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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
SNO★VALLEY
STAR
SHARP SHOOTER
Kumar’s game-winning shot caps San Diego basketball tournament Page 7
Steelhead experts analyze effects of hatchery methods BY STUART MILLER smiller@snovalleystar.com
SPECIAL REPORT
As the new year begins, Tokul Creek Hatchery is inching toward its goal of collecting a sufficient broodstock of hatchery steelhead. Though the hatchery is less than halfway to its modest goal this season, new management rules will force them to stop collecting broodstock at the end of the month. It is one of several recent changes to Tokul’s hatchery practices aimed at reducing the hatchery’s adverse effects on wild steelhead populations. Ten females, eight males and one “jack” fish had returned to Tokul hatchery as of Jan. 2. Still, the hatchery is far short its target 25 steelhead of each sex. Other hatcheries in the watershed are facing similar challenges. Fishing remains closed on Snoqualmie River and it’s tributaries, and as of Dec. 30 had also closed on parts of the Skykomish and Wallace rivers as two hatcheries there are struggling to collect broodstock. Those two hatcheries were the only Puget Sound hatcheries legally allowed to release steelhead smolt the last two years, as part of a settlement agreement between state agencies and the Wild Fish Conservancy. In addition to shutting down hatchery planting for two seasons at Tokul Creek, the lawsuit settlement between the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wild Fish Conservancy spurred the implementation of risk reduction measures
TROUBLE AT TOKUL Today: How science and research influence the debate over the hatchery’s relationship with wild steelhead. Jan. 13: A strained relationship between the hatchery and the Wild Fish Conservancy has muddied the waters as both look for a path forward.
that had been in the works since 2000. Steep steelhead decline Hatcheries became known as one of the “four H’s” causing wild salmon population declines in 1999, around the time that Puget Sound fish began being listed under the Endangered Species Act. Puget Sound steelhead were listed as “threatened” in 2007. National Marine Fisheries Service found that habitat degradation, harvest activities, hatchery production and hydropower operations were the biggest threats to wild fish populations in the Northwest. As a result, an independent science group called the Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) was formed in 2000 to study hatcheries’ effects and make changes to their management. “The question was ‘Should we shut all hatcheries down?’ Or what should we do with hatcheries,
STUART MILLER | smiller@snovalleystar.com
Tokul Hatchery Specialist 3 Debi Sanchez holds one of the eight male steelheads that had SEE TOKUL, PAGE 6 returned to the hatchery as of Jan. 2.
Shelter, North Bend reach permit agreement BY STUART MILLER smiller@snovalleystar.com
After four years of operating without a city permit,
the Valley Winter Shelter has recently come to a permitting agreement with the City of North Bend. Differences in opinion
regarding what stipulations were appropriate for the shelter, which provides people dinner and a warm place to sleep, had previously kept the two
sides from coming to an agreement. Jennifer Kirk, shelter director, SEE PERMIT, PAGE 5
Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
fire. Once they pulled over on the side of the Snoqualmie fire reports road, he advised that he opened the hood Car must have and saw fire behind the engine and called gotten coal in 911 before getting his girlfriend and dog out its Christmas of the car. stocking Due to the location At 12:48 a.m. Dec. 24, of the vehicle, a request Snoqualmie firefightwas made for the police ers were dispatched to department to assist in a reported vehicle fire dealing with removing in the 34900 block of it. King County Sheriff’s Southeast Ridge Street. Office arrived and The crew arrived to find advised that the vehicle a fully involved vehicle, was not a threat to trafwhich appeared to be fic and could stay there unoccupied, at the inter- until the occupant could section of 384th and arrange for a tow. The Ethan Wade Way. vehicle was a total loss. The crew initiated fire attack and quickly Car catches knocked down the fire fire suddenly and determined that At 1:50 a.m. Dec. 28, there were no occupants inside. Once the fire was Snoqualmie firefighters responded with Eastside completely out, and the Fire & Rescue for a single vehicle overhauled, the vehicle fire with no crew interviewed the injuries on westbound occupant. The driver advised that he was driv- Interstate 90 at the milepost 26, left shoulder. The ing on Southeast North crew arrived first and Bend Way with his dog and his girlfriend when established command for a 2016 Chevy Cruiser, the vehicle suddenly shut off, acting like there 4-door fully engulfed in flames. was a clutch issue or The driver and occusomething. pant were standing They saw some on the shoulder of the smoke, but no obvious
Police blotter
SNOVALLEY STAR
Obituary Elliott J. ‘Buzz’ Peterson Feb. 6, 1950 – Dec. 25, 2016 Funeral service begins at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Flintoft’s Issaquah Elliot ‘Buzz’ Peterson Funeral Home. Committal with honors begins 1 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. View obit, photos and sign guestbook at flintofts.com.
highway. He stated he didn’t know what happened, only that it just caught on fire and he was not hurt. The crew then extinguished the fire and checked the driver again for injuries, none were found. In addition to the above calls, Snoqualmie EMTs responded to 17 medical aid incidents bringing the total number of calls to date to 1,122. In 2015, there were 878 EMT calls.
King County Sheriff’s Office
King County Search and Rescue volunteers respond to Franklin Falls to help an injured hiker on Dec. 25.
Search and rescue volunteers stay busy over Christmas
More than 50 King and the man was found The final call came County Search and hiking down the trail as after a man got lost on Rescue volunteers spent the rescuers were headed his way down the Mount their Christmas helping up to look for him. Si Trail. Almost 15 search lost and injured hikers in In the second mission, and rescue members three separate incidents. a hiker injured a hip responded and brought The group received after falling on ice near him down safely. the first call at about 2 Franklin Falls. Search “Our volunteer Search p.m. near the Rattlesnake and rescue members and Rescue members Ledge Trail, when a man hiked to the falls and make a huge difference became separated from waded through the water in our community,” said his group, according to to get to the victim. Cindi West, King County a King County Sheriff’s More than 30 rescuers Sheriff’s Office spokesOffice news release. responded to help carry woman. “They use their The hikers called 911 the hiker through the own vehicles, equipment, when the man did not steam and down to a res- time and money for the show up at the summit. A cue vehicle, which transbenefit of others. They total of 19 search and resported him to a waiting are a gift that keeps on cue members showed up SANDY/LAURA ambulance.F.ePROOF.SV.CMYK.giving!” 50.18262.FRI.1209.3x2.5.LAM
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Calendar of events Saturday, Jan. 7 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Interactive Support for Novel Writers, for adults, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 Paul Green Quartet, 7:309:30 p.m., Piccola Cellars, 112 W. Second St., North Bend, jazzclubsnw.org/northbend Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts, ages 21 and older, 8 p.m., Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom, bit.ly/2iC2jeb Powell Mtn Bluegrass Band, 8 p.m., The Back Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, blackdogsnoqualmie.com/calendar
Sunday, Jan. 8 Brunch with Eleanor Lang, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Back Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, blackdogsnoqualmie.com/ calendar Danny Kolke Trio, 6 p.m.; Vox Outside the Box Vocal Jam, 7:30 p.m., Piccola Cellars, 112 W. Second St., North Bend, jazzclubsnw.org/ northbend William Hu: Nonstop Concert, ages 21 and older, 4 p.m., Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom, bit.ly/2iIQcJb
Monday, Jan. 9 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45-8 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Merry Monday Story Time, for ages newborn to 24 months, 11-11:45 a.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 Snoqualmie Arts Commission meeting, 5:307 p.m., City Hall, 38624 SE River St. Friends of the North Bend Library Monthly Meeting, all ages, 7-8 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554
Tuesday, Jan. 10 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years,
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45-8 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Snoqualmie City Council meeting, 7-9 p.m., City Hall, 38624 SE River St.
