with Dr. C.S. Sodhi, Tribal Director of Natural Resources, to 

 present views on restoring salmon and steelhead runs to the Che- 

 halis River Basin. 



I have been fishing for salmon in the Chehalis River for almost 

 30 years, the river where my ancestors have fished in the past. I 

 started fishing with my grandfather in 1964. At that time, we could 

 fish 365 days a year and there were plenty of fish for everyone. 

 Now we are permitted to fish an average of 40 days a year and we 

 are lucky if there are few fish. 



The Chehalis Tribe has been building partnerships among local, 

 State, Federal, industry, community groups, and other stakeholders 

 to develop and manage the Chehalis River Basin. Under the Cheha- 

 lis River Basin Fishery Resource Study and Restoration Act of 

 1990, the Chehalis Tribe got involved in a joint project with U.S. 

 Fisheries and Wildlife Service and the Quinault Indian Nation. The 

 Chehalis Tribe has been on the steering committee for the project 

 and has participated in two studies entitled the "Chehalis River 

 Basin Fisheries Resources: Status, Trends and Restoration Goals" 

 and the "Chehalis River Basin Fisheries Resources: Salmon, Steel- 

 head and Habitat Degradation." 



Mr. Chairman, these studies have revealed there are many fac- 

 tors involved in the decline of salmon runs over the years. Let's be 

 assured there are no quick methods to restoration, but we simply 

 cannot afford to let the Chehalis River Basin deteriorate further. 

 Now is the time we should get on with the monumental task of res- 

 toration of the Chehalis River Basin to support healthy salmon 

 runs. 



Presently, on my reservation there is approximately 65 percent 

 unemployment, whereas the neighboring non-Indian logging com- 

 munity there is a 25 percent unemployment rate. The restoration 

 project will provide short- as well as long-term employment to both 

 tribal and non-Indian communities. 



Mr. Chairman, the Chehalis Tribe believes the Chehalis River 

 Restoration Project is a well thought out and comprehensive pro- 

 gram. We have come here to ask that the Federal Government 

 commit to the continued adequate funding of the project so the 

 Chehalis River Basin can be restored. The Chehalis River Restora- 

 tion Project is a win-win outcome for Federal, State, tribal and pri- 

 vate entities. 



Mr. Chairman, the Chehalis River Basin has our tribal name and 

 we have lived there for thousands of years. We are committed to 

 restore and manage the resources of the Chehalis River Basin and 

 will take responsibility for our fair share of the work. Salmon fish- 

 ing is a way of life for our people. I do not think that I have put in 

 my years yet and I want to continue to fish for at least 30 more 

 years. I want future generations to enjoy the river and the salmon. 

 If tomorrow I am told there are no salmon in the river, I will still 

 be out there in the cold winter nights with my nets in the water 

 because that is where I want to be and that is what it means to me 

 to be a tribal fisherman. 



I want to thank you for allowing me to present the views of the 

 Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis reservation. Thank you. 



Mr. Manton. Thank you, Mr. Youckton. 



