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Being Frank
February 2019
Ruling Strengthens Habitat Protection
A recent Washington Supreme Court ruling has strengthened a state law aimed at protecting the waters, shorelines and streambanks essential to salmon recovery. The ruling also reflects the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the culvert case that the state has … Continue reading
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January 2019
We’re Finding Common Ground for Salmon
The strength of the late Billy Frank Jr.’s vision and leadership is once again being called upon to help recover salmon in western Washington. Habitat, hatcheries and pinnipeds will be the focus of the Billy Frank Jr. Salmon Coalition that … Continue reading
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December 2018
To Help Orcas, Eat Chinook
Don’t stop eating or serving chinook salmon if you want to help recover Southern Resident Killer Whales. It might make you feel better for a while, but it accomplishes little and makes recovering chinook even harder, by devastating the livelihoods … Continue reading
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December 2018
Tribes Release Habitat Recovery Strategy
“As the salmon disappear, so do our cultures and treaty rights. We are at a crossroads and we are running out of time.” These words of the late tribal leader Billy Frank Jr. become more urgent every day. Despite massive … Continue reading
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October-November 2018
Move Forward on Water Quality Standards
In an unfortunate reversal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has decided to reconsider our state’s new water quality standards — the most protective in the nation — based on an industry trade group petition that argues the rules will increase … Continue reading
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September 2018
Tribes Support Sea Lion Removal Legislation
Federal legislation allowing lethal removal of more sea lions in the lower Columbia River is a good step toward reining in out-of-control populations that are hurting salmon and orca recovery efforts throughout the region. Treaty tribes in western Washington support … Continue reading
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August 2018
Cooperation Key to Salmon Recovery
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson didn’t have to take the culvert case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead of continuing the state’s shameful history of denying tribal treaty-reserved fishing rights, he could have chosen a path of … Continue reading
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July 2018
Tribes Celebrate the Return of Salmon
Every spring and summer, many tribes throughout the region celebrate the return of the salmon and the beginning of salmon fishing season. My tribe, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, holds a First Salmon Ceremony and Blessing of the Fleet in … Continue reading
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June 2018
Cooperation Spawns Hope
“The spirit of cooperation must guide us. It is how we will be able to bring back the salmon.” These words from our late leader Billy Frank Jr. become more important every day. Even though we’ve all done a lot … Continue reading
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May 2018
Poor Salmon Returns Expected
As the tribal and state co-managers begin the annual salmon season setting process, the effects of drought and poor ocean conditions over the past few years — combined with ongoing loss of habitat — are leading to another year of … Continue reading
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