Post Headquarters, 38625 SE River St., Snoqualmie, refreshments are usually served, open to all veterans both members and prospective members North Bend Planning Commission meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Hall, 211 Main Ave. N. Family Story Time, children and families, 7-7:45 p.m., Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. SE, 888-1223 Full Circle Jazz Ensemble, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Piccola Cellars, 112 W. Second St., North Bend, jazzclubsnw.org/ northbend Emilia Glaser, 7:30 p.m., The Back Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, blackdogsnoqualmie.com/ calendar
Wednesday, Jan. 11 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45-8 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Sno-Valley Indoor Playground, ages newborn to 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Si View Gymnasium, 400 SE Orchard Drive, North Bend, $1 donation per child, snovalleyindoorplayground.org Story Times: toddlers ages newborn to 3, 10-10:30 a.m.; preschool ages 3-6, 11-11:45 a.m., Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. SE, 888-1223 Mt. Si Senior Center Trips: Helen’s Magical Mystery Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $15 for members/$25 for non-members, meet at 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, 888-3434 Northwest 9-Ball Championship, 1 p.m., Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom, bit.ly/2i3CaBs Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., The Back Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, blackdogsnoqualmie.com/ calendar
Friday, Jan. 13 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:15-8 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Sno-Valley Indoor Playground, ages newborn to 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Si View Gymnasium, 400 SE Orchard Drive, North Bend, $1 donation per child, snovalleyindoorplayground.org Northwest 9-Ball Championship, 1 p.m., Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom, bit.ly/2i3CaBs Teen STEM Club: Squishy Circuits, for grades 5-10, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. SE, 888-1223 Carl Tosten, 6:30-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. SE, fallsbrew.com/taproom/events Playwrights Fest: Best of the Fest, 8 p.m., The Back Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, blackdogsnoqualmie.com/calendar
Thursday, Jan. 12 Kid Zone, free for members drop-in childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45-8 p.m., Snoqualmie YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., 256-3115 Story Time: toddlers ages newborn to 3 10-10:45 a.m.; preschool ages 3 and older, 11-11:45 a.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 Northwest 9-Ball Championship, 1 p.m., Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom, bit.ly/2i3CaBs Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee meeting, 5-6 p.m., Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway Snoqualmie School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Mount Si High School, 8651 Meadowbrook Way SE, 8318100 American Legion Post 79 monthly meeting, 7 p.m.
Contributed
Theatre Black Dog hosts Playwrights Showcase Jan. 13 BY STUART MILLER
smiller@snovalleystar.com
Theatre Black Dog’s Playwrights Showcase will feature eight oneact plays Jan. 13 and 14 at Black Dog Café in Snoqualmie. Four acts per night, ranging in length from five to 20 minutes, will each comment in some way on the human condition, said Susan Bradford, artistic director for Theatre Black Dog. The acts will be performed in theatrical cold reading style with scripts in hand. Many of the
playwrights and actors are Valley locals, Black Dog Café owner Cris Coffing said. “This is fresh creativity right out of the gate,” Coffing said. “It’s fun, it’s something really different.” Acts will range from a comic incident at a bus stop, to surreal takes on a grocery store interaction and a class reunion, to a game show where people’s souls pick their own mother. “The plays range from kind of realistic to surrealistic takes on the human condition and relationship,” Bradford said.
Some will be serious, others comic. All will benefit the Black Dog Arts Coalition, which promotes theatre, music, literature and the arts throughout Snoqualmie. “Our mission is to nurture, encourage and support artists,” Coffing said. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door. The show starts at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 and 14. Black Dog Café serves dinner (not included in donation) from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations and information are available by calling Black Dog Café at (425) 831-3647.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
Valley View
OPINION
SNOVALLEY STAR
Respect the officials and keep your focus on the athletes
BY NEIL PIERSON
T
he original intent of this week’s column was to recognize our coverage area’s top high-school athletes of the past year. I’ll get to that. First, let’s talk a little about sportsmanship and the kind of example some adults are setting at high-school sporting events. It’s not the first time in my 14 years as a prep sports reporter that I’ve had to type out a public reprimand due to behavior I’ve witnessed at a game. And, unfortunately, it probably won’t be the last time. I recently covered two girls basketball games on the same day: Eastside Catholic vs. Mark Morris and Skyline vs. Redmond. The same remarkable behavior occurred at – and detracted from – both games. Fans, some of them presumably parents of the players, decided the officiating wasn’t up to snuff. They began voicing that displeasure. Loudly. Nothing profane, but it made me shake my head in disbelief. High-school officials aren’t professionals. They love sports
