Sauk-Suiattle

Read more about the article Sauk-Suiattle Tribe Tests Remote Site Incubator to Enhance Chum Run

Sauk-Suiattle Tribe Tests Remote Site Incubator to Enhance Chum Run

sauk RSI_1Sauk-Suiattle elders still talk about the old days harvesting chum salmon from Lyle Creek.

With chum runs on the decline since 2007, and no fish in Lyle Creek, the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe is testing a method of enhancing the population using a remote site incubator.

Salmon runs across Puget Sound are in decline because of lost and degraded habitat. Remote site incubators enable fisheries co-managers to supplement natural production where spawning habitat is inadequate. (more…)

Continue ReadingSauk-Suiattle Tribe Tests Remote Site Incubator to Enhance Chum Run

Tribes study chinook use of small coastal streams

Hibulb
Todd Zackey electrofishes Hibulb Creek to determine whether there are juvenile chinook using the small coastal stream.

The Tulalip Tribes and Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC) recently completed a six-year study of juvenile chinook salmon use of small coastal streams in the Whidbey basin.

“Small coastal streams are often overlooked as potential salmon habitat because many flow seasonally and do not provide spawning habitat,” said Todd Zackey, the marine and nearshore program manager for Tulalip who obtained grant funding for the research. Derek Marks, Timber/Fish/Wildlife manager for Tulalip, was an additional principal investigator on the research.

The researchers electrofished 63 streams in the Whidbey basin and found juvenile chinook using more than half of them. The migrant fry originated from the three nearby rivers: Skagit, Snohomish and Stillaguamish.

(more…)

Continue ReadingTribes study chinook use of small coastal streams

Sauk-Suiattle Tribe battles invasive knotweed

Sauk-Mtn-Sauk-River-knotweed-credit-AndrewThe Sauk-Suiattle Tribe is determined to eradicate invasive knotweed in its watershed.

Knotweed is such a fast-growing invasive species, and some infestations so extensive that all natural resources managers can do is control the spread. The plants can grow 15 feet tall and crowd out native vegetation needed for quality fish and wildlife habitat.

“During the fall, knotweed plants transfer significantly more nutrients from the leaves to the roots than do native riparian plants. When they drop their leaves, fewer nutrients are available for bacteria, insects, and fish,” said Andrew McDonnell, Sauk-Suiattle natural resources field coordinator. “Knotweed has no value for wildlife and is detrimental to salmon.” (more…)

Continue ReadingSauk-Suiattle Tribe battles invasive knotweed

Sauk-Suiattle Tribe plans for climate change

The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe is studying how climate change will affect members of the tribe and the natural resources that sustain them.

“The tribe values a healthy river as equal to a healthy and vibrant human community,” said Jason Joseph, Sauk-Suiattle natural resources director. “This project will be a case study of sustainability in the face of global warming. We’re focusing on the effects on fisheries and reservation infrastructure.”

The homes and administration buildings of the Sauk-Suiattle reservation are on the banks of the Sauk River near Darrington. With nearly 400 glaciers in the region, the Sauk and other tributaries to the Skagit River – the Suiattle and Whitechuck – will see rapid change as the climate continues to warm. (more…)

Continue ReadingSauk-Suiattle Tribe plans for climate change