[The statement of Ms. Cantwell follows:] 

 Statement of Hon. Maria Cantwell, a U.S. Representative from Washington 



Mr. Chairman, I commend you for holding this hearing today to follow up on the 

 recently completed comprehensive study of the Chehalis River Basin. My Washing- 

 ton State colleague, Jolene Unsoeld, whose 1990 legislation is responsible for this 

 effort, has once again demonstrated her outstanding dedication and commitment to 

 some of the most critical resource issues facing the Northwest. 



The Chehalis River Basin is the second largest basin in Washington State. Its im- 

 portance as a contributor to the health of Northwest fish stocks— and its corollary 

 relationship to the economic health of the region— is great. The fact that salmon 

 and steelhead production and harvest has significantly declined in recent years has 

 sent up flare signals that action must be taken to restore critical habitat areas and 

 improve their productivity. 



There are many factors at play on this area: water pollution; land-use practices, 

 including agriculture and timber harvest; urban development; and dams. The Che- 

 halis in many ways exemplifies the challenges we will continue to face as we look at 

 ways to balance competing uses of our resources. 



Mr. Chairman, the testimony we will hear today will give us additional informa- 

 tion on the steps that must be undertaken in our efforts to improve the health of 

 our valuable resources in the Northwest. Congressman Norm Dicks, another one of 

 my outstanding colleagues from Washington State, who, with 14 years of experience 

 with these challenging resource issues, is here to offer his insight and expertise. I 

 greatly appreciate the Subcommittee's and Committee's willingness to step up to 

 these challenges. I am committed to working with my colleagues towards responsi- 

 ble solutions. 



[The statement of Mr. Young follows:] 



Statement of Hon. Don Young, a U.S. Representative from Alaska 



Mr. Chairman, we are here today to listen to the findings from the research and 

 report required under Public Law 101-452 concerning the restoration of the Cheha- 

 lis River Basin and its fisheries. I will be interested to hear the results of the scien- 

 tific surveys to determine how best to resolve the problems faced by the Pacific 

 Northwest in the management of its salmon and steelhead stocks. 



As we all know, fish resources are an extremely important asset responsible for 

 employment, income, tourism, and industry. The success of the stocks often reflects 

 on the well-being of the community. Yet, as we see with the current problems in the 

 Chehalis River Basin, Washington must reconsider its priorities and determine the 

 fate of its fisheries. The State faces difficult choices. Development such as agricul- 

 ture, water management, and industry in areas where the fish once freely roamed, 

 is thought to be largely responsible for the declines. The failure to learn from the 

 past and to take remedial action may ultimately mean the demise of the salmon 

 and steelhead. 



Proper management of resources and industry may allow the restoration of habi- 

 tat and fisheries. However, I believe that these decisions must be made by the State 

 officials rather than forced by Federal involvement. Localized control of the State 

 resources typically leads to better solutions. 



Mr. Chairman, I look forward to the testimony of the witnesses and hope that 

 they will have the answers to restore these fish stocks to the Pacific Northwest. 



Mr. Torkildsen, would you care to be recognized for an opening 

 statement? 



Mr. Torkildsen. No, thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Manton. In that event, we will move ahead to Mr. Youck- 

 ton, Vice Chairman of the Chehalis Tribe. 



STATEMENT OF DAVID YOUCKTON, VICE CHAIRMAN, CHEHALIS 



TRIBE 



Mr. Youckton. Thank you Honorable Mr. Chairman and mem- 

 bers of the Committee. 



My name is David Youckton and I am a member of the Chehalis 

 Indian Tribe. I am also a tribal fisherman. I am pleased to be here 