To the Editor North Bend is turning into Issaquah After reading Stuart Miller’s Dec. 30 column about Issaquah and North Bend, I felt compelled to add to it. We also grew up in Issaquah, my wife born and raised, schooled, etc. We lived in the old part of town by Flintoft’s and watched the city ignore our
and want to be around them any way possible, so they give up a few nights a week when they’re done with their Neil Pierson real jobs. And yet they take a lot of abuse. For what? Because Jenny’s dad can’t stand that his daughter might not win a highschool basketball game? Look, this isn’t Little League. Playing to win has been and should be part of the teenage mindset. But high-school sports aren’t college sports or pro sports. Officials need to be treated with more respect than you’d give Gene Steratore during the Seahawks game. Hold your tongue and save the critique for your next trip to CenturyLink Field. On to the good stuff. My last column of 2016 is also about the area’s best athletes of 2016. Listed below are my top five and I welcome second opinions. To make the list, athletes had to attend one of the six high schools I cover: Eastlake, Eastside Catholic, Issaquah,
back and KingCo 4A Offensive MVP helped the Wolves back to the state playoffs for third time in four seasons. Howard threw 30 touchdown passes in 11 games and was stellar in a 49-0 playoff win over Kentwood (18 of 30, 277 yards, three TDs). 4. Gina Marxen, Eastlake girls basketball. As a sophomore point guard, Marxen played like a senior. She averaged 17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game as the Lady Wolves reached the regional round of 16. GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@snovalleystar.com 5. Abby Russell, Liberty Mount Si senior Jimmy Boyce pitched a complete game with six hits swimming. Russell contriband nine strikeouts May 21 in the Wildcats’ May 21 Class 4A first-round uted heavily to the Patriots’ state tournament game at Heritage Park in Puyallup. 2A title wins in 2014 and ’15 and she was the star as Liberty Liberty, Mount Si or Skyline. at San Jose State. three-peated this fall. She was And these aren’t necessar2. Jimmy Boyce, Mount Si ily the most talented athletes baseball. An all-state pitcher and second in the 100-yard breaststroke and upset U.S. Olympic — some won’t play Division I KingCo 4A Player of the Year, Trials qualifier Taylor McCoy sports — but the ones who had Boyce dominated the opposithe greatest impact on their tion during the Wildcats’ march of Pullman to win the 200 individual medley. teams. to the state playoffs. He struck 1. Caroline Bowman, Skyline 54 hitters in 41²⁄³ innings and Email reporter fastpitch. Bowman was an had a 1.18 ERA. He’s playing for Neil Pierson at invaluable piece for a Spartans Edmonds Community College npierson@snovalleystar.com. squad that qualified for the state now and don’t be surprised if tournament. She was the Class he shows up on the internaValley View is a weekly column 4A KingCo Conference MVP, tional stage for his native New by SnoValley Star staff. It does not pitching nearly every inning Zealand. necessarily represent the editorial for her team and hitting in the 3. Ben Howard, Eastlake views of the newspaper. cleanup spot. She plans to play football. The senior quarter-
part of town while it was growing. The sunset interchange was the final straw and we moved to North Bend. The same is happening here. The City Council and mayor, in my opinion, have lost sight of the original town and their needs/wants. They neglect to fix traffic problems before allowing new growth and do not really take the input of citizens with real concerns and visions. Growth is inevitable and to not
SNO★VALLEY
STAR Published every Friday by The Issaquah Press Group 1085 12th Ave. NW, Suite D1 | P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, King County, WA 98027
be prepared for it is a sign of poor leadership and ignorance. The paint scheme and lot size is really immaterial if you lose sight of the important infrastructure. In hindsight, we wished we would have put up with the growth and stayed in our little part of Issaquah and enjoyed being able to walk to town and experience all that old Issaquah has to offer. Tim English North Bend
HAVE YOUR SAY Something on your mind about your city? Tell us about it. Send letters to the editor via email to editor@ snovalleystar.com. The SnoValley Star welcomes comments to the editor about local issues — 300 words at most, please. We may edit them for length, clarity or inappropriate content. Include your phone number (it will not be published). Email is preferred, but you can also mail your comments to: Editor, SnoValley Star, P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027
STAFF Charles Horton.......................................General manager Scott Stoddard...............................................................Editor Stuart Miller............................................................. Reporter Neil Pierson.............................................................. Reporter Greg Farrar.....................................................Photographer
CORRECTIONS We are committed to accuracy at the SnoValley Star and take care in our reporting and editing, but errors do occur. If you think something we’ve published is in error, please email us at editor@snovalleystar.com.
CONTACT US All departments can be reached at
(425) 392-6434
Fax: (425) 392-1695 Email: editor@snovalleystar.com Online: snovalleystar.com ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS $52 per year | $96 two years $48 per year for seniors Add $15 outside King County Add $20 outside the state
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
PERMIT From Page 1
said the city removed its requirement of providing intake forms and making daily sign-in sheets public information. “It’s really important that we protect the privacy of our clients,” Kirk said. Other restrictions pertaining to residency requirements and connections to North Bend were also lifted in the city’s agreement with the shelter. Kirk said almost half of the 17 to 20 patrons the shelter has averaged per night are from North Bend. “This has been a really big success for both parties,” Kirk said. Mayor Ken Hearing said this year the shelter operators submitted the permit application very early, which allowed the Cynthia Martin and Charles McCarthy plate hot pizza for Valley Winter Shelter guests Jan. 2 at Snoqualmie United Methodist church. STUART MILLER | smiller@ snovalleystar.com LAURA F.FINAL.SV.CMYK.PDF 1230 LAM 01.18381.FRI.0106.6X6.5.LAM
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two parties ample time to averaged about 15 people negotiate. per night, and is now aver“I think this was a huge aging 17 to 20. So far the step in all getting on same shelter has never had to page,” Hearing said. turn anyone away for lack Ever since its inception of space, but has removed five years ago, the winpeople for bad behavior. ter shelter has operated In the future, Kirk said unpermitted in North she hopes to negotiate Bend. The fact that it oper- with the city on topics ates in churches, which like the camping ban ordiare viewed by many as nance and finding low a protected sanctuary income housing additions venues, led to a legal grey in the city. area in which the shelter “Moving forward, we’re was able operate. really excited about this The parties are finalizing foundation we’ve built a $2,000 grant awarded by with City of North Bend,” the city to the shelter. Kirk Kirk said. “This is only said the money will go to the beginning of what we general shelter services to hope will happen.” make sure people are out The winter shelter of the cold. will operate at Mount Homelessness is on the Si Lutheran Church in rise in the Valley. Kirk North Bend from Jan. 19 LAURA said last yearD.noPROOF.SV.CMYK.PDF-JAN the shelter to March 4. 1205 LAM 01.17964.FRI.0105.2x2.LAM
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
TOKUL
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From Page 1
STUART MILLER | smiller@snovalleystar.com
Edward Eleazer, Region 4 program manager for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, discusses hatchery practices.
tion and interaction between large hatchery steelhead smolt and the smaller wild steelhead smolt is having a significant impact on wild populations. Because Tokul hatchery baby steelhead are well fed and generally safe from danger, they are reared from eggs to ocean-ready smolt in about a year and a half in hatchery ponds before being released. Wild steelhead can take twoto-four years to reach
that stage. “They escape a little of the predation that the wild fish may be subject to,” said Nick Gayeski, a fisheries scientist for Wild Fish Conservancy. While it may help in the short term, their early size advantage can make them less fit to survive in the wild, he said. While Blankenship said competition between wild and hatchery smolt has been documented in some places, he is less concerned about that compared to other problems like predation and the health of Puget Sound. A number of measures have been implemented since 2014 aimed at reducing the risk of interactions between wild and hatchery steelhead. Some people are calling them SCOTT Z.noPROOF.SR.CMYK. effective, while PDF 1226others LAM
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because they are an H,” Lee Blankenship, a member of the HSRG, said. Of the review group’s several concerns, the main one was hatchery fish straying and mating with wild fish, Blankenship said. “The science clearly shows that hatchery fish will reduce the fitness of wild populations,” Blankenship said. Kurt Beardslee, executive director of Wild Fish Conservancy, said that steelhead are a reflection of the environment they live in. Natural selection has made them capable of surviving in habitats that may look alike, but can be very different in reality. Wild steelhead have adapted to things like specific water temperatures, stream hydrology, spawning gravel sizes and passage of physical obstacles like waterfalls, among other things. Even though lessadapted stray hatchery fish might make it to those same spawning grounds, it does not mean its offspring will be suited to be as successful, Beardslee said. “What made that specific fish so perfect for that one system isn’t there now,” Beardslee said. “Even if you get these fish back, they would not be able to colonize many of these habitats.” The Conservancy also contends that competi-
