, the way we ran (over decades, for example). "Dams are a problem on the insufficient for recovery to term," adds Bottom. "While I them, hurt wild fish." There's a major research Columbia River," he says, "but occur," he continues, "interven- agree we need to try some Not every scientist has a need, according to Don what about livestock grazing, tion by humans, sometimes things, we also need to be negative view of hatcheries. Chapman, a fish biologist with a agricultural water withdrawals called active restoration, may be cautious and not make a lot of "The hatchery fish came from private consulting firm in Idaho. and logging? And salmon are in needed to make streams better local decisions that add up to native fish. They have the "The elephant sitting in the trouble in coastal streams where places for salmon to live." large-scale mistakes. Passive genetic traits to be very adap- front room," says Chapman, "is there are no dams. The problem A carefully timed combination restoration is a low-risk policy tive. There are successful ocean ecology. There's a lack of in part is that a lot of people approach may be best sometimes, that requires time. Active examples of restoration using understanding of that, even don't agree there are multiple and a long-term focus is always restoration is much more costly, hatchery-reared fish," says though many of these salmon causes. There are still a lot of important, he adds. will be difficult to afford on Henry Yuen, a fisheries biologist species spend more than half single-factor folks." Derek Godwin, a bioresources large scales, but may be useful engineer, is a watershed where passive processes will extension specialist in Coos and take too long by themselves." Curry counties with the OSU Whether the restoration is These seven make up Oregon's science team Sea Grant, agriculture and passive or active. Bill Krueger, forestry programs. Godwin the head of Oregon State Seven Northwest scientists "Our challenge is to synthe- Buckhouse, OSU Department of works on restoration projects University's Department of have a tough assignment from size research findings and other Rangeland Resouces; Wayne involving streams used by Rangeland Resources, says he the state of Oregon. kinds of information—to tell Elmore, U.S. Bureau of Land endangered coho and other salmon. thinks organizations like The seven scientists are the Oregonians what the science Management; Stan Gregory, "I'm for active restoration," watershed councils and Water- stale of Oregon's official says. We don't do policy." says OSU Department of Fisheries he says. "You should be shed Ecosystem Management "Independent, Multidisciplinary Logan Norris, the head of and Wildlife; Kathleen encouraging Mother Nature (WESt). a program the Oregon Science Team." The Legislature Oregon State University's Kavanagh, OSU Extension along to where she would go Cattlemen's Association and Gov. John Kitzhaber Department of Forest Science. Service and Department of anyway. With passive restora- developed to help residents authorized the team, which was The scientists are working on Forest Resources; James tion, it will get there, but it may learn more about how to protect appointed through a nomination more than a dozen projects. Lichatowich. Alder Fork mean waiting 20 years or more. and improve their watersheds, process, to obtain advice on They will issue reports to the Consulting; William Pearcy, The landowners I work with "are on the right track. They get matters of science related to the Legislature and the Governor OSU College of Oceanic and often are willing to protect people thinking of salmon when Oregon Plan for Salmon and over the next year or so. Atmospheric Sciences. salmon habitat by keeping they make decisions, and the Watersheds, a public/private Besides Norris, members of livestock out of the riparian decisions are site specific." attempt at salmon restoration the science team are: John —Andy Duncan |streamside| zone, or changing An area where quite a few (see related article, page 20). other ways they use the land. fish biologists, and some other But they definitely like to be active scientists, have similar views is in restoring the habitat, too." on hatcheries. They say salmon "From my perspective, the produced as a "commodity" in active versus passive restoration many hatcheries in the past hurl debate depends a lot on what we wild salmon, competing with think we know." says Dan them for habitat and food and Bottom, a research biologist allowing salmon harvests that Draw your watershed, professor suggests

Ray William, an Oregon State University horticulture professor, specializes i^ taking discussion of ecological systems down to a community level. In recent years. William has facilitated meetings of people who live in watersheds. "I use a four-step process to encourage people to look at the system as a whole." he says. "It's amazing how constructive this process is, compared to having people just come in and express their particular points of view. "One benefit always seems to be simply having folks at one end of a watershed meet those from the other end and start to understand how what they do is related and can affect the system," he adds. William suggests Oregonians experiment with the "systems approach." ""Do what I ask groups to do." he says. "Draw the watershed you t live in. Find relationships among the components. Look for areas where significant impact could occur—for leverage. It's the begin- ning of systems thinking. Then you can move toward assessing what's happening in your watershed and talking with others about what you want to happen in the future." Researchers from Oregon State University's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife track Chinook salmon in the Willamette —Andv Duncan River to leam more about migration pattems. The fish are fitted with tiny radio transmitters.

OREGON STATE UNTMERSITT EXTENSION SER\1CE SALMON IN OREGON 7 Up to here, we've offered you stories that provide general background informa- tion on salmon and surrounding issues. Now we're going to shift gears. Recently a group of individuals from a number of fields gathered on the Oregon State University campus. The group came up with a list of human activities and natural phenomena that have been identified widely as influences on salmon. These influences range from the fresh waters where salmon hatch, down the streams they travel to the ocean, and back to the home streams where they spawn and create the next generation. let's examine some human On the next few pages, each story will examine one or more of these influences. Most of the sto- ries will offer a variety of human perspectives. and natural influences on This isn't about blame. It's to give you a better understanding of the range of viewpoints that make the salmon crisis a public issue not easily Oregon's salmon "solved." We probably omitted worthy topics, unintention- ally. And the logic of how we picked some may not be obvious. For example, the topic of preda- tors could fit in several areas. We singled it out because often this seems to be a "flash point" in discussions of the salmon issue. We hope this information will help you fulfill your role as a citizen, including the very important activity of discussing the salmon issue with other Oregonians. Can you hear the water gurgling, high in a mountain stream? Off we go. —The Public Issues Education Group, OSU Extension Service

An adult, male Chinook salmon that is "ripe," or ready to spawn. Mining

By Bob Rost in the 1800s and early 1900s. Miners removed large amounts Mining and salmon Today, sand and gravel mining of the stream bed, then washed have had to share account for most of the mining and screened the material to find the same turf in the activity in the state. precious metals, and finally Pacific Northwest. Mineral mining in Oregon discarded the processed material Mining, whether for gold or began in the 1800s when gold along stream banks. Even in the gravel, usually takes place in or strikes were made in Baker and case of underground, or hard near streams and creeks, and Grant counties in eastern rock, mining, water from salmon use the same waterways Oregon and in Jackson County streams was needed to wash the for spawning and rearing. in southern Oregon. The mining mined material. Early miners Although not currently a practices of those days (some left huge piles of discarded major industry in Oregon, underground mining, but mostly rock, called tailings, near mining for precious metals has placer, or dredge, mining) streams, and these deposits are continued here from the early caused tremendous destruction still there today. days of settlement up to the of salmon habitat in streams and present. Finding gold and silver creeks. Placer or dredge mining Dredging for gravel, shown here on the Umpqua River, can reduce or eliminate mattered most to the first miners took place within the stream. (continued on page 9) salmon spawning habitat. The industry is funding research to reduce habitat impact.

8 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNIYERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE Mining (continued from rivers is also regulated by law. but slow-flowing water to live in as Department of Fish and Wildlife, page 8) the stakes are higher because they develop. Oregon State University and urban development activity is Further, removal of gravel Morse Bros., a sand and gravel These operations disrupted brisk in Oregon these days. That from the floodplains that line the extraction company. With money salmon activity in the affected means high demand for concrete Willamette Basin and other from the Oregon Aggregate streams and created permanent and asphalt, building products Oregon river systems also has Removal tax, the three are changes in stream structure. For that require liberal amounts of historically meant the loss of seeking ways to improve channels example, scooping out the stream gravel as a basic component. spawning habitat. for salmon during aggregate bed deepens the channel of the Most gravel extraction in the It is a situation that the Oregon removal. Started in March, the stream. This may increase the state takes place along rivers in Concrete and Aggregate Produc- plan has just begun, said Jeff speed of the water flow in the western Oregon. The mining ers Association is working now to Steyaert, the environmental stream while disturbing or areas are often located near large help remedy, according to their engineer for Morse Bros. destroying salmon spawning cities and towns, where most of Hydraulic mining like this disappeared spokesman. Rich Angstrom. "We're hoping this benefits not grounds and removing streamside the urban build-up in the state is in Oregon long ago, but some of the Recently, they entered into an just salmon, but all salmonids vegetation. Also, erosion from the taking place. For example, four damage to salmon habitat remains. agreement with the Oregon [salmon-type fish]," he said. tailings of hard rock mining carried gravel mining operations are trace amounts of toxic chemicals, located at the confluence of the such as mercury, into stream flows. McKenzie and Willamette rivers Fortunately for salmon, the near the Eugene-Springfield area. Forestry destructive placer mining and Gravel mining activities in dredging practices of the old gold Oregon can be divided into three rush days are no longer a threat to categories. Deep water dredging By Carol Savonen a huge torrent. These torrents of built on steep terrain in the Oregon streams, although Oregon for sand and gravel takes place in water and logs would scour 1940s through the 1960s, the State University fisheries the Columbia, Willamette and ^ ■ ^o early settlers and stream bottoms as logs pushed frequency of landslides in- biologist Judy Li emphasizes that Umpqua Rivers. This type of loggers, Oregon's gravel off stream bottoms, creased dramatically compared the effects of early mining dredging takes place in fairly forests seemed endless leaving bare bedrock. Salmon, to steep roadless terrain. practices are still with us. deep water near the main -A. and inexhaustible. But their habitat and their offspring Mechanized timber harvest "The old mine tailings taken channels of the rivers. in less time than it took to grow were often destroyed. and associated road construction out of streams and placed along In several Oregon rivers, them, most of the original • After World War II, heavy increased sediment into streams the banks, particularly in mostly on the west side of the forests were harvested. Forestry equipment was used to harvest and raised stream temperatures. Sumpter Valley east of John state, sand and gravel companies was Oregon's leading industry trees. Yarders, loaders, bulldoz- Inadequately designed road Day and on the John Day River, conduct gravel bar scalping for many decades. ers and trucks came down culverts blocked salmon are still there and still prevent- operations, which involves More than 40 percent of extensive networks of newly migration to spawning areas. ing the affected streams from removing material that builds up Oregon was once covered by built roads into areas formerly Until the 1980s, large woody operating as they did before on sand bars in the river. native forests. These forests inaccessible to timber harvest. debris was often removed from they were dredged," said Li. There are also gravel pits were important to salmon, for a On federal lands, there is now salmon streams because "That early stream dredging excavated by sand and gravel supply of cool, clean water and an average of between 3 and 4 biologists thought it helped fish created a long-term problem that companies in floodplain areas rearing and spawning habitats. miles of road per square mile of migrate upstream to spawn. won't just go away." near rivers. The four gravel mining Since the mid-1800s, intensive watershed area, according to a Gordon Reeves, a fish Li added that agencies such as operations mentioned above fall timber harvest has affected 1993 Federal Ecosystem biologist with the U.S. Forest the U.S. Forest Service are into this category. Gravel pits are salmon populations in coastal, Management Assessment Team Service Pacific Northwest exploring ways to restore streams located in areas where flood interior and mountain forestlands. Report. Forest Service studies that were dredged by early miners. activity of nearby rivers has Aquatic scientists have studied showed that where roads were (continued on page 10) Today, mining streams for caused huge amounts of sand and the effects of timber harvest on precious metals is pretty much gravel to accumulate over time. fish habitat for many decades. limited to what state officials call State laws regulate gravel They have learned that through recreational and part-time mining, mining on floodplains. The the past century and a half, which is done by citizens who Department of Environmental logging and road building and prospect for gold in their spare time. Quality plays a part in this related activities altered salmon "In many streams and creeks regulation because of its role in freshwater habitat in many ways. around the state, such as managing water quality. The For example: Quartzville Creek which empties Division of State Lands also is • In the 1800s, trees were into the North Santiam River, directly involved in regulating frequently removed from wooded recreational miners use small gravel mining due to its authority riversides and coastlines and suction dredges to search for gold to require a permit for the fill or floated away to mill sites. When or silver." said Li. removal of material in all waters the timber within easy access of a According to Jenifer Robison of of Oregon. For example, the DSL navigable stream or river was the Oregon Division of State Lands, regulates gravel bar scalping exhausted, logging operations part-time miners are generally operations by limiting the moved on. careful to observe the rules placed amount of gravel that can be Heavily logged river valleys on small-scale stream dredging. removed and requiring the resulted in unstable soils, higher "For example, dredging is operators to survey the removal water temperatures and increased allowed only in certain parts of site before and after the extrac- sediment deposits in spawning streams at certain times of the tion. Also, operators working on gravel. Food for fish declined and year." Robison said. "Also, no gravel bars cannot remove any rearing habitat disappeared with dredging is allowed beyond the material below the surface of the the trees. The supply of large, water"s edge on either side of a water and usually they cannot woody debris that naturally stream, miners cannot move large move any equipment into the water. formed the structure for fish trees and boulders or rocks in the These rules help protect habitat disappeared. stream, and miners cannot leave salmon that spawn in the shallow • Early logging operations holes in the stream bed that may gravel of shaded, calm portions of built temporary structures called trap fish when water levels drop streams and rivers. The removal "splash dams" across small in the stream." of sand and gravel below the streams in more than 160 State law has also designated water surface deepens streams, locations on Oregon's coastal some parts of streams and rivers disturbing spawning grounds, streams and Columbia River to be "essential salmon habitat." and possibly causing the rate of tributaries. First, a dam was and dredging is closely regulated water flow in the stream to built and filled with water. in those areas. speed up. This is detrimental to When it was blown up, mam- Logging practices and associated road building have damaged salmon habitat. Today Gravel extraction from Oregon juvenile salmon that need calm. moth logs roared downstream in the forest industry is working with others to minimize its impact on salmon.

