Hundreds of fish tunnels need to be unclogged

June 2008, The Herald

By Krista Kapralos

It’s long been a problem for fish. Now, it’s a problem for people, too.

Fish that have spent years maturing in the open ocean try to return to their spawning grounds in the region’s rivers and tributaries only to find the door closed.

Clogged and broken culverts — at least 702 of them in Snohomish County — keep fish from miles of spawning beds. It’s part of the reason fish runs have dwindled to just a fraction of their historic levels.

The state is already feeling the pinch. Local American Indian tribes won a lawsuit last year that now forces state crews to fix culverts faster than ever before. Read more

Hunters without borders

Sept. 2009, The Herald

By Krista Kapralos

The December air would soon be frosted with snow. Deer were headed down from the mountains to get away from the coming cold.

Scott Schuyler shouldered his rifle. He’d hiked several miles through the Mount-Baker Snoqualmie National Forest; then he stopped.

He reached a sign marking state park land, where hunting is not allowed.

“This is where I turn around,” said Schuyler, an Upper Skagit tribal member.

The path Schuyler hiked curves along a crystal-clear mountain stream. For as long as people remember, it has been ideal hunting ground.

“My ancestors walked this way,” he said. Read more

Ruling could give more say to state’s tribes

Aug. 2007, The Herald

By Krista Kapralos

American Indian tribes might soon hold more power over Washington’s environment than the state itself, now that a federal court ruling forces the state to preserve healthy salmon runs promised in a historic treaty.

Tribes say they now hope to gain control over how streams are managed, where homes and roads are built and even where hunters are allowed to find game.

The landmark ruling handed down Wednesday in favor of the tribes’ treaty claims brings these possibilities a step closer.

“We’re guardedly optimistic that this is a giant step toward protection of the environment,” Tulalip Tribal Chairman Mel Sheldon said. Read more