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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2001

Claiming losses of $36 million, the Tulalip Tribes of Washington have put local governments on notice over dams they say are blocking their fish.

But before a lawsuit is filed, the tribes are willing to negotiate with the city of Everett, the Snohomish County Public Utility District and Snohomish County, said attorneys. The local governments say they were surprised at the move by the tribe.

The tribes contend dams on the Sultan River have prevented salmon and steelhead trout from reaching tribal fishing areas. The tribes have treaty rights to fish in the region.

In related fishing news, the General Accounting Office says clearing culverts in Washington and Oregon to allow easier passage by fish could take decades. Washington tribes have filed a lawsuit alleging the blocked waterways are infringing on treaty rights.

Get the Story:
Tribes claim fish runs blocked (The Seattle Times 11/27)
Tulalips sue over loss of salmon (The Daily Herald 11/27)
Lengthy, costly work lies ahead for culverts in Washington and Oregon (AP 11/27)