OREGON STATE UNTVERSITV EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 9 Forestry the basis for stream structure, says a study conducted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wilkeson, legislative director for (continued from page 9) fish habitat. Wood, creating Oregon Forest Resources The forest industry, from large the Oregon Forest Industry backwaters and pools, trapped Institute, a state-chartered corporations to small-woodlot Council. "We have supported Research Station in Corvallis, spawning gravel, provided organization, showed that about owners, has faced many changes significant increases in the level has investigated the impact of detritus [loose material] for the 90 percent of the forest land base because of regulations established of regulation over time. And we forestry throughout the Pacific energy base of the stream. Wood in Oregon in 1600 exists today. to protect natural resources. have complied, as long as the Northwest, from Alaska to was the glue that held together "What I'm doing on my place Environmental laws, such as the regulations are based upon Oregon. He says we have the whole stream and river primarily is putting wood back Oregon Forest Practices Act on science and newly learned changed our forest ecosystems systems. And wood is woefully in the streams," said Arsenault. state and private lands and the information. For example, we are in profound ways in terms of inadequate now. "This is very important as an Northwest Forest Plan on inventorying old logging roads salmon habitat. "If we want to restore habitat interim step [in improving westside federal timber lands, are because they have been a problem "We have altered the natural for salmon we are going to have salmon habitat]. Current forest changing forestry practices. for water quality and fish in the processes that originally created to do more than pat ourselves on practices are designed to allow Buffer strips of trees must be left past, and either rehabilitating or our forested and aquatic the back for putting in a few logs the natural system to put wood along most year-round streams to repairing them or putting culverts ecosystems," said Reeves. "You here and there in a stream," back in the streams. But that's a provide shade and a source of in them to provide safe passage have all the immediate effects, continued Reeves. "We aren't long-term process." wood. Reforestation is required. for fish." like increased sediment into acknowledging the causes of Although timber practices are Culverts are better designed to Today, the forest industry, streams and increased water watershed habitat degradation— now changing for the better and allow fish to pass, and road university researchers, citizens in temperatures. But you also have we are merely treating the public land managers are now construction standards are much watershed councils and the to look at the big picture—we symptoms. To have adequate protecting more areas for natural, stricter. Fish and wildlife habitat government are working together have harvested the timber to habitat for wild salmon, we will non-consumptive uses including must be protected in certain areas. more than ever to try to minimize such a sheer magnitude, over need to manage whole water- wilderness, wildlife, fisheries and On federal lands, watershed forestry's impact on salmon such a wide area of land, so sheds, whole ecosystems differ- water quality, the salmon will be reserves have been set aside to habitat, especially in the Oregon much more frequently than ently. We aren't doing this yet." affected by past forest practices help threatened species such as Plan, to promote recovery of natural disturbances like However, Bill Arsenault. who for many decades, said Reeves. spotted owls and marbled Oregon's native salmon stocks. wildfire occur—that the entire operates a small woodland farm But notwithstanding past murrelets, and these areas also "We all want pretty much the ecosystem is different. near Elkton and is a vice problems, the healthiest remain- help salmon. same thing—to manage the forest "We no longer have signifi- president of the Oregon Small ing habitat for salmon is in some "The Oregon Forest Practices so it doesn't degrade fish habitat," cant large woody debris in the Woodlands Association, has a forested areas, said Jim Martin, an Act is a dynamic statute—it is said Wilkeson. "But we don't streams and rivers. Wood was different perspective. Arsenault assistant director of the Oregon ever changing," said Ray want to be put out of business." Ranching

By Andy Duncan have the added benefit of saving functioning natural systems. salmon." According to Kauffman. eating or trampling plants that taxpayers millions of dollars. We're open to change, and we cattle and other livestock can: provide shade and by altering There is ranching As it stands now, the public have our own kind of internal • Graze vegetation and plant life on uplands (land through much of ends up 'paying" ranchers to regulation. We don't support trample stream banks, which above a stream). Oregon. This includes maintain a lifestyle that destroys ranchers if they are abusing the can change the shape of the • Remove streamside vegeta- the beef cattle and salmon habitat. On private land, land." stream's channel, making it less tion that is an important source dairy industries. But it's ranchers must keep their cows Boone Kauffman, a professor suitable for salmon survival. of nutrients for aquatic insects different in the higher, drier out of the streams. That's just in Oregon State University's • Alter a stream's water salmon feed on. country east of the Cascades common sense and should be a Department of Fisheries and quality through fecal inputs and "The bottom line," he says, than on the rain-soaked lands of basic cost of doing business." Wildlife, says "ranching doesn't sediment caused by trampling. "is that in a good ecological western Oregon. The reason Sharon Beck, president of the impact salmon. Cows impact • Make water warmer by system you can probably have isn't simply precipitation. Oregon Cattlemen's Association, some grazing. But in degraded In western Oregon, most of the looks at salmon and livestock systems it's tougher, especially livestock graze on private land, in very differently. where the salmon are just eastern Oregon, many ranchers in "We spend a lot of time hanging on. If you ask the the beef cattle industry lease trying to negate the misinforma- question, what's the most rapid federal property managed by the tion people put out." saj S Beck. way to recover an ecosystem, Bureau of Land Management and who ranches with her husband it's complete rest." the Forest Service to augment in Union County along the Bill Krueger. head of OSU's their own land. Grande Ronde River. "A lot of Department of Rangeland When it comes to ranching them don't have a clue about the Resources, works with a lot of and salmon, there are plenty of land, the watersheds. They're ranchers. perspectives. They range as never out there. "People abusing their re- wide as the western landscape: "What I'd like people to sources are probably detrimental "East of the Cascades. know about the ranchers of to salmon." he says. "People livestock grazing has had the Oregon is that we're in this— trying to do a good job manag- greatest impact on salmon clean water, good habitat for ing resources are probably outside of the dams." says Bill salmon—up to our eyebrows. neutral. People setting out to Marlett. executive director of It's our land these people are enhance salmon probably are. the Bend-based Oregon Natural talking about. Many of us have "My attitude toward the Desert Association. been here for generations. The whole salmon and grazing thing "I think we have grossly Oregon Cattlemen's Association is that it's as much a discussion underestimated the impact on is going to continue its pro- over paradigms as of science." watersheds and water quality grams like the WESt [Watershed says Krueger. "I think there is a caused by livestock," he adds. Ecosystems Management] group of people who say. 'what "To restore habitat and water program that help people do a can we do to protect the earth quality, we must phase out better job of promoting properly from the evils of man.' instead livestock grazing on our public of saying, "what can we do to lands. Because taxpayers Right Livestock can damage salmon sustain our natural resources habitat in several ways. Now ranchers subsidize livestock grazing on have a program to promote property our public lands, this would functioning watershed ecosystems. (continued on page 11)

10 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE L'NIMRSm" EXTENSION SERMCE Ranching done between the 1890s and the fish conservation group, says can be keeping them from distribute cattle up away from (continued from page 10) 1930s," Jaindl says. "Ranchers livestock still are causing some congregating on their own in the the streams. It really works. are living with the legacy of the damage. Streamside areas, where wrong place. In eastern Oregon, We've done other things like and at the same time help people past. From what I've seen, many livestock tend to congregate, are many roam free in the spring, putting in culverts so water make a living so they can pay of today's ranchers are trying to do not recovering as quickly as summer and fall. Bob Morse, who doesn't run over roads and taxes and support their families.'" something positive. upland areas, he asserts. ranches near Troy in northeastern cause erosion." Generally, Oregon rangelands "But it's difficult," he adds. With dairy cattle, one of the Oregon, says he's made changes "Ranching has been harmful," are improving, although "it's still 'They can be doing all the right major challenges is managing on land he owns and land he says Bill Bakke, head of the bad" in some areas, asserts Ray things and not meet the expecta- waste. Cows are brought into a leases from the govemment. Oregon Native Fish Society. "But Jaindl, who's in charge of the tions of a lot of groups in, say, a confined space for milking. Many "The streams are not fish- I think some ranchers have shown Oregon Department of Agriculture's five-year period. Many places in of their owners are installing bearing, but the water in them it doesn't have to be. Overall, I'm natural resources division. eastern Oregon are dry, and it special tanks to store manure until gets into streams with salmon," optimistic. Once people recognize "Until about the 1940s, livestock may take 50 or 100 years." it can be used in an environmen- Morse says. "We've made a lot of their individual practices are numbers were very high, and a lot Jim Myron, the conservation tally "friendly" manner. changes—dozens of ponds, harmful, they'll want to make of the most severe damage was director of Oregon Trout, a native With beef cattle, the challenge troughs and salt blocks that changes." Farming