Hatcheries reducing risks Tokul hatchery was not always as cautious as they are today. Many practices that were standard within the last decade are today considered very harmful. Outplanting, the practice of taking smolt out of a hatchery and dumping them in surrounding tributaries and creeks, was until recently, a main cause of hatchery steelhead spawning with wild fish. Steelhead usually return to spawn in the river they are released in. “We would do that to promote a fishery,” said Edward Eleazer, a regional program manager for WDFW Region 4. “Fisherman would have an opportunity to catch them throughout the system instead of the fish just going right to the hatchery, because that would just create one fishing spot rather than a dozen.” It seemed like a good deal until scientists like Blankenship began looking at the DNA of wildspawning fish. “It provided a little fishery in all the little streams. It also wiped out the wild genetics,” Blankenship said. “You can’t just be out planting them like Johnny Appleseed in adjacent streams.” Tokul hatchery has stopped all outplanting as part of its effort to create a highly segregated run of early-winter steelhead. Hatcheries have designed the steelhead run to occur in the months before most wild fish typically show up in the Snoqualmie system. “The beauty of this stock is its run timing,” Eleazer said. To help limit the hatchery steelhead return from November to early February, Tokul hatchery now practices “volitional” smolt releases. That means letting the smolt in the rearing ponds leave the hatchery on their own volition, if they want to leave at all. Until recently, all the smolt were planted in the river, regardless of whether
SNOVALLEY STAR they were ready to go out to sea or not. When steelhead smolt are ready to migrate to saltwater, they go through a stage of smoltification, Eleazer said. They start losing scales, and their body goes through physiological changes to make its transformation to the saltwater complete. “When we say volitional release, we just pull the screen at the hatchery so the fish can make the choice to go out to the saltwater, or it could stay at the hatchery,” Eleazer said. “The ones that are going through that change, the smolting phase, they will come out of the hatchery in droves.” A smolt can make it from Tokul Creek to Puget Sound in as quickly as two days, Eleazer said, and typically takes less than a week. The process helps make sure the fish that are released will find saltwater quickly and not just sit in the river and provide competition for wild smolt, Blankenship said. If a steelhead smolt does not leave the rearing pond within two weeks to a month, it is planted in a lake that does not drain to Puget Sound, Eleazer said. Those new practices have been combined with a massive decrease in number of smolt planted, in an attempt to combat the risk of interbreeding. When Debi Sanchez, hatchery specialist 3 at Tokul hatchery, began working at Tokul in 1989, the goal was to raise 185,000 steelhead smolt. After changes in management practices, the yearly release quota for Tokul hatchery is now at 74,000. Eleazer said hundreds of tested DNA samples from spawning steelhead now prove that the risk of wild and hatchery steelhead mingling on the spawning ground is less than two percent. “Genetically we’ve proven that there is not a huge impact, and that was why (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) permitted these programs,” Eleazer said, referring to DFW’s approved Hatchery Genetic
Management Plans. Unclear results Wild steelhead stocks are still in a pattern of decline in the Snoqualmie River system. Some rivers, like the Skagit, have seen increases in wild steelhead, even as hatchery planting was stopped completely three years ago, and will be for another nine years as part of the lawsuit settlement. Skagit River’s closure will give scientists the ability to test Wild Fish Conservancy’s assertion that stopping hatchery planting has a direct correlation with increasing wild steelhead populations. A number of other factors play into the equation. Predation by species-protected seals and sea lions concern some scientists, including Blankenship. Eleazer stated that habitat degradation and destruction from human actions likely has the worst effect on wild steelhead populations. Blankenship and the Hatchery Science Reform Group have recommended that at least one river system in each region should be completely free of hatcheries – a concept called “wild gene banks” – while research continues. Blankenship also said he strongly believes that you can have hatcheries, enjoy the benefits, and at the same time, greatly reduce the risk posed to wild fish. Fish and Wildlife’s mission statement is “To preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.” That statement often poses two conflicting views of how steelhead should be managed – one focused on helping wild fish survive at all costs, and another on continuing a long tradition of fishing for meat. “We have to do all those things. And how do you do all those things? One way is meeting that Wild Fish argument half way,” Eleazer said. “We (DFW) can’t really have the extreme view of some people. There are conflicting values.”
