You may not be aware that fishing has been closed on the Elwha River due to dam removal, first by a five-year closure, and second by a two-year extension now expiring in June 2019.
For those who do not fish, this is no problem, but for those who do, it requires at least two hours of additional travel time to reach and return from a river of similar quality.
Protection of the ecosystem — including fish — is the focus of this dam removal idea.
But can this be achieved by fishing in a sensitive way?
Of course.
It is also done elsewhere in large river systems such as the Bitterroot River in Montana and its tributaries.
Fish thrive there as they could here.
There is one difference: The Elwha River is mainly wilderness, not one you can drive to.
In that environment, kids are likely to learn much more about the outdoors than just fishing.
Tourism could also be strengthened in the entire county as the Elwha is obviously a prime destination for visitors to the Olympic National Park.
What better way can there be to improve our economic vitality while teaching children about the outdoors?
If public meetings are scheduled to discuss river conditions and any future fishing opportunities in the Elwha, those who believe that this is valuable should attend to present their views about the healthful benefits of recreational fishing in this beautiful setting.
Glen Wiggins,
Port Angeles