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Where stream habitat work was done in the Pacific Northwest, it 

 was at first often without scientific understanding; agencies 

 sometimes did not realize how little they knew and proceeded on a 

 so called "common sense" basis, doing more harm than good. 



But much has been learned through trial, error, and 

 research. USