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Statement of David Youckton, Vice-Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalls 

 Reservation, before the subcommittee on Fisheries Management and the sub- 

 committee on Environment and Natural Resources, House Committee on Merchant 

 Marine and fisheries concerning Chehalis Basin Fisheries Restoration on July 14, 

 1993. 



Honorable Mr. Chairman and the members of the Committee, My name is David 

 Youckton and I am a member of the Chehalls Indian Tribe. I am also a tribal fisherman. 

 I am pleased to be here with Dr. C.S. Sodhi, Tribal Director of Natural Resources, to 

 present views on restoring salmon and steelhead runs to the Chehalis 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 for 365 days of the year and there was enough fish for everybody. 

 Now we are permitted to fish an average of 40 days in a year and if lucky we can catch 

 some fish. 



The Chehalls Tribe has been building partnerships among local, state, federal, industry, 

 community groups and other stake holders to develop and manage the Chehalls River 

 Basin. Under the Chehalis River Basin Fisheries Resources Study and Restoration Act 

 of 1990, the Chehalis Tribe got Involved in a joint project with U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife 

 Services and Quinault Indian Nation. The Chehalis Tribe has been on the Steering 

 Committee for the project and has participated In two studies entitled "Chehalis River 

 Basin Fisheries Resources: Status Trends, and Restoration Goals and "Chehalis River 

 Basin Fisheries Resources: Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Degradation" 



Mr. Chairman, these studies have revealed that there are many factors involved In the 

 decline of the salmon runs over the years. Let's be assured that there are no quick 

 methods to restoration. But, we simply cannot afford to let the Chehalls River Basin 

 deteriorate further. Now is the time we should get on with the monumental task of 

 restoration of the Chehalis River Basin to support healthy salmon runs. 



Presently, on my reservation there is approximately 65% unemployment where as In the 

 neighboring non-lndlan logging community there Is a 25% 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 that the Chehalis River Restoration Project 

 is a well thought out and comprehensive program. 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 Chehalls River Restoration Project has a 

 'Win- Win" outcomes for federal, state tribal and private entities. 



Mr. Chairman, the Chehalis River Basin has our tribal name and, we have lived on the 

 Basin for thousands of years. We are committed to restore and manage the resources 

 of the Chehalis River Basin and will take responsibility for our share of work. 

 Salmon fishing is our way of life. I do not think that I have put in my years yet. I want 

 to continue to fish for at least 30 more years. I want future generations to enjoy the river 

 and salmon. If tomorrow, I am told that there is no salmon in the river, I will still be out 

 there in the cold winter night with my net In the water, because that's where I want to be 

 and that's what it means io be a iribai fisherman. 



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

 Chehalis Reservation. We will be pleased to answer any questions. 