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SPORTS
SNOVALLEY STAR
Mount Si boys look beyond 1-3 record at SoCal tournament BY NEIL PIERSON npierson@ snovalleystar.com
GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@snovalleystar.com
Mount Si freshman guard Nitika Kumar (2), shooting Dec. 7 during the Wildcats’ home game against Issaquah, shot a three-point game winner at the buzzer during one game and earned Slam Division all-tournament honors for her three-game performance at Surf N’ Slam in San Diego.
Kumar’s game-winning shot makes Wildcat’s trip to San Diego a little happier
BY NEIL PIERSON npierson@ snovalleystar.com Mount Si was in a tough spot. With 5.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats trailed by two points against Hanover (Va.) in their final game of the Surf N’ Slam basketball tournament in San Diego. Needing to go the length of the floor and score quickly, the Mount Si girls made it happen with three passes, setting up freshman shooting guard Nitika Kumar with an open look from 3-point range. Kumar’s shot was good and Mount Si escaped with a thrilling victory, 55-54. And Kumar earned Slam Division all-tournament honors with her three-game performance, which also included a win over Mission Bay (Calif.) and a loss to the Puyallup Vikings.
“I think I just didn’t give up when we were in hard positions,” Kumar said of the experience at her first high-school holiday tournament. “I just kind of persevered and didn’t give up, and just kept shooting even though sometimes my shots weren’t going in.” Kumar, one of four freshmen on this year’s Mount Si roster, has earned the respect of first-year coach Bob Richey and, consequently, is on the floor in crucial situations for the scarlet and gray. “She’s a smart, heady player,” Richey said. “I consider her to have a high basketball IQ and she’s just a great kid. She just does whatever you ask her to and she doesn’t complain.” The win over Hanover was Mount Si’s fourth of the season – doubling the program’s total from all of last season – and may
give the Wildcats added confidence as they return to Class 4A KingCo Conference games this week against Skyline and Inglemoor. The Wildcats (4-6 overall, 1-3 KingCo) have high internal expectations and know they can reach the playoffs if they play smart, fundamental basketball. Friday’s 6:30 p.m. home game against Inglemoor (4-4, 1-3) may go a long way toward determining their postseason fate. “We can compete with any team in our league if we’re taking care of the basketball, we’re setting good screens and we’re running our offense,” Richey said. “It’s all those little things. Basketball is not rocket science. If we’re concentrating and focusing on those little things, we should be in every game.” Mount Si had a chance to play a KingCo-style game against Puyallup,
losing 47-37. Puyallup finished second in the five-team Slam Division, while Ballard went 3-0 to win the bracket. “That’s a game we probably should’ve won but we hurt ourselves with turnovers and mistakes,” Richey said. “Our energy level just wasn’t where we needed it to be.” Effort wasn’t a problem against Mission Bay as the Wildcats routed the Buccaneers, 79-28. “I just feel like everyone was confident with their shot and they shot it no matter what,” Kumar said of the lopsided win. “We didn’t hesitate and we encouraged each other to shoot. It was less nerves and more having fun.” That experience helped the Wildcats against Hanover, who trailed most of the game before rallying to take a late lead and forcSEE GIRLS, PAGE 8
As captains, Gavin Gorrell and Brendan Botten know going into every game they’ll have key influences on how the Mount Si boys basketball team performs. That became particularly evident during the Wildcats’ four-game run at the Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational, Dec. 27-30 in southern California. They played against strong opponents and multiple future collegiate players, making their 1-3 record less dismal because they found them-
selves with a chance to win in the fourth quarter of each game. “It’s interesting that in our three losses, we got down over 20 in each loss,” Mount Si coach Jason Griffith said. “… Two of those teams would be the best in our league.” Mount Si won its opener against Torrance (Calif.) as Gorrell, a senior point guard, led the way with 12 points and 10 assists in a 55-50 decision. The team shot 12 for 16 on free throws and took relatively good care of the ball, finishing with 15 turnovers. In their second game against Rancho Mirage SEE BOYS, PAGE 8
GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@snovalleystar.com