By Bob Rost aquatic organisms that salmon ,j Streif noted that many feed on. Meandering streams farmers around the state are trying Because farmed crops form pools near bends in the to avoid over-taxing water need water and fertile stream that serve as holding areas ^jfl^H JMM' resources in streams by working soil, a lot of Pacific for adult salmon and rearing areas together in watershed groups to Northwest farming " for juvenile salmon. coordinate the timing of their takes place very near to the Plowing cropland contributes alfc'* > irrigation demands on a particular waterways that salmon need to to soil erosion and buildup of JH ST stream or creek. complete their life cycle. sedimentation in streams, which Dave Buchanan, an Oregon Typical farming methods, such tends to cover salmon spawning Department of Fish and Wildlife as irrigation, tilling and fertiliz- grounds. Application of fertilizers w55«^K biologist who also farms near ing the soil, can bring about a and other chemicals leads to the L^lr--l ■T" • fc^B Corvallis, sees watershed working variety of changes in streams and release of trace amounts of j \v V >1\^M\^ *. \ ■ groups as one of the best things creeks running near cropland. nitrates ;ind pesticides into stream farmers are doing to help salmon. Agriculture has had a huge flows that may affect organisms "Watershed groups include impact on salmon spawning that salmon feed on and the farmers and other landowners in ^i* 4 U grounds in low elevation areas, oxygen content in the water. a particular watershed," said according to Geoff Pampush. Mike Wolf, water quality Buchanan. "These groups executive director of Oregon specialist with the Oregon ^> JB 4 § provide opportunities for people Trout. The best farmland is Department of Agriculture, Aw l*i concerned about the watershed located in valley floor areas believes that improved crop they live in to talk to each other. with ample supplies of water management practices, such as As a wildlife biologist and a from rivers and streams, he said. the use of cover crops between it^mmii farmer I believe it's important mM ; Those same streams were also plant rows to soak up fertilizer for landowners and biologists to once prime salmon spawning not used by the primary crop, listen to each other. Watershed and rearing habitat, but continu- will help keep nitrates from working groups provide a forum ous agricultural activity on fertilizers out of streams. He where this can happen." adjacent lands eventually altered agrees that soil erosion from farm Many watershed groups such the streams, causing the fish to fields into streams is harmful to ^W\ as the Trout Creek group in seek spawning grounds up salmon spawning habitat. eastern Oregon, and the Mary's higher where streams flow "I'm not sure that we've River, Tillamook. Coquille through forestland, he added. pinned down exactly how much »fjt River and Illinois Valley groups For example, streams on agriculture, forestry or urban B in western Oregon, are well- Farming, including irrigation, has changed the landscape in and around9 many Oregon farmland may be straightened, development contributes to it. established. Others are forming streams. Today farmers, with others, are developing more "fish friendly" practices. or "channelized," to increase the but soil erosion into streams that around the state. rate of water drainage during leads to buildup of sediment in Kent Madison, a farmer near winter or to improve their gravel beds that salmon use for completely. This can be very Resources Conservation Hermiston in eastern Oregon, efficiency in providing irriga- spawning is something that must harmful to salmon if it happens Service, push-up dams are being said the most important thing tion water. This is often be looked at." said Wolf. "Erosion while eggs or juveniles are in replaced by other methods of farmers could do for salmon is achieved by taking all vegeta- control is an issue that agriculture the stream. diverting irrigation water such to fence off streams on farm tion, such as fallen trees, out of is looking to improve in." Other problems include as gravel intake infiltration property. That's what he has the stream, and clearing stream Farmers control erosion by irrigation intakes that lead fish galleries. These are subsurface done along streams on his banks of vegetation. The stream using cover crops to stabilize the into ditches and fields that will water intakes consisting of a 15,000-acrefarm. banks may be "rip-rapped." or soil during winter rains. They use dry out when the intake is system of tubes under a grate "There's no question that armored with the addition of reduced tillage methods to protect closed, and push-up dams used covered with gravel. Water sinks historically, some farming large chunks of rock to stabilize bare soil with a layer of crop plant to divert irrigation water from through the gravel into the practices have caused problems them. This prevents the stream residue. the stream channel to nearby gallery and is pumped out of in streams." said Madison. from meandering, or changing Taking water out of the fields. Push-up dams are banks the stream. This allows "However, streams can recover its course gradually over time. stream for irrigatisn can also of gravel and soil pushed up in removal of water without if they are protected. If the Salmon and other wildlife affect salmon. If so much water the middle of a stream with a disturbing the stream, said public can come up with a way benefit from vegetation in and is removed from a stream that it tractor or other piece of heavy Streif. And it enables farmers to compensate farmers for the along the banks of streams. becomes very shallow, the water farm equipment. Their construc- to accurately measure the taxes they have to pay on land Fallen trees in streams create temperature may increase, tion obliterates spawning amount of water they take, she set aside to create buffer zones pools where salmon can spaun. which is detrimental to juvenile grounds near the dam while added. along streams, before long we and vegetation on stream banks salmon. Or. in extreme cases, if reducing the stream flow below Farmers keep fish out of would have more fish than we shades the water, keeping it cool several irrigation demands are the dam to a trickle. diversion ditches and irrigated know what to do with." while creating a rich environment made on a stream at the same According to Bianca Streif. fields by putting screens on for large and small insects and time, it may almost dry up state biologist with the Natural irrigation intakes. (continued on page 12)

OREGON STATE fNTVERSITV EXTENSION SERMCE SALMON IN OREGON 11 Farming affects fisheries is either farming characteristics, Streif explained. It quite a bit, she added. they've made changes in their (continued from page 11) all the way through the riparian will tend to meander and have "Salmon have a complex life soil and water management zone, or farming too close to the rapidly flowing shallow stretches cycle and they need diversity in practices, according to Madison. Streif agrees with Madison edge of the stream," Streif said. in combination with deep, cool the habitat structure of the stream But the public needs to remem- that protecting streams is a high When left to develop natu- pools where flow rates are slow, in order to survive," Streif said. ber that farming is a business priority for helping salmon. rally, a stream becomes a and the vegetation in the stream People in farming have and farmers are influenced by "The primary way that farming complex system of different and along its banks will vary learned from past mistakes and economic factors, he added. Dams

By Tom Gentle Jackson Street Dam in Medford is being replaced by a Dams pose stark and smaller structure that will allow difficult choices in fish passage, and Savage Rapids the debate about the Dam on the Rogue near Grants future of salmon. Pass is under consideration for There is little good that can be removal. said about the effects dams have Breaching dams in the on salmon populations. On the Columbia-Snake system is also other hand, few would deny that being considered, an action that dams have made our lives better. would have more far-reaching It's important to note that any consequences as well as discussion of dams involves two opposition. The U.S. Army distinct sets of dams. Corps of Engineers is conduct- 1) The federal dams in the ing a feasibility study to remove Columbia-Snake River system, the earthen portion of four lower which includes 14 dams on the Snake River dams. It is felt that Columbia and 13 on the Snake. breaching would reduce the These dams constitute a sophisti- number of salmon that die cated, interlinked system that passing each dam, increase the generates electricity and provides flow of water and speed benefits to navigation, flood migrating salmon downriver, control and irrigation to the entire and create spawning habitat. region and beyond. The Corps of Engineers is also 2) The dams that are not part of studying a proposal to lower the the Federal Columbia River 76-mile-long reservoir behind Power System. Within the John Day Dam to expose what Columbia Basin—including, in scientists say is about 40 miles Oregon, the Willamette and Matt Adams, a technician with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, holds a chinook salmon just downstream of ideal fall chinook spawning Deschutes rivers—there are 136 from Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Adams works at his agency's nearby Bonnevile fish hatchery. ground. dams that provide hydropower These studies are to be and other benefits. In addition, • Spill water over the dams at into account the biological and completed in 1999. Among the there are as many as 3,600 critical times to speed down- physical conditions that salmon issues raised by critics of these smaller dams in Oregon that fc stream migration. need to survive," said Bill Liss, an proposals are: provide water for municipal, • Install screens and bypass OSU fisheries biologist. • Loss of electrical power industrial, irrigation, livestock systems to divert fish away from As an example, he pointed to generating capacity of five dams and rural uses. turbines. the massive release of water on and the revenues from selling There are two major issues • Continue transporting the Colorado River that created the electricity. An increase in with dams. juvenile salmon downstream in new gravel bars, pools and other reliance on natural gas, a fossil • Dams block fish passage barges to avoid killing fish at each conditions needed by native fish. fuel, for electricity. upstream to areas where salmon dam and to speed their trip He also noted that new surface • Loss of the shipping once reproduced and spent their downstream. bypass systems to get smolts past corridor from Lewiston. Idaho, early lives. Grand Coulee on the • Lower the water level behind the turbines take into account the to Portland. An estimated $440 Columbia River and Hells some dams to the top of the surface-oriented nature of million worth of commodities Canyon on the Snake perma- spillway. migrating juvenile salmon. "This move on the lower Snake River nently block 1,200 miles of • Remove or breach some dams. approach has promise, and it every year. those mainstem rivers once used Each of these solutions is doesn't mean we have to return • Loss of irrigation for 36,000 by salmon. Similarly, dams surrounded by controversy and the river to its pre-European irrigated acres that are used to block rivers and streams in the scientific uncertainty. For condition." grow grapes, apples and potatoes. Willamette Valley, central 1 1 example, spilling water over the Removal or breaching of The debate will begin in Oregon. Klamath County and Dams restrict fish passage to the ocean dams is costly in terms of lost dams is being seriously consid- earnest when the Corps of southeastern Oregon. and back to spawning grounds. electric power generation. The ered for some non-Columbia- Engineers' report and recom- • Dams reduce the number of National Research Council Snake system dams. "Many of mendations are made public. At juvenile salmon that migrate downstream migration. The delay endorsed barging as an effective these dams are licensed by the the center of the debate will be downstream to the ocean. On interferes with internal biological approach for moving juvenile Federal Energy Regulatory an issue raised by Bruce the Columbia-Snake system, changes that enable the young salmon downstream, though Commission. When their Lovelin, executive director of juvenile salmon that remain in salmon to survive in saltwater. noted that more information is licenses expire, they may have the Columbia River Alliance the river on their downstream In addition, the slack water needed about how many of the to install fish passage facilities for Fish, Commerce, and migration must pass eight dams. exposes them to northern young salmon return as adults and to get renewed if required by the Communities. An estimated 10 to 15 percent pikeminnows, also known as successfully spawn. appropriate federal agency to "We know the economic die passing through the turbines squawfish, and other predators, "Some of these solutions, like protect salmon. It's too costly consequences of the proposed at each dam—which means 60 including several introduced barging, attempt to get around for some of the dam operators permanent drawdowns are great. to 70 percent of those fish will species, walleye and bass. natural processes rather than and it's possible the dams will However, the biological merits never reach the ocean. The dams A number of solutions have create conditions that salmon are be removed," said Peter Paquet of dam removal have not been also create a series of lakes, been proposed to reduce the harm adapted to. Instead, we should be of the Northwest Power Plan- made clear." he said. slowing the current and delaying caused by dams: looking for solutions that take ning Council.

12 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UMVERSITV EXTENSION SERVICE Urban life

By Carol Savonen of the ways urban life impacts According to city councilor salmon: Sten and natural resource People have always • While salmon have de- manager Abrams, major traveled along, clined, people have become ever Portland-area efforts to help the and settled near, water. more plentiful. Human popula- steelhead recover will include: Early Oregon settlers tions have skyrocketed in the • Getting rid of raw sewage in followed major river drainages, Pacific Northwest in the past the Willamette River. By separat- down the Columbia or across two centuries, from 100,000 in ing the storm water system from the Cascade Mountains, then about 1800, to 1 million in the sewer system, there will be passed down river corridors to 1900, to almost 10 million as we less overflow of raw sewage the west. These same routes approach the year 2000. into the river during periods of became the major transportation According to the National heavy rain. corridors in the state. Like beads Research Council's calculation, • Establishing stricter rules on a necklace, the urban centers if the population growth for floodplain and stream of Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, continues at the rate it has in the corridor development, including Salem and Portland are strung past half century, the population better erosion control in and together by the Willamette in 2100 will be more than 65 along waterways with construc- River. East of the Cascades, million people. tion practices and timing. major population centers like • We have eliminated or • Increasing public awareness The Dalles, Bend and Pendleton degraded most of the wetlands about how daily activities such are also on rivers. in our urban areas. These as the consumption of water and About 70 percent of the streams and rivers were once the use of pesticides and lawn people in our region live on important spawning and rearing chemicals affect local streams about 2 percent of the total land habitats. They have been and rivers. mass of the Pacific Northwest. dammed for early hydropower, • Reducing use of chemicals in With that concentration of polluted, channelized, stabi- city parks and other public lands. humans, many square miles of lized, culverted and dewatered. • Restoring habitat for salmon what was once premier salmon Estuaries, wetlands where fresh on the Willamette River and habitat—low-elevation wet- water meets saltwater and tributary streams. lands, salt marshes, estuaries, crucial rearing areas for several "All these things we propose streams and backwaters—are species of salmon, are places are in and of themselves good, now covered with parking lots, where people built towns and regardless of the steelhead factories, lawns, airports, dredged waterways. The listing," added Sten. "If we shopping centers, subdivisions Columbia River estuafy, now a clean up our rivers, I really and roads. center for industry and shipping, think the fish will come back. "Aquatic habitats in urban has lost almost two-thirds of its They are tough creatures." areas are more highly altered tidal swamps and marshes But urban areas are more than in any other land-use type because of diking and filling. difficult to restore than agricul- in the Pacific Northwest," • We have altered the natural In some areas in Oregon, what was premier salmon habitat—low-elevation wetlands, tural or forested areas. salt marshes, estuaries, streams and backwaters—is now covered with parking lots, explained Stan Gregory, river way water travels in our urban factories, lawns, airports, shopping centers, subdivisions and roads. This is Portland. "You can't just go in and tear ecologist in Oregon State regions. Hundreds of square everything out in the city and University's Department of miles of pavement prevents bring it back to its original Fisheries and Wildlife. "The natural rainwater from cycling state," said Abrams. "But you proportion of the streams within back into the groundwater or can be sensitive to the needs of the urban areas that are de- entering streams and wetlands. the aquatic ecosystem when you graded is greater than the Natural seeps and springs have redevelop or build a new area. proportion of highly altered dried up. Rain hits roofs, rain "Basically what we are doing streams on agricultural, range or gutters and parking lots, then now is assessing what our forested lands. Though the total flows into storm sewers and is impacts as a city are." she said. urban area may be small, cities channeled out into the sewage "Then we will learn how to and towns are located at system, then into the rivers. change." biologically critical positions on Flood control structures such as Groups such as the Portland major rivers, tributary junctions dikes and berms prevent water Home Builders Association and estuaries." from following its natural have serious concerns about the "Our urban areas contained course on river floodplains. consequences of increased low-elevation wetlands and • Urban runoff is not just regulations that may come with estuaries that were some of the rain—it is pollution. Petroleum Orgeonians in cities and small towns around the state will need to make changes in saving the salmon. how they live to make salmon recovery successful in their areas, many observers say. most productive salmon habitat products, air pollution "We are very concerned with on earth." said Geoff Pampush, byproducts. lawn and garden water out of salmon habitat for Portland's response to the what might happen with executive director of Oregon chemicals, sewage and other human needs. The more water National Marine Fisheries Service measures to restore salmon runs Trout, a conservation group. urban dirt gets picked up by we take for urban use. the less is steelhead listing. "We have no in Portland and other cities on "People think that forest land is rainwater and flushed into our left for salmon. quarrel with it. They are going the Willamette." said Kelly the best habitat for salmon. That rivers. People illegally dispose of With the listing of the extinct. The big question is, can Ross, director of government may be true today, but in the household chemicals down storm steelhead as threatened on the the listing become a key force in affairs of the Portland Home past, low-elevation areas where drains. Construction sites send lower Columbia River— restoring salmon in our area? Builders Association. our cities lie were some of the large amounts of sediment into including the Portland Metro "Portlanders generally really "We've already gotten a taste best spawning habitat." the waterways in the rainy season. area—the Endangered Species want to see rivers and streams of restrictions through Title III What changes have occurred • When we cut trees for views Act (ESA) has come "down- cleaned up." continued Sten. [a requirement Metro, a Port- in our urban areas over time, and development, we remove the town" to urban Oregonians. "They want to get waste out of land-area regional government from a salmon's point of view? cooling shade along urban "The listing of the steelhead the Willamette and restore fish agency, is implementing along Mary Abrams. soil scientist and waterways. was a major wakeup call to us." habitat. We are trying to respond with local governments]. With natural resource manager for the • With increasing needs for said Eric Sten. Portland city with a proactive plan. And we City of Portland describes some urban drinking water, we take councilor, who is coordinating are going to need a lot of help." (continued on page 14)

