From the President
By Deene Almvig

As I parked the car I could see the river through the trees. It had the jade-green color that indicated it was fishable. A sense of satisfaction accompanied me as I made my way up the river and through the trees adjacent to it. Vibrant green moss draped itself over the vine maple branches providing a sharp contrast to the grays underneath. New leaves were beginning to protrude from the buds adorning the underbrush. As I made my way to the river I could not help but think how beautiful the area is. I may not hook a fish today, but the trip is already worth it.

I half slide and stumble down the bank to the river. The water is right for my fly; good color although a little high. I step into the river and begin to strip line from the reel. Will there be a taking fish in the run today? With a stroke of the two-handed rod the line lays out and drops to the surface and the fly begins its swim back to the bank. The routine begins: cast, two steps down river. An eagle across the river watches from its perch high in a cottonwood tree. I marvel at the beauty around me and at the river and the tremendous amount of energy it carries – cast, two steps down.

I think about what the river was like 50 years ago. During some of those years more than 20,000 steelhead were taken out of it. Now the take is measured in the hundreds and the wild steelhead population is so low that they must be released if hooked (an excellent conservation policy) – cast, two steps.

And it has not happened just with steelhead; the other salmonid populations are crashing as well – cast, two steps. Why, I ask myself. Undoubted past logging practices have contributed as have over harvesting, habitat degradation, ocean conditions and other factors – cast, two steps. Getting near the resting area now; hopefully a taker is there.

People have been the major cause of the current situation, myself included – cast, two steps. I’m sure that is part of the reason I accepted the invitation to join the SFEG Board of Directors – cast, two steps. Let’s see, that was five years ago and I have found a great deal of joy and satisfaction being part of this non-profit habitat restoration and public educational organization. It has restored many miles of spawning habitat, planted thousands of trees, removed acres of non-native and noxious plants and many other salmonid enhancing projects – cast, two steps. It has also been very educational associating with a very competent and dedicated staff, board members and volunteers. As I look at this beautiful Skagit River and scan the hills beyond I wonder if it will ever produce salmonids as it once did – cast, two steps. Certainly it will need more help. Its problems are complex and will need the input and cooperation of individuals and organizations committed to succeed. Will you join me and the many volunteers and others trying to return this wonderful Skagit River to its former pristine and productive state? A call to the SFEG office or a financial contribution could be the start of a very satisfactory and enthusiastic experience – cast, two steps.

Well, that cast finishes the run and no takes. I’ll be back again I know. And next time there just might be a cooperative fish waiting for my fly.