Good Scenery tells a great story
Every picture tells a story, right? Work with environmental issues is one of the most rewarding part of my writing and producing jobs. Who can complain about getting out in into natural surroundings? Showing reporters and photographers the good work an organization does is a treat. Days like this become the most memorable.
During 16 plus years at Seattle City Light, I was lucky to periodically work at the Skagit River Hydro Electric plant. The pristine surroundings of North Cascades National Park (150 miles northeast of Seattle) make it a pleasure to welcome press people. At the the right time of year they see vast numbers of spawning salmon in the Skagit River shallows. It results in a good time for the press and a positive story. It’s all part of the job of a utility public relations person. And I got to write about it.
By Sharon Bennett, Seattle City Light News Bureau
More than two million Pink salmon, also known as “Humpies,” are now returning to spawn in the Skagit River. The unusual looking fish return every other year. Eighty to ninety percent of them spawn in 27 miles of river downstream from Seattle City Light’s Skagit Hydroelectric project. In mating season, they bear a distinctive hump, which gives the fish its nickname: Humpies.
This year’s record comeback is especially remarkable since in the fall of 1995, major flooding occurred on the Skagit River. Many of the millions of eggs deposited at that time were destroyed before the eggs were hatched. In 1997, only 60,000 Pinks returned to the Skagit to spawn. Since then, thanks to careful management of the river flows, the Pink runs have increased dramatically.
This appears to be the highest number of returning Pink salmon on the Skagit in four decades. This potential record run comes during a year with very low water.
City Light manages water flows for fish protection while providing abundant power for its customers. This year has been especially challenging due to less rain and runoff flowing into the river. City Light kept Ross Lake at higher levels during the winter and was able to refill the reservoir this spring, in spite of below-normal precipitation. The result: a spectacular salmon run and plenty of power.
The salmon nests or “redds” now have enough water for the eggs to survive. In previous years, the utility voluntarily released water into the river to preserve habitat for spawning fish.
When this many pink salmon are in the river at one time, they force each other to use all available habitat to spawn. Because of this, many fish are visible close to the banks of the river, with their backs out of the water. They are easily spot from a few access points along the river.
Rockport’s Steelhead Park just off, just off North Cascades Highway State Rte. 20.
The bridge at Marblemount, as well as the boat launch just past the bridge, are accessible.
Bacon Creek, six miles east of Marblemount, just past the Bacon Creek bridge. Take first right and stay on gravel road to transmission line tower (approximately 300′) and park. (road ends) Walk down to the Skagit River.
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