OREGON STATE UNTMRSITT EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 13

-& Urban life a 50-foot corridor on all sides keep it out of the rainy season." involved—from citizens, to urban continued. "You have to be careftil (continued from page 13) from a stream, river or wetland. Ross said he is not against industries, to farming, fishing, that no one group is feeling singled And that requirement might even saving salmon. But he thinks for ranching and forestry. out. No one should be forced to that, we've had to adhere to get bigger. We already use silt urban interests to truly work "All various interests need to correct a situation if others don't increased setbacks from all fences, which are really expen- successfully to improve odds for take a cooperative approach, and have to. Everybody has to give waterways with our equipment sive. Now there's talk of shorten- the salmon, there needs to be a be sensitive and aware of what something up. Otherwise salmon and buildings. We have to have ing the construction season, to broad-based effort by all parties other groups are giving up," Ross recovery will never work." Hatcheries

By Theresa Novak the tail, called an adipose fin, and dying in woodland streams. that is clipped before the smolts This, means the loss of an Young salmon are leave the hatchery. important source of food for deceptively easy to Onno Husing, executive bears, foxes, eagles and rac- produce artificially. director of the Oregon Coastal coons, as well as in-stream Cannery operators Zone Management Association, animals. built the first hatcheries in said some people are convinced "We're just beginning to Oregon in the late 1870s, on the that 50 years of aggressive understand how important those Clackamas and Rogue rivers. hatchery propagation has carcasses are to the whole Their goal was to increase destroyed all of the wild fish. ecosystem of that habitat," said salmon runs by artificially "It's a viewpoint at one end Jim Martin, a chief developer of combining salmon genetic of the spectrum, but it's out the Oregon Plan for Salmon and material to create baby salmon there," he said. Watersheds. fry, and then releasing the But other groups, including Salmon also are important to juvenile smolts to join wild young Oregon Trout, a native fish the culture and economy of salmon swimming seaward from conservation group, and the Pacific Northwest native their upstream spawning grounds. National Marine Fisheries American tribes. Today, more than 70 percent of Service, the federal agency in For centuries, salmon served Oregon's salmon start life not in charge of protecting wild both as an important food streams but in a fish hatchery. salmon, believe wild fish runs source and cultural icon for the The role of salmon hatcheries and genetically wild fish still native people of the Northwest. has shifted several times over exist. But without consulting them, the years between a remedy for They believe that wild federal and state governments lost fish habitat to a method of salmon runs can be built back blocked salmon streams with helping boost wild salmon stock up if salmon streams are dams and then built hatcheries restoration. returned to their natural condi- downstream rather than in the But the evidence is mounting tions and enough wild fish come upstream fishing grounds of the that the economic value from back to reproduce there. tribes. using hatchery salmon to Underlying all of this is Yet some see modem hatcher- supplement wild runs has come Oregon's Wild Fish Manage- ies that manage for genetic at a high cost to the health of the ment Policy, which was for- diversity as an important wild salmon. mally adopted by the Oregon component in salmon recovery. Large-scale construction of Department of Fish and Wildlife Henry Yuen, a fisheries salmon hatcheries didn't begin in 1992. It declares that it is the biologist for the Columbia River until after massive dams rose in goal "of the people of the state Inter-Tribal Fish Commission in the Columbia River Basin. of Oregon to restore native Portland, said hatcheries may stocks of salmon and trout to their become intensive care centers in In 1938, Congress passed the A hatchery worker in the early 1980s. Many biologists say salmon produced in Mitchell Act to provide federal hatcheries have contributed to the loss of wild salmon. Others argue that historic levels of abundance." the salmon recovery process, money for aggressive construc- hatcheries, managed differently, can play a role in the recovery of wild salmon. The goal of the wild fish incubating dwindling stocks of tion of hatcheries as a way of policy is to reduce the negative wild salmon for re-release into replacing the thousands of acres and tastes like a salmon, who device built into these fish to effect that the hatcheries have restored habitats. of salmon spawning grounds cares where its parents were, or allow them to find their way had on the wild fish, while still "Not every scientist has a that were blocked or flooded where and how it was hatched? back to their native streams. maintaining the economic value negative view of hatcheries, and behind dams. Subsequently, But between the mid-50s and This was clearly evident on of the fisheries and the commu- some offer solutions on how to more than 80 were built in the early 1970s, scientists increas- the lower Columbia River. By nities that rely on them. use them properly," Yuen said. Columbia River Basin. ingly found there was plenty to 1991. the National Marine Many involved in salmon For example, hatchery fish Along the Oregon coast, be concerned about. They were Fisheries Service could find no restoration groups and projects have been used to repopulate hatcheries were used to increase saying that the mass production significant remnants of native say it is easy to see now where and re-establish extinct wild the numbers of salmon for sport of hatchery salmon was harming coho salmon in the river. the major mistakes were made runs, such as the ones in the fishing. The Oregon Department the remaining wild salmon runs Hatchery fish were less able in early hatchery management Umatilla River. Considered a of Fish and Wildlife operates 34 and endangering the future to survive in the ocean than wild programs. conspicuous success, the salmon hatcheries. There are 10 welfare of salmon populations. fish, although as smolts the Diseases and parasites spread massive project cost more than additional ones through ""They were like a large, larger, artificially reared easily in hatchery fish, and the 550 million to bring hatchery- ODFW's volunteer-operated unregulated experiment," said hatchery fish sometimes out- long-term effects of early cures reared salmon back to a river Salmon Trout Enhancement Jim Lichatowich. a fisheries competed the smaller native sometimes were worse than the where runs of coho and chinook Program, known as STER biologist and salmon consultant fish. disease. had been extinct for more than Fish from these hatchery in the Seattle area. If some salmon streams Little study was given to the 70 years. programs sometimes are used to Early hatchery management contain 70 percent or more of long-term effects that mass Those hatchery fish appear to stock so-called artificially often involved little more than hatchery fish, how do you tell a releases of hatchery salmon be surviving and behaving as if created water systems that are transporting the biggest, most hatchery salmon from a wild would have on the health of they were bom to be wild. Yuen not connected to wild streams. desirable species of salmon salmon? streams and the other life forms said. Such hatchery enhancements from one river to another. Little Other than DNA testing, in them. were favored by people who was understood then about the many hatchery salmon can be Because hatchery salmon do thought that if it looks like a unique genetic makeup of each identified because they are not return to spawning grounds. salmon, catches like a salmon salmon run. and the "homing"" missing a tiny, unused fin near fewer salmon are laying eggs

14 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNIMRSITV EXTENSION SERVICE Commercial fishing

By Tom Gentle • A non-Indian gillnet fishery Commercial salmon trolling The situation of the treaty earn a decent living from salmon on the lower Columbia River. licenses in Oregon rose to more Indians is more complicated. alone appear to be over. The decline of salmon About 100 fishermen participate than 8,000 in 1980. By 1993, Before court decisions that "Salmon trolling was the has had a decidedly in a special fishery for aquacul- there were fewer than 2,000 recognized their rights to salmon, traditional entry point into the negative effect on the ture-raised salmon in Youngs Bay. licenses. That figure is now landings of fall chinook varied fishing industry for young people. commercial salmon Gillnetters, who use a net that estimated to have dropped to from 40,000 to 57,000 fish each They learned how to fish and fishing industry in Oregon. To entangles fish by the gills, can 1,200 licenses, according to year. In 1975, the catch peaked at moved to bigger boats in other make matters worse, the also catch hatchery runs if there is Heikkila. But only about 300 of 140,000 fish. In 1997, that fisheries," said Ginny Goblirsch, industry and fish managers must a surplus. In addition, sturgeon those license holders reported number dropped to 39,400 fish. OSU Extension Sea Grant agent. bear much of the blame. Over- gillnetters are allowed to keep 100 making any landings this year. "The size of the tribal catch "Not only are a lot of people losing fishing in the past, based on spring chinook caught accidentally Astoria was the site of a huge depends on the size of the a livelihood, for many families a unrealistic harvest levels and while fishing for sturgeon. salmon gillnet fishery early in the returning salmon run, so it way of life is coming to an end." reliance on hatchery salmon, • A treaty Indian gillnet fishery 20th century. Most of the fluctuates from year to year," said Most observers see a limited contributed to the present situation. on the Columbia River between remaining gillnetters now fish in Rick Taylor, public information future for commercial salmon What is overfishing? In the Bonneville and McNary dams. Alaska and rarely set their nets on officer for the Columbia River fishing on the Oregon coast. case of salmon, it means This year, four Indian tribes are the Columbia River. Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Restrictions being considered for fishermen caught too many fish entitled to catch 40,000 fall According to a report on the "But it's fair to say that few if any various chinook populations could and didn't let enough return to chinook and a specified number economic impact of fishing tribal fishers can make a moderate squeeze the trailers even more. their native streams to spawn. of steelhead under treaties with restrictions on Oregon's salmon living by fishing." Jeff Feldner is an optimist "Escapement" is the term given the U.S. government specifying trolling fleet prepared for the To add to these economic about the future. "The best thing to the number of adult fish that that the tribes reserved the right to Oregon Coastal Zone Manage- woes, the ready availability of we can do is bring habitat back in return to spawn because they fish "at all usual and accustomed ment Association, commercial salmon from aquaculture line with what we know to be escaped being caught. fishing sites in common with salmon fishing is expected to operations around the world has suitable for spawning and rearing. In order to increase the citizens of the United States." The generate $4 million in personal depressed the prices commercial And we need to continue to hold escapement of certain species fall chinook run is in the best income in 1998. This compares to salmon fishermen receive for catch rates down. If we get the and runs of salmon, fishing condition of all the salmon on the a yearly average of $41 million in their catch. Some salmon trailers cold water conditions [ocean regulations have placed ever Columbia River. In 1998, a total 1976-80; an average of $14 million can supplement their income by upwelling] we had in the 1960s tighter controls on commercial fall chinook run of 232,000 fish is in 1981-85, a period that includes fishing for other species such as and 70s, fish will come back if we and sport fishermen. Fishing expected, including both hatchery a severe El Nino; and a yearly albacore, crab and bottomfish. have the habitat," he said. seasons for various salmon and wild fish. average of $25 million in 1986-90. But the days when a trailer could species have been closed. For In addition, commercial others there are shorter seasons, fishermen from British Columbia quotas on the number of fish and southeast Alaska catch that can be caught, or gear chinook that originate in the restrictions such as mesh size in Columbia River system and the nets that allow fish to avoid coasts of Oregon and Washington. being caught. The Pacific Northwest fish are "There's probably no natural mixed with salmon from resource in the United States Canadian and Alaskan rivers. managed as intensively as the In the past 3 years. Canadian salmon in Oregon. We [managers salmon trailers have cut back and fishermen| have made some fishing off Vancouver Island by mistakes, but the fishery is watched 70 to 80 percent, which has closely." said Jeff Feldner. a reduced the harvest of Columbia Newport salmon fisherman. River and Oregon coast Even though season closures and chinook, according to Paul strict regulations have reduced Heikkila. OSU Extension Sea fishing efforts and numbers of Grant agent. Similarly, the participants, commercial salmon Alaskan salmon troll harvest has fishing continues in Oregon. This been cut in half from the effort often comes as a mystery to people 10 years ago. primarily to avoid like the \ isitor from the Midwest catching Snake River chinook. who recently asked the clerk in a The restrictions on commer- Eugene seafood store. "11 salmon cial fishing have taken a toll on are endangered, why do they let individual fishermen and the Commercial fishing harvest levels contributed to the salmon decline. New regulations are intended to help the fish recover. anyone catch them.'" Oregon economy. The answer to that question lies in the unique life histories of different species of salmon that come from different ri\ er Recreational fishing systems. Not all species of salmon that return to Oregon's By Tom Gentle There are two lessons to this "Salmon are the heart and How big is salmon angling in rivers are endangered. Some can story. First, salmon fishing is a soul of sportfishing in Oregon. Oregon1? Of the 800.000 anglers be caught in the ocean because Last August, a special big deal in Oregon, a fact Not only do large numbers of who purchased fishing licenses they are not mixed together with sportfishing season to confirmed by Liz Hamilton, people fish for salmon and in 1996. roughly one-third, or other species that are protected. catch hatchery coho executive director of the steelhead. but they do so with 265,000, also received a salmon Today, there are three distinct opened off the mouth Northwest Sportfishing Industry passion and commitment." and steelhead tag that allowed commercial salmon fisheries in of the Columbia River. The Association. Her organization Hamilton said. the holder to fish for salmon. Oregon. season was to remain open for represents businesses that cater The second lesson of the Sportfishing is a big business • An ocean troll chinook fishery eight weeks or until 7.000 fish to recreational anglers, from shortened fishing season is that in the state. In 1996. anglers along the Oregon coast Trailers had been caught. It took only six makers of boats and fishing salmon anglers catch a lot of fish spent almost $623 million in catch fish by slowly trailing baited days for salmon anglers to reach reels to sporting goods stores, and have been one of the con- lines through the water. the 7,000 fish limit. marinas and guides. tributors to the salmon decline. (continued on page 16)

