This article is from the seattle times:

Feb 13

Outdoors
Communities defend hatcheries

By Mark Yuasa
Seattle Times staff reporter
Three salmon and trout hatcheries may be eliminated, and those who thrive on their economic value are opposed to such a decision.

The proposed closure of the Sol Duc Hatchery, nestled on the pristine northern coast, has raised some eyebrows in communities.

"It would be counter productive to close something down that is beneficial to the community," said Jim Haguewood, Executive Director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council.

The issue came to light last fall, when state Fish and Wildlife was told by Governor Gary Locke to find ways to reduce spending for the next biennium by up to 15 percent. That is where the hatchery closures were proposed by fish program managers.

Managers pointed out that Sol Duc Hatchery isn't the only facility on the Quillayute river system. A good chunk of fish are produced in the Bogachiel Hatchery too.

The Quillayute is also one the most natural producing systems in the state, and hosts a very healthy stock of wild fish.

However, fish managers do realize the Sol Duc Hatchery is very beneficial for North Coast mixed-stock sport, commercial and tribal fisheries.

Now, it is up to the Legislature to decide if the closures are feasible as they come up with about $1.25-million in savings.

Internally, a state Fish and Wildlife spokesman said there is a 60 percent chance that the doors on the three facilities would close starting July 1.

This past summer and fall set records in both quantity and size of hatchery coho returns to Olympic Peninsula region creating very good fishing in the Sekiu-Clallam Bay, Neah Bay and La Push areas.

"They (Sekiu-Clallam Bay fishing resorts) got especially hit by hard times for many years," Haguewood said. "Then with last year's good coho runs, they saw a 50 percent increase in their economy. It was like a light bulb turned on for them."

According to the development board, last year was one of the best tourist and recreational economy boosts, specifically in fishing equipment, license, gasoline, hotel, resort and restaurant sales.

Sport-caught fish have been shown to have a value of $50 per pound to the Clallam County region's economy.

Dollars aren't the only benefit.

All surplus fish from the hatchery are transported to Upper Sol Duc watershed by volunteers to enhance nutrient content of those streams and to completely utilize hatchery fish output.

The development board says the hatchery is one of their most valuable tools for enhancing strong fish runs while maintaining weaker stocks in the Quillayute river system. Trout production also creates lake fishing opportunities in the region.

"The hatchery is very important to local revenue and bio-diversity of the North Olympic Peninsula," said Joe Schmidt, chairman of the Clallam County Marine Resources Committee. "We understand budget crunches, but this facility is one of the premier in the world and it operates under a very modest budget."

The artesian spring waters have essentially no pumping costs, and the entire Sol Duc facility has a very modest annual budget of $270,000.

Each year, the Sol Duc Hatchery produces one-million coho for Quillayute river system; 200,000 steelhead; four-million Elwha River chinook; and 36,000 trout.

The other two facilities that may close their doors for fish production are the McAllister Creek Hatchery in Olympia and the Naselle Hatchery on the southern coast. Both are known to produce a bundle of hatchery raised chinook.

Currently, there are close to 90 hatcheries or rearing ponds statewide producing salmon and trout.

Hey Tyler,
Feb 13 what year?

whoops FEB 3 2002
Tyler