Ubits September / October 2018
Happy homecoming
Oct. – Dec. Adopt-aFamily In support of Comprehensive Life Services
In this issue
First Cushman program fish return to North Fork Skokomish River It’s a monumental milestone more than 90 years in the making: spring Chinook returned to the base of Cushman Dam No. 2 on the North Fork Skokomish River this summer. They are the first returns for Tacoma Power’s new Cushman fisheries program. The fish originate from Skagit River stock. Tacoma Power released the spring Chinook into the river two years ago, and they have returned from their ocean adventures to spawn. “This is an exciting milestone for us and our partners as we work toward our common goal of introducing and rebuilding fish populations,” said Cushman Fish Facilities Manager Andrew Ollenburg. “It took the support of many people, especially nearby tribes, to bring this run back.”
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New director’s “listening tour”
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There’s a new fish in town
The Cushman Hydroelectric Project provides clean, renewable electricity via two dams and three powerhouses. However, when the dams were built, they blocked fish migration. As part of its federal license to operate the dams, the utility has invested $62 million in two hatcheries, adult and juvenile collection facilities, and enhanced fish and habitat monitoring and evaluation programs. The utility also raises steelhead, coho, and sockeye. ”Our supplemental program is not just about hatchery releases,” Ollenburg said. “It’s about true introduction; getting wild fish back in the river and helping those fish successfully reproduce.”
Next steps for Click!
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Newsline gets a new look