OREGON STATE UNIYERSITT EXTENSION SERMCE SALMON IN OREGON 15 hi- Recreational fishing unavailable, charterboats have (continued from page 15) turned to halibut and bottomfish in the ocean and sturgeon in the Columbia River as alternatives. Oregon and generated $1.2 billion Ironically, the switch to other in economic activity, according to ocean species has put more strain statistics compiled by the on these stocks, most notably American Sportfishing Associa- lingcod and other bottomfish. tion. That total applies to all kinds Thanks to the variety of of recreational fishing, including different fish in Oregon, trout, sturgeon, bass, walleye, sportfishing remains one of the halibut and ocean bottomfish. state's great attractions. And Salmon angling accounts for one- because of the huge numbers of third of that total or more. anglers, the sportfishing Unlike other sport fish, industry represents one of the salmon are caught in both best hopes for the future of saltwater and fresh water, from salmon in Oregon, according to the ocean to coastal bays to Hamilton. She pointed out that coastal rivers and tributaries of salmon anglers are the one the Columbia River. Such wide group that interacts with salmon geographic distribution as well at every place they are found, as the varying life cycles of from the ocean to the distant inland tributaries. different species helps explain An angler hauls in a Columbia River fall Chinook near Portland. Sportfishing restrictions are intended to cut pressure on salmon. why recreational fishing for Recreational anglers have salmon can continue even as and many smaller streams on 176,000 in 1994, or 136,000 industry, according to Frank been a significant force in some populations of salmon are the southern Oregon coast. fewer potential salmon anglers. Warren, a Portlander who salmon recovery efforts as far declining. In some rivers, a fail Perhaps the most notable With coho out of the picture, operates a charterboat out of back as the 1960s. When the run may be in trouble, but a effect of the salmon decline on many anglers have shifted to Hammond at the mouth of the Oregon legislature passed a law spring run may be healthy. The recreational fishing in Oregon fishing for other species of fish, Columbia River. "Now we're establishing the Salmon and runs on other rivers may be has been the closure since 1994 thus putting more fishing about as low as we can get Trout Enhancement Program, or consistently healthy. of most recreational ocean coho pressure on other species. "And without shutting down," Warren STEP, in the early 1980s, But anglers have encountered fishing. Hamilton called it "a those who can afford it now said. "This five-day hatchery anglers were major participants more restrictive regulations to most painful closure. It was a head to Alaska or Canada. So coho season doesn't really help in voluntary STEP activities to protect salmon populations in tremendous loss." instead of taking several salmon charterboat operators. You can't improve and restore populations recent years. Restrictions Coho, which are caught near fishing trips a year in Oregon, even pay your insurance in a of salmon and trout. include closure of streams, the surface in water close to the we're seeing people make one five-day season." "There isn't a group more shortened seasons, bag limits, coastline, bite with abandon and trip up north," Hamilton said. Unlike commercial salmon dedicated to the future health of catch-and-release rules, prohibi- are prized for their fighting "The sportfishing closure really trailers who switched to our streams than sportfishermen," tions on bait and certain types of qualities. The number of salmon hit the charterboaLs in the small chinook when coho fishing was said Hamilton, who counts fish hooks. These restrictions and steelhead tags issued in ports like Winchester Bay and Gold banned, charterboat operators do herself among those early STEP have applied to various runs of 1994 gives an indication of the Beach," said Ginny Goblirsch, OSU not have the proper gear to volunteers who planted trees on chinook, coho and steelhead on effect of the coho season closure. Extension Sea Grant agent. catch chinook, which are caught streambanks and placed logs streams such as the Willamette, The number of tags dropped from Coho fishing was the at greater depths farther offshore and rocks in streams to create Deschutes, Rogue, lower Columbia a high of 312,300 in 1989 to backbone of the charterboat than coho. With ocean chinook better habitat for salmon. The Native American fishery

By Theresa Novak 100,000 Native Americans. growing Northwest harnessed Salmon runs of up to 16 million the powerful waters of the For many centuries, the fish sustained them. Columbia River behind a native people of the By 1870, the population of network of dams that drowned Pacific Northwest based Native Americans was less than about 2,800 miles offish habitat their economy, culture 10,000, mostly as a result of the in the mainstem Columbia and and religion on salmon fishing. diseases brought along with the along its tributaries. In the last century, the tribes westward migration. The non- Tribal elders such as Delbert saw both their management of native population grew to 100,000. Frank, Sr. of the Warm Springs salmon and the salmon runs In 1855, the territorial tribe reflected on the change in themselves diminish despite government in the Pacific historic documents of the treaties that assured their basic Northwest negotiated treaties Columbia River Inter-Tribal cultural rights to salmon. with the Columbia River tribes. Fish Commission: But in the past 30 years. Native Along with assurance against "I remember the times when the Americans have become key attack and some health care Columbia River was wild and free- participants in front-line salmon provisions, the main provision flowing. I have seen the massive management and restoration. of the 1885 treaty assured the destruction caused by the dams. The Twelve of the 13 federally native tribes the right to fish lakes created by the dams have recognized tribes in Oregon now within reservations and "all usual covered many of the places I knew are actively involved in seeing and accustomed fishing places...in as a boy and a young man. that salmon runs are restored or common with citizens." "The fishing sites, the places preserved for future generations. For this they signed over to I camped with my family, and reversing a trend that began when the government control of the even the places where some of European fur trappers arrived in 40 million acres that is now my children were bom are all under water." the Columbia Basin in 1770. Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Jesse Sampson checks a gillnet just above Bonneville Dam for steelhead. A Those early explorers found a But the tribes did not have member of the Yakama Tribe, Sampson has fished on the Columbia River all his thriving population of about any power to object when a life. As a boy he fished at Celilo Falls, now covered with water backed up from a dam. (continued on page 17)

16 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNIYERSITT EXTENSION SERVICE Native fishery after formation of The Columbia non-tribal managers and from lot of bio-engineering," she sis on direct action and direct (continued from page 16) River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. the recovery plans of other said. "We'll build a fence, keep benefits to fish reflects the The agency is involved in the tribes, said Patty O'Toole, the the cows out and let (the stream) philosophy of the tribe: To make up for the loss of the Pacific Fishery Management primary fisheries biologist for stabilize on its own." "We are here for the long salmon habitat. Congress Council and the Pacific Salmon the Warm Springs tribes. Tribal members are active in run," Pitt said. "We want to see allocated money to build hatcher- Treaty process and plays a key "We still are fortunate enough on-the-ground work such as the salmon here for our genera- ies. But only two of the hatcheries role in salmon recovery efforts. to have populations of wild fish to building fences and installing tions to come." built were in the traditional The tribes have their own protect, whereas some of the solar-powered water pumps to Alanna Farrow of the fishing grounds of the tribes biologists and fisheries experts others focus more on hatchery bring water to the cattle in the Umatilla tribe said many above The Dalles Dam. The to assure a steady supply of production," she said. fields. They build concrete Columbia River tribes see remainder were below the dams. salmon for economic and Rather than bolting together irrigation dams for landowners. themselves as "salmon people." And some tribes not a part of ceremonial uses. logs in streams to give salmon a complete with fish passages to "For most tribal people, the the Columbia River Tribes and The Columbia River tribes shaded area for spawning. discourage construction of salmon is an indicator species not covered by treaty lost their have their own salmon restora- O'Toole said the focus is less on temporary earthen water storage not only of the animal world but salmon runs without compensa- tion plan, called "Wy-Kan-Ush- engineering a solution and more dams that block fish migration. of the Indian people.... Once the tion. Mi-Wa-Kish-Wif' or "The Spirit on allowing natural habitat Louie Pitt, the director of salmon are gone, soon the In 1968, fourteen members of of the Salmon." recovery to work. government affairs and planning Indian people also will be the Yakama tribe filed suit against The tribal approach to salmon "We practice some passive for the Confederated Tribes of extinct." Oregon. They said that Oregon's restoration differs both from restoration techniques and not a Warm Springs, said the empha- state fishing regulations of native off-reservation fishing violated — . ■ the 1855 treaty. The other Columbia River E