Mount Si junior guard Brendan Botten (4), shooting Dec. 13 during the Wildcats’ home game against Eastlake, scored a season-high 14 points against Simi Valley during the Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational Dec. 27-30 in southern California.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
SNOVALLEY STAR
GIRLS From Page 7
Mount Si freshman guard Jabe Mullins (5), seen defending Dec. 13 against Eastlake junior guard Peter Chang, scored career highs in points and rebounds in a game during the Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational Dec. 27-30 in southern California. GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@ snovalleystar.com
BOYS From Page 7
(Calif.) – a program that finished 30-2 last year and is highly ranked again – the Wildcats trailed by 16 entering the fourth quarter but got within two possessions before losing, 65-55. Freshman guard Jabe Mullins was on fire, finishing with careerhighs in points (23) and rebounds (14). Gorrell
added 11 points, including three 3-pointers. It was Botten’s turn to shine in Mount Si’s outing against Simi Valley (Calif.). The junior scored a season-high 14 points – all in the second half – as the Wildcats nearly overturned a huge deficit in a 58-53 loss. In their finale against Cabrillo (Calif.), the Wildcats again stormed back in the second half and had a chance to win in regulation but missed a last-second layup. Cabrillo prevailed in overtime, 60-53. “It’s hard because you don’t want to lose, but at the same time, we battled
back,” Griffith said. “I’m just looking for our kids to believe a little bit more in themselves. I think, right now, we’re finding ways to lose as opposed to expecting to win. That’s where this program is at.” Gorrell and Botten seem eager to accept responsibility for Mount Si’s 2-7 start. The team will look to turn things around as it returns to Class 4A KingCo Conference action against Inglemoor, Newport and Woodinville over the next week. Gorrell, a three-sport athlete who will play baseball at Northern Colorado, said he has to
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be the spark plug and since freshman guard give the Wildcats a shot of Tyler Patterson sustained adrenaline. a fractured foot. “I got a little reality There’s no timetable check with myself and I for Patterson’s return, so just realized that I wasn’t Botten may have to do playing to my full poteneven more. tial, full energy and being “This year is big for the leader that I should,” me because I was pretty he said. surprised that the team Gorrell averages 10.3 picked me to be a cappoints, third on the team, tain, honestly,” Botten but needs to protect the said. “And it’s kind of ball better as he records rough coming off the nearly as many turnovers bench being a captain, (4.4) as assists (4.7) each just because you have a game. little less say than Gavin “It’s probably no would.” coincidence that our Griffith said Botten has wins have come when given exceptional effort he plays really well,” and is showing improveGriffith said. “We’re still ment. talking to him about cut“He has bought into his ting his turnovers down role from day one, being … He just has to make our sixth man,” the coach the right read and the said. “He’s a good shooter. correct play – make the He’s a good leader on the easy play.” floor. He defends hard. Botten’s role has He’s starting to understand that we need more changed drastically durout of him on the floor ing Griffith’s first season offensively, so we’re pushat Mount Si. He’s typiing him to attack and crecally the first man off the ate opportunities for his bench and his minutes teammates.” have gone up even more LAURA F.noPROOF.SR.CMYK. PDF 1226 LAM 01.18177.THU.0105.2X2.LAM
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ing Kumar’s heroics. “It was a pretty cool experience,” Kumar said. “I feel like everyone just worked together at the end and kind of pushed through. No one was selfish about it.” Kumar and her fellow freshmen – Izzy Smith, Joelle Buck and Sela Heide – have been playing together since sixth grade and may reshape Mount Si’s nucleus next season when seniors Emma Smith, Chaija Olsson, Hayden Frederick and Scout Turner graduate. “I feel like we have good chemistry, and we kind of know what our strengths and weaknesses are,” Kumar said. Spending time together away from home was just as important for the Wildcats as anything they did on the court. “For all of them, they really hadn’t had any time like that together outside of basketball,” Richey said. “We spent some time at SeaWorld and we had three or four dinners together. We hung out at the hotel and did some karaoke. It was everything a coach hopes for in terms of team bonding and having fun.”
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