Suit Filed To Block Elwha Hatchery Programs

The Wild Fish Conservancy, in conjunction with The Conservation Angler, the Federation of Fly Fishers Steelhead Committee, and the Wild Steelhead Coalition, has filed suit against various federal agencies and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in an effort to block the planting of hatchery fish in the newly opened Elwha River.

“While the Tribe played an essential role in removing the dams,” said Kurt Beardslee, Executive Director of Wild Fish Conservancy, “their intent to now plant millions of hatchery fish in disregard of the scientific evidence undermines salmon recovery in the Northwest and the goals of the ESA.   However you look at it, it’s a horrible precedent if left to stand.”