Some fisheries organizations return to their inland spawning estuaries less hospitable. Several restoration programs are underway in the state. years. The treaties of 1855 simply trator for the National Oceanic reserved to the Indians the right and Atmospheric Administration which they already possessed. announced in February 1998 that farmland through dike-building Oregon has required permits Coos Bay and the Youngs Bay They traded title to most of the 20 federal agencies have launched that was pursued until the 1930s. for filling or removing land in system, estuary wedands are being land in the Northwest in return for a "State of the Coast" report to After the 1930s, most of the waterways of all kinds— retumed to their natural function the right not to be dispossessed of detail the threats to the nation's development of estuaries and including estuaries—since 1971. through the removal of dikes. their fishing rights.... No one can estuaries and coastlines from wetlands involved dredging and Pollution also poses a threat to Culverts also are being removed or claim the Indians got the best of booming population growth and filling to deepen channels for estuaries. Storm water washes off modified to restore the tidal the bargain." increasing pollution. ports, piers, boardwalks and everything from parking lots in exchange and improve the health of These days, salmon fishing But Oregon's 21 distinct buildings. Portland to farm fields in estuaries. experts such as Scott Boley of coastal estuaries, ranging from 25 By the 1970s, between 50 and Silverton and eventually washes Three such programs are: Gold Beach, the former president acres to 3,000 acres, are protected 70 percent of Pacific Northwest into estuaries as well. • The Tillamook Bay National of the Oregon Salmon Commis- under Goal 16 of Oregon's land-use estuary wetlands had been reduced Jane Lubchenco, a marine Estuary Project Over four years. sion, say the current system of planning laws. Goal 16 specifies through diking and dredging ecologist at Oregon State studies of the condition of the bay harvest allocation has created a that all estuaries in the state be These projects eliminated University, said the excess of have helped develop a plan to rigid, quirky system that can be classified as either development. some of the wetlands where nitrogen and phosphorus from improve salmon stocks and solve unfair to tribal and non-tribal conservation or natural. smolts linger, grow and acclimate fertilizer runoff, waste from problems of bacterial pollution and fishers. While that now assures that before heading out to the ocean. people and animals and the burning the silting-in of the bay. While Boley has no argument estuaries have certain protection. Salmon species such as chum. of petroleum products appears • The Lower Columbia National with native tribes receiving a fish laws passed long ago damaged coastal coho and chinook seem linked to large, oxygen-robbing Estuary Program. This involves harvest allotment, he said that the estuaries and tidelands. particularly dependent on blooms of algae. Oregon and Washington. The goal tight regulatory system under The Federal Swamplands Acts estuaries to accustom them to These blooms can sicken is to improve this estuary, which which that catch is divided of 1849, 1859 and 1860 encour- saltwater and prepare them for humans and kill fish, she said. extends from Bonneville Dam to the sometimes makes equitable aged coastal settlers to drain and their lives at sea. Yet the dangers to estuaries are mouth of the river near Astoria solutions impossible. dike tidelands. But increasing information balanced by efforts on their behalf. • The long-running South Slough With their rights to actively Between 1885 and 1983, about the role of coastal wetlands Some of the most aggressive National Estuarine Research govern the management of development, draining and and estuaries led to increased efforts on behalf of habitat Reserve, five miles southwest of salmon restored, the Columbia dredging along the lower federal and state rules about restoration are taking place along Coos Bay. This has been an Tribes assumed a greater role in Columbia River converted about building new^ dikes or dredging coastal estuaries. education and research site for determining the future of salmon 7,000 acres of marshland into and filling activities. In the Salmon River Estuary, estuary management since 1974.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERMCE SALMON IN OREGON 17

♦ Predators

By Theresa Novak you prevent one protected Largely unknown is what sorts of species from pushing another ocean-going predators may be Salmon once were so closer to extinction? seeking out salmon as food abundant, they were a However, neither Brown nor because their usual supply of prey main food source for the history of salmon predator is not available. animals of the land, air control supports a full-scale Those concerned with salmon and water. attack on salmon predators such restoration are taking action and But as the number of salmon as the terns, mostly because gathering more information and have decreased, concerns have such efforts in the past have authority so that natural predators increased that not enough is being produced unwanted side effects. don't wipe out salmon while done to control the number of For example, after a 1991 humans continue efforts to restore natural predators that feed on them. study showed that northern pike, salmon habitat. Seals and sea lions are two once known as squawfish, were Now the Oregon Department examples of salmon predators eating up to 61 percent of the of Fish and Wildlife is seeking that now seem out of balance salmon smolts entering the pool authority to remove or occasion- with their prey. of the John Day Dam, an aggressive ally destroy nuisance seals and The population of these fur- program was started to reduce the sea lions without having to go bearing, ocean-going mammals number of these native fish. through federal channels. dropped very low in the early The plan had some unex- The ODFW also is seeking part of the century due to pected consequences. Predators ways to reduce the number of demand for their pelts. Fisher- that normally ate the northern exotic fish that out-compete or eat men sometimes shot them on pike began eating salmon salmon. sight because they competed for instead. The same thing hap- The way that salmon are fish and raided fishing nets. pened after populations of released from hatcheries and While seal and sea lion northern lampreys, once an barged around dams also is being numbers rebounded after the abundant eel-like fish that was changed to make it tougher for Marine Mammals Protection the preferred food of seals and predators to catch the salmon Act in 1978 prohibited harming sea lions, began declining when they are most vulnerable. them, the numbers of salmon because of changes in the More will need to be done in have fallen to historic lows. lamprey habitat. the way of research and compro- Some people thought the two Non-native predators such as mise so that the struggle for trends were related, a view that Many researchers see increased predation by creatures such as sea lions, walleye, shad and small- survival between salmon and their gained popular attention by the triggered by human-related changes in the ecosystem, as one of numerous mouthed and large-mouthed bass predators will again be a fair fight. well-publicized salmon- factors contributing to the decline of salmon. also prey upon salmon smolts. gobbling antics of Hershel, the determined sea lion. A three-year research project In the 1980s. the big sea lion by wildlife biologist Daniel Roby had a big appetite for mature of Oregon State University and steelhead salmon. His habit of OSU researchers Larry Davies Natural fluctuations gobbling them as they swam into and Carl Schreck indicates that the locks in the Ballard district of sea birds known as Caspian terns By Theresa Novak from large floods that send Oregon State University's Seattle earned him the reputation are gobbling millions of salmon woody debris into streams and microbiology program, said for almost single-handedly smolts as they swim down the Salmon are one of open up new channels that may about 40 types of disease- wiping out a steelhead run. Columbia River estuary and head Nature's toughest species. be blocked by landslides. causing bacteria multiply more Hershel also proved to be toward the Pacific. Their habitat ranges But humans may be having quickly in warmer water in both determined. Despite being moved The terns have established between inland streams an influence on the rate of streams and oceans. many miles from the locks at what may be the largest breed- and ocean depths. They have natural fluctuations, said Dan While easier to document in Seattle, he found his way back. ing colony in the world. More evolved over the ages to survive Bottom, the monitoring coordi- hatcheries, the effects of warmer Nowadays, Hershel is an than 8,000 nesting pairs live on many natural changes in their nator of the Oregon Department ocean and fresh-water tempera- attraction at Sea World. a man-made sandbar called Rice environment. of Fish and Wildlife for tures are more difficult to examine, But nuisance animals such as Island, produced during dredg- Fossil records indicate times Oregon's salmon recovery plan. since the fish are dispersed. Hershel, who go into a feeding ing of the Columbia River. The when salmon were plentiful and Pollution, long-range changes One trend that appears frenzy over migrating salmon, seven-mile finger of sand has when they were scarce. Those in climate, shifting ocean consistent is that salmon prefer prompted an amendment to the formed the perfect place for the may have been times when currents that run hot and cold cold, wet weather rather than Marine Mammals Protection terns, but its effect on salmon salmon populations were and pollution are suspected of warm and dry, said George Act allowing federal marine appears devastating. recovering from shifts in climate having an influence on salmon. Taylor, Oregon's state clima- fisheries officials to remove— According to research by the that brought about Ice Ages. The upsurge of cold, nutrient- tologist. even kill—particular individuals Roby-Schreck team, between 5 Devastating earthquakes, rich water from the ocean A study of the weather in the that are devastating a salmon run. million and 20 million salmon volcanic eruptions, massive depths is one natural phenom- Pacific Northwest and Alaska "When you have 600-700 smolts headed for the estuary in floods, landslides and brush fires enon that benefits salmon between 1896 and 1994 re- adult sea lions (in a given area) 1997 fell victim to terns nesting also represented the fluctuating smolts as they enter the ocean. vealed four separate long-range and you only have an expected on Rice Island. That amounted conditions on the landscape of What prompts this seasonal climate trends. Two of them return of 2,500 wild coho, you to up to 30 percent of the smolts salmon. cold-water upwelling is not well were cold and wet in the Pacific have to ask yourself whether that were headed for the estuary. Given enough time, salmon understood. Yet when the Northwest and two of these eras that is an acceptable loss." said The numbers vary so greatly have proven that they can upsurge is delayed, as it were mostly warm and dry. Robin Brown, a marine mammals because it isn't known how much weather such fluctuations. A sometimes is, young salmon When it was wet and cold in specialist with the Oregon of the loss of the smolts was due recent example is that salmon are smolts don't get enough to eat, Alaska, it tended to be dry and Department of Fish and Wildlife. to terns and how much of it was starting to return to streams so more of them die. warm in the Pacific Northwest, And as wildlife officials due to gulls and cormorants, through the blast zone on Mount Warmer temperatures seem to and vice versa. struggle to control one predator which also feed on smolts. St. Helens less than two decades trigger another natural control Salmon populations clearly whose numbers are on the rise, Yet as sea birds, the terns are after the 1980 eruption. on salmon, diseases. fluctuated based on the trend. the impacts of other predators federally protected, once again Salmon similarly can adapt— John Fryer, a microbiologist are being better understood. posing the question: How do and sometimes even benefit— and retired department head of (continued on page 19)

18 SALMON IN OREGON OREGON STATE UNRERSITT EXTENSION SERVICE

^ Natural fluctuations possible changes to the earth's ■F"^| (continued from page 18) atmosphere and the increased rate of changes to the inland landscape of the salmon. w Alaskan salmon reached record numbers of survival during For example, some biologists times when it was wet and cold. observe that landslides and fires. When it was comparatively two naturally occurring phe- warm and dry in Alaska, salmon nomena, have been increasing runs in the Pacific Northwest because of human development were greatly increased. activities in salmon habitat. Taylor said the past 20 years. That could be speeding up iS^ when it was warm and dry in the changes faster than salmon can Northwest, have coincided with adjust. o ^ the decline of the salmon. But "We human beings think in the o = "ip tie said the next 20 years appear short term," Wissmar said. "We 5 don't realize that the rest of the o to be starting into a wet, colder z Earth operates on different time o time. That could mean the natural 5 fluctuations pendulum is swing- scales: decades, centuries, eons." Q ing back in favor of the fish. Where possible, he suggests Z z Bob Wissmar of the fisheries that humans alter the rate of o z research department at the fluctuations that affect salmon Universit) of Washington in to slow down changes and give =3 dflP o Seattle said that pendulum may salmon a chance to adapt. z be moving faster than it used to z Right: Mount St. Helens. Salmon a because of some human-caused have always had to contend with >- factors such as pollution. such natural changes in their world. Z The ocea in

By Theresa Novak Monitoring studies of the El The little smolts can feed on other creatures whose normal when the overall long-range Nino ocean warming phenom- the small creatures that eat prey species already had died. weather trend is cold and wet. enon, the deterioration of the microscopic plankton—the tiny Dan Bottom, the Oregon Taylor said that scientists will spend in the ocean ozone layer and shifts in ocean ocean life forms that are the Department of Fish and have the opportunity to test that provides the most currents seem to coincide with building blocks of the ocean Wildlife's monitoring coordina- theory again soon, if weather -A. questions and the many of the salmons' ocean- food chain. tor for the Oregon Plan for predictions are correct. Accord- fewest answers as to why they going woes: Pollution, preda- But in the past two years. Salmon and Watersheds, said ing to analysis of the ocean area are in decline. tion, lack of food, more diseases said John McGowan of San these large-scale weather off South America where the El Salmon spend 40 to 75 percent and parasites all point to Diego's Scripps Institute of changes are further stressing a Nino phenomenon begins, the of their lives at sea, so ocean increasing water temperatures Oceanography, warmer ocean species already struggling with Coming winter should be colder conditions play a vital role in and lower survival. temperatures attributed to the El poor habitat conditions in their and wetter than normal, as all whether these salmon will reach Water temperature is impor- Nino phenomenon have meant a freshwater environment. predictions point to La Nina, or maturity and reproduce. tant to salmon, which remain delayed upwelling of the cold. "We've known for a long colder-than-normal ocean Yet increasing ocean and healthier in colder, nutrient-rich food-rich water. time about freshwater condi- conditions, which could mean salmon research information water. This kind of water histori- Although the colder water tions important to salmon," more smolts make it home to indicates that ocean-going cally wells up from the ocean finally did arrive a little later in Bottom said. "We are only now spawn next spring. salmon smolts head into hostile depths to the surface waters in the spring, it may have been too learning how those are impor- There is no universal agree- waters when they head out to early spring, just in time for the late to save smolts from dying tant in the ocean." ment that warming of the oceans sea these days. arrival of the salmon smolts. of starvation or being eaten by Bill Peterson, a biologist with is a trend that will continue the National Marine Fisheries indefinitely, Taylor said. Service in Newport, has been "There are many variations in surveying how much plankton global and regional climate we has been available in the ocean don't fully understand. At this Hjfl during the past few years. point, to attribute changes in His findings support the idea these weather phenomena to WrA that delayed arrival of colder human conditions is really ocean waters due to the El Nino stretching the science, in my phenomenon may be responsible view," said Taylor. WR * for the poor survival of smolts. A remedy for ocean wanning Equally disturbing is the conditions will not be easy to changing chemistry of an ocean find, but Bottom said some that is growing algae in places action taken on land can help where the waters had been too salmon at sea. Among his cold and clean before—the suggestions: middle of the Pacific and Hatcheries could release ^■^v^ s^^aiSl Atlantic oceans now have been smolts later during El Nino the site of large-scale algae years, so that the arrival of the blooms, indicating places where smolts coincides with the the water temperature is high upwelling of the food-rich cold and oxygen is relatively low. water. George Taylor. Oregon's state A longer-term solution will s climatologist. said it appears require international treaties that 2 clear that survival of returning seek agreements to limit 2 salmon from the ocean is poor pollution of the oceans and Many salmon, such as this Chinook, spend much of their lives at sea, but surprising y little is known about the interplay during warm, dry long-range atmosphere. of natural processes and human-related activities that affect ocean conditions. Lear ning more is a research priority. weather trends and it improves

ORE GON STATE UNIYERSITT EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 19 f ive effects

By Andy Duncan water drips slowly to the do that is not at all clear. We're ground. Some sinks in, reaching trying to find a way to co-exist If Jay Nicholas wanted to the stream gradually. This with nature, but we don't know point fingers in the salmon reduces the chances of erosion how, precisely enough. crisis, he'd need millions. and helps keep the stream cool. '"Society wants a prosperous 'The way I look at it, it's When you remove timber, more economy—jobs in fishing, not anybody's fault, it's of the water runs into the stream agriculture and forestry, cheap everybody's. We all get the right away. Additional sun also electricity, new housing and so benefits of our society. Every heats the stream. If there's a on. On the other hand, indi- one of us," says Nicholas, a campground, the earth probably vidual scientists might tell us we technical advisor to Gov. John is compacted from people have too many roads, and Kitzhaber for the Oregon Plan walking and driving. With parking lots and sources of for Salmon and Watersheds. compaction, even more water effluents. Too many clearcuts "But this is America. We will run into the stream immedi- and acres of pasture land and have an incredible diversity of ately. Irrigation downstream, if dams. But there's no formula opinions and objectives," adds done in certain ways, may warm that shows decision makers Nicholas. We want food (includ- the stream more. And so on. exactly how everything is ing salmon) and wood and "All the little interactions connected. How much asphalt is electricity and shopping centers combine," says Kirkendall. "In an too much? Cumulative effects is and good roads. urban area, it's things like the more of an art than a science at "We want wild salmon. We black, hardened surfaces in this time, in my opinion." even want wildness in our parking lots that absorb sunlight He reemphasizes the impor- neighborhoods—until the and heat rainwater and promote tance of learning more: coyotes start having our pets for runoff. It's cars in the parking lots "Allowing the demise of Many scientists believe multiple factors caused the salmon decline. Some are studying dinner. It's a dilemma. Our leaking oil and antifreeze that run how to more precisely understand the cumulative effect of human and natural factors. salmon would be like throwing society wants everything, and into streams. It's sewer outfalls part of our historical identity in finding reasonable compromises and storm drain runoff into accepted scientific principles. level of disruption. If the the trash can. But this is about is a tremendous challenge." streams. It's de-icing chemicals So some impacts are site and threshold level is not exceeded, more than salmon. We don't Where Nicholas is headed from the airport, fertilizers from situation specific." the system can compensate. know how it all fits together. If with these observations is a people's lawns, and so on. Compensation, he goes on to "I see broad recognition that watersheds are not healthy discussion of cumulative effects, "And streams in urban areas explain, refers to the ability of cumulative effects are a matter enough to support salmon, they're a theory that's a relatively usually have been cut off from natural systems (a stream, for of concern we need to look at," probably not healthy enough to young area of scientific study. floodplains and stripped of the example) to cope with a certain says Jay Nicholas. "But how we support people in the long term." "One way to think of cumula- shallow edgewaters and wetlands tive effects is to think of all the that provide habitat for young little actions that happen in a salmon and filter out pollutants watershed that can have an that enter the stream," he adds. impact," says Keith Kirkendall. Estuaries, where fresh and Oregpn recovery plan tries a Portland-based fisheries ocean water meet, and where biologist with the National many young migrating salmon Marine Fisheries Service. pause to get their bodies used to "In a watershed there may be the saltwater, are "great places to to give everyone a role a gold mining operation. You build up cumulative effects," adds may have gravel extraction, Hovekamp. Also, little is know By Tom Gentle So you can say the Oregon This is not the first attempt to timber cuts and road construc- about cumulative effects in the Plan is an umbrella for a number save the salmon. Salmon tion to get to the timber cuts, a ocean. In simple terms, the Oregon of recovery efforts involving recovery efforts in Oregon go campground for the public, and "There's no cookbook on the Plan for Salmon and different species of salmon— back more than 125 years. What so on," says Kirkendall. "By shelf on how to get a handle on Watersheds is an organized coho, steelhead, chinook—and makes the Oregon Plan differ- themselves none of these may cumulative effects," he says. approach to improving different rivers and geographic ent? Earlier recovery plans be all that big of a deal, but However, Kirkendall notes that watershed health and reversing locations of each species. tended to focus on individual when you start adding them up "science in this area has the decline of native salmon in Sometimes these recovery parts of the problem, according to you say, hey, where'd all this progressed more in the last 10 Oregon's rivers, lakes and coastal efforts are referred to as the Jay Nicholas, technical advisor to sediment come from? Why is years than it did during the waters. It's also a proactive Oregon Plan and sometimes by the water temperature rising?" previous 50 years." attempt to meet the requirements their more specific titles. (continued on page 21) There are a couple of ways to "The state is developing an of the Endangered Species Act look at cumulative effects, adds assessment manual that watershed and other federal and state laws. Spencer Hovekamp, another councils around the state will be In 1995, Gov. Kitzhaber National Marine Fisheries able to use to evaluate the order asked various state agencies to Service fisheries biologist. of magnitude of cumulative develop a salmon recovery plan One way is "additive," he effects in their watershed," says for coastal coho salmon. This says. This is when you simply Ken Bierly. program manager of plan, completed in 1996. was sum up the effects of all the the Governor's Watershed called the Oregon Coastal individual human activities in a Enhancement Board. Salmon Restoration Initiative. watershed. The more accurate Bill Krueger. the head of The 1997 Oregon legislature way to look at the concept is Oregon State University's supported the plan with legisla- "interactive," he says. This is Department of Rangeland tion and funding. Since then, a when the effect of one activity Resources, says there is a danger plan for steelhead in the lower interacts with the effect of another that the theory of cumulative Columbia River and along the activity, or several activities, in a effects could confuse nonscientists. coast has been added and a plan way that makes the impact more "Everything does not add up to for the Willamette Valley is now thanjustthesum. a cumulative effect." he says. underway. This entire planning For example, the forest "Thresholds and compensation effort is now referred to as the Oregon legislators Lynn Lundquist, left, and Brady Adams, center, and Gov. John canopy catches rain. Part of the [in natural systems] are well- Oregon Plan. Kitzhaber publicty celebrate agreement on a salmon and watershed recovery plan.

20 SALMON LN OREGON OREGON STATE UMVERSITT EXTENSION SERMCE Oregon plan Gorman, NMFS spokesman in appears to agree that the Oregon both the state and the federal federal response is already (continued from page 20) Seattle. "It's a recognition that Plan holds the key to salmon government have appealed the regional as evidenced in the the federal government can't restoration efforts. Spokesmen federal court ruling. Whatever Northwest Forest Plan and the Gov. Kitzhaber and principal recover salmon alone. It has to for timber, agriculture and the outcome, the Oregon Plan Interior Columbia Basin Salmon writer of the Oregon Plan. be done with broad support environmental groups voiced will still be the basic building Plan. In addition, salmon For example, hatcheries were from state, county and local continued support for it follow- block of salmon recovery. recovery plans with elements intended to increase the number governments and local property ing the listing. There is an increasing similar to those found in of salmon. Fishing regulations owners. Recovery won't be The Oregon Plan will recognition that salmon recov- Oregon's plan are underway in were aimed at limiting the successful without strong local continue to be in the news as ery is a regional problem. The California and Washington. harvest so more salmon could support." return to spawn. Or a particular Environmental groups industry, such as logging, was challenged the agreement in singled out and asked to make court. Chief among their com- changes to help restore fish plaints: the Oregon Plan places Restoration projects pop- habitat. But generally these too much emphasis on voluntary efforts were carried out as if efforts that could start out well they had no connection to one but not be carried through if not another even though their goals compelled to do so by law. ping up around Oregon were similar. In June 1998, a federal "In the Oregon Plan, we magistrate ruled that the law did acknowledge that single track not allow the fisheries service to approaches will not get the job avoid listing the coho as done. Everyone who has a threatened in order to give the role—government agencies, city Oregon Plan a chance to work. dwellers, farmers, foresters, In August, NMFS announced it fishermen, environmental would issue such a listing. interests—needs to contribute to Supporters of the listing say a solution," Nicholas said. it will create greater support for The Oregon Plan is also recovery efforts because it unique in its use of both shows the importance of taking regulatory and voluntary immediate action. Those approaches, or what Nicholas opposed to the listing, including calls "top down and bottom up." Gov. Kitzhaber. say the Endan- Fishing regulations, for in- gered Species Act focuses on stance, come from the top down preventing further harm to to everyone who catches fish. coastal coho rather than on You disobey them at your peril. improving coho habitat. On the other hand, decisions to Thus, the federal law can conduct stream improvement prevent private landowners from projects on streams passing doing anything that harms the through private land are purely coho, but it cannot require them, voluntary. You do them because for example, to carry out you want to. restoration projects such as The voluntary element of the streamside fencing. Oregon Plan is carried out "We at NMFS know we can't through watershed councils— force people to do things. That's soil and water conservation why we support the Oregon districts and groups of local Plan. It encourages people to do Oregon State University marine extension agent Paul Heikkila plants willow trees to stabilize the bank of the Coquille River, a prime citizens who develop plans and positive things rather than the salmon stream on Oregon's South Coast. Many landowners In the area are working to Improve salmon habitat, says Heikkila. carry out improvement projects. Endangered Species Act The voluntary element is approach that tells people what By Theresa Novak considered crucial because a they can't do," Gorman said. high percentage of salmon Moreover, landowners may big part of the future fish to help restore the habitat. returning coho increase from 15 habitat occurs on private land be reluctant to make improve- of Oregon's coastal So in the past four years, Knapp to more than 120. and successful recovery efforts ments for fear of unintentionally coho and other has launched his own restora- While that sort of observation will require cooperation with harming the fish, which violates salmon species tion project. So far, he has: seems promising, the success of private landowners. dependsA on the success of the Endangered Species Act and • Placed hatchery boxes for such restoration projects will Under the Endangered Species can result in a $25,000 fine and salmon restoration projects by salmon fry at the edge of the require more time and indepen- Act, the National Marine Fisher- a year in jail. However, an private landowners such as Langlois and North Langlois dent study, according to the ies Service (NMFS), a federal earlier listing for coho on the Mike Knapp. creeks. Governor's Watershed Enhance- agency, is authorized to determine southern Oregon coast did not Since more than half of the • Built a shallow lake to serve ment Board, which is helping to if Oregon's coastal coho are slow restoration efforts there, salmon habitat in Oregon is in as a rearing ground for the fry evaluate the success of Oregon's endangered or threatened. Once according to Paul Heikkila. private ownership, private until they can head out to the salmon and watershed recovery such a determination is made— OSU Extension Sea Grant agent. landowners have a more direct ocean. plan. called a "listing"—legal steps are "People involved in stream link to the health of salmon habitat • Built 7.25 miles of fences to In the past two years. 1.234 set in motion that will affect the restoration activities hoped there Knapp figures that makes keep cattle from entering the restoration projects have been manner in which restoration occurs. wouldn't be a listing. But once salmon recovery a more salmon streams. reported to the Watershed In 1997. NMFS signed a it happened, the attitude was to personal issue for him. Langlois • Installed three large cattle- Enhancement Board, known as Memorandum of Agreement keep working at making streams and North Langlois creeks, watering systems that pipe fresh GWEB for short. with the State of Oregon that better for salmon." Heikkila said. both good coho streams, flow water to large vats in the grazing More than 84 percent of said, in effect, if the state Also on the down side, the through Knapp's seaside cattle fields, encouraging cattle to those projects were on private carried out the Oregon Plan. listing will put an end to a ranch near Port Orford. avoid the fenced stream bank. forest lands. Knapp's efforts are NMFS would not invoke the special timber tax aimed at "We always thought of the • Planted 1,680 willows along among the 16 percent in agricul- Endangered Species Act by helping finance salmon recovery salmon as neighbors." said the creek edge for shade and tural and ranch ownership. listing coastal coho as threat- activities. Knapp. whose family has seen filtration. He also planted 4.572 So far, about 30 percent of ened. "The acceptance of the In spite of the disagreement the salmon runs dwindle in the cedars for shade and future those restoration projects have Oregon Plan by NMFS reflects on the merits of applying the past 50 years. sources of woody debris. a whole new approach by the Endangered Species Act to Knapp supports direct In the past two seasons. federal government." said Brian coastal coho. almost everyone landowner action on behalf of Knapp has seen the number of (continued on page 22)

OREGON STATE UNIMRSITY EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 21 "r

Restoration projects a threatened species, triggering "I have a hard time believing (continued from page 21) the protections of the Endan- in completely inactive restora- gered Species Act. tion." said Puhl. "We have been evaluated for their effective- Knapp said he will continue stream bank areas that are ness, according to the GWEB with his restoration efforts completely unstable...Em not report, which states that state, despite the listing announce- willing to just stand by and let federal and private spending for ment. But he said it may nature take more of my land these projects amounts to about discourage others who may not when we can stabilize it. We do $20 million a year in public and be willing to undertake both things like adding whole trees private monies. voluntary and federally required and root wads to streams to Most of these projects projects and changes. provide places for juvenile involved removing culverts that "We had people in this area salmon to hide from predators. divert salmon streams: stabiliz- who were warming up (to the Without coming here and ing eroding streambanks and idea of salmon restoration) and seeing, it's hard to understand adding shade by planting native are now drawing their heads in a what we accomplish." streamside vegetation; addiny bit," Knapp said. The Oregon Natural Resources woody debris to streams for Other landowners say they Council, which led the court salmon spawning and leaving don't agree with the effective- challenge to the Oregon Plan to shade trees along creeks during ness of some of the provisions gain the coho listing, thinks that logging operations to keep of the restoration plan. voluntary efforts are great, but streams cool and provide future Ron Puhl lives near Port they don't do enough to stop clowned logs tor spawning habitat. Orford on the Elk River, still a future watershed damage. Knapp said that he started the prime stream for coho and "The whole Incus is on taking restoration projects in hopes that ehinook salmon. He produces places thai are already damaged the National Marine Fisheries livestock, timber and cranberries and trying to repair them." said Service, which administers the on his land. He thinks that human Diane Valantine of the ONRC. Endangered Species Act for fish interaction with nature can have a "That is good. But we need to species, would not list coastal powerful healing effect. stop new and additional damage, coho without giving Oregon's too. and voluntary efforts don't recovery plan a chance to work Left: An active restoration accomplish thai." first. project.The idea here is to add big Ideally, she said, both the However. Knapp said he logs to the stream, Beaver Creek on Oregon Plan and the federal expected the Aug. 3, 1998, the South Coast, during a dry requirements will work together announcement from the Na- period. When the water rises, the logs will provide places tor salmon to accomplish what neither tional Marine Fisheries Service to hide, rest, feed and rear. could do alone. that it would list coastal coho as What can you and I do to help salmon?

By Tom Gentle salmon in the same way. "We contamination of storm water Section 303(d) of the Clean owners, the Stewardship want to make salmon recovery a w ith oil and household chemicals, Water Act requires each state to Incentive Program provides up Oregonians whose lives permanent part of the public and to conserve water. In semi- develop a list of water bodies to 75 percent reimbursement for and livelihoods are consciousness so it will not rural and rural areas, the emphasis that do not meet standards and instream and riparian improve- directly affected by disappear—just like we can't get is on activities that affect potential to submit an updated list to the ment projects. the salmon decline rid of the bottle bill or public sediment runoff as well as Environmental Protection But the cost of many changes know the commitments they are beaches," he said. chemical contamination and Agency every two years. to benefit salmon will have to being asked to make. But what A big part of that "public water conservation. The Oregon Healthy Streams be borne by all Oregonians. about the rest of us? What can consciousness" involves At first glance, many of the Partnership, approved and Here are some of the commit- we do as individuals to stem the educating the public about ways suggestions appear to be simple funded by the 1997 Oregon ments we will be asked to make decline and start salmon back on to behave that will help rather common sense. "Don't dump oil legislature, uses existing in order to restore salmon: the road to recovery? than harm salmon. "All of us or chemicals down storm drains." regulations under the Oregon • Pay more for treatment of "That's a question that make hundreds of choices in our "Avoid overuse of fertilizers, Agriculture. Forestry and stormw ater and waste water. recognizes this is not an issue that daily lives. Taken separately, herbicides and pesticides." Environmental Quality depart- • Pay more for water (for affects one or two sectors of our they don't mean much. But all "When planting a garden, seek ments to address water bodies example, pumping, water state, such as agriculture or those little decisions have a landscaping advice to help that currently do not meet water treatment, alternative sources). timber. It affects people in cumulative effect. That is. they prevent erosion." quality standards. • Pay more for electricity as we downtown Portland, the suburbs, add up. especially in the These are voluntary things In addition to laws, state change the flow of w ater downriver the cities of the Willamette Valley. Willamette Valley where three- that people can do. They are officials are searching for ways to take fish into account. And it reflects the challenge of fourths of Oregon's population some of the ways we can change to provide incentives to farmers • Restrict growth. how we live in the 21st century lives." said Louise Solliday. of how we live in the modem and forest landowners to cam • Restrict development during and whether or not there is room the Governor's Office for world and still maintain habitat out projects for the benefit of certain times of year and in for wild salmon in our civiliza- Natural Resources. "We want for anadromous [ocean going] salmon. "While we want certain places. tion." said Ken Bierly. program people to make choices that will fish, according to Bierly. landowners to do things that • Redirect growth by requir- manager of the Governor's benefit fish and water quality." A number of natural resource will help salmon, we don't want ing setbacks from floodplains: Watershed Enhancement Board. The Governor's Office for protection laws also guide human them to be hurt financially." in some areas put development It's also a question that Jim Natural Resources is publishing activities in the urban and Bierly said. in foothills rather than flatlands Martin, an assistant director of the a series of "Ten w ays people can suburban areas. The federal Clean The Conservation Reserve to improve flood management Oregon Department of Fish and help restore clean water and Water Act requires the Oregon Enhancement Program is one by creating fewer hard surfaces Wildlife and a developer of the salmon." There are lists for Department of Environmental example of a program that for runoff. Oregon Plan, has wrestled with homeowners, gardeners. Quality to develop water quality provides an incentive to There's another commitment for a long time. When pressed for boaters, hikers and bikers as standards to protect drinking fanners. An offshoot of the that people will be asked to an answer, he points to the bottle well as more specific ones for water, cold water fisheries, federal Conservation Reserve make: a commitment of time to bill and the state's public beaches home builders, landscapers. industrial water supply, recreation Program, it w ill pay farmers to become involved in local and how they have become ow ners of forest land and so on. and agricultural uses. The state establish buffers along streams government issues relating to ingrained in our daily lives. He Urban landow ners are urged must monitor water quality and rather than planting crops to the would like people to think about to think about ways to reduce ensure the standards are being met water's edge. For forest land- (continued on page 23)

22 SALMOMN OREGON OREGON STATE UXRERSIH LXTENSION SERMCE What can you and I do? "A lot of people complain that an adequate supply of clean (continued from page 22) local governments spend too water at a time when many areas A Snapshot of Salmon in Oregon much time debating before they of the country face growing take action. But from my point uncertainties about water. When it comes to dealing salmon. Perhaps the greatest of view, having a large segment Fall 1998 long term challenge to salmon is of the public involved in public with society at large, officials the constantly growing human issues leads to broad-based involved in salmon recovery Writers population in Oregon and the decisions that don't tend to efforts are using a carrot and Tom Gentle stick approach. But in inter- development it brings. Because change much over the years. Theresa Novak local governments have a Public involvement gets us views, it was obvious they Bob Rost primary responsibility in away from short-term thinking prefer to emphasize the carrot Carol Savonen rather than the stick. determining where and how and short-term decisions," Berg Andy Duncan growth is accommodated, they said. People in the Willamette will play a crucial role in While people are being asked Valley were quick to pick up on Photographers salmon recovery. to make some major commit- household recycling, these Lynn Ketchum Wide public participation is ments for the sake of salmon, officials say. Now the question Bob Rost the key to successful manage- the fish are not the only ones to is whether or not people will ment of growth, according to benefit. People benefit, too, by embrace a salmon ethic with the Copy Editor same willing commitment. Helen Berg, mayor of Corvallis. taking actions that will ensure Karen Skjei

Designer Tom Weeks Want more information? Editor Andy Duncan If you want to learn more and Wildlife. Address: http:// letter. Address: seagrant.orst.edu about the salmon issue, www.oregon-plan.org • The Oregon Extension Reviewers here are some books, • A Directory of Groups Service salmon tabloid web Bill Arsenault Oregon Small Woodlands Association publications and web sites Involved in Salmon and Water- page. Includes an on-line copy Ken Bierly Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board where you'll find information: shed Education in Oregon. This of this tabloid, plus links to Peter Bloome Extension Administration, OSU • Upstream: Salmon and publication tells you how to publications, videos and other Bill Braunworth College of Agricultural Sciences, OSU Society in the Pacific Northwest. contact groups throughout materials. Address: Alanna Farrow Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla A national team of scientists Oregon, from local, state and eesc.orst.edu/salmon/ Reservation assembled by the National federal agencies and private • The Columbia River Inter- Eric Fritzell Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, OSU Research Council compiled this organizations to elementary Tribal Fish Commission web Onno Husing Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association report. The National Academy schools. It lists materials site. Includes information on the Bill Krueger Department of Rangeland Resources, OSU Press. Washington. D.C., available from the groups. A importance of salmon to the Bruce Lovelin Columbia River Alliance published the book in 1996. An limited number of copies are Tribes, and press releases. Jim Martin Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife executive summary is available available from the Governor's Address: www.critfc.org Jim Myron Oregon Trout on the web. Address: Watershed Enhancement Board. • The Northwest Power j rd Jay Nicholas Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife www.nap.edu (then click on 255 Capitol Street, N.E., 3 Planning Council web site. Jay Rasmusscn Extension Sea Grant. OSU salmon). Floor, Salem, OR 97310. The Includes descriptions of a Scott Reed College of Forestry, OSU • The Oregon Plan for directory soon will be accessible variety of publications on Tom Shafer Oregon Coastal Zone Management Salmon and Watersheds web through the Oregon Plan web salmon and watershed topics. Association and Governor's Watershed site. Includes the entire Oregon site described above. Address: www.nwppc.org Enhancement Board Plan, executive summaries of • The Oregon Sea Grant web • For the Sake of the Salmon Rick Taylor Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish various documents, an illus- site. Includes information on web site. Includes sections on Commission trated, on-line book for children, salmon and watersheds and tells the Endangered Species Act. Terry Witt Oregonians for Food and Shelter and links to many other sites, you how to get educational salmon biology and how to help including state agencies such as materials such as publications, salmon. Address: www.4sos.org Special Thanks: Jeanne Bush, Joe Cone, Sandy Ridlington, the Oregon Department of Fish videos and a restoration news- Cindy Newberry, Steve Stone, Kathryn Kostow.

To order a single copy of this publication call 1-800-561-6719 or write: Publications Orders, Extension & Station Communi- cations, Oregon State University, 422 Kerr Administration, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119. Ask for EM 8722.

A Snapshot of Salmon in Oregon was produced by the Oregon State University Extension Service, in the Department of Extension and Experiment Station Communications.

© 1998 Oregon State University. This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety for noncommercial purposes. Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, religion, sex. sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A Chinook salmon fights its way toward ancestral spawning grounds, where its life will end and new

OREGON STATE UNTVERSITV EXTENSION SERVICE SALMON IN OREGON 23 Extension and Experiment Station Communications 422 Kerr Adminstration Building Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2119

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WMTS INSIDE Pages 1-7 Background information on salmon in Oregon. Pages 8-20 Articles examining human activities and natural forces that affect salmon. A Snapshot of Page 21-23 Articles on restoration efforts and SALMON IN where to get more information. OREGON OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE Front cover Salmon migration (Alaska Stock). Back cover Salmon eggs hatching. EM8722

24 SALMONIN OREGON OREGON STATE UXIMRSm-LXTEXSIOX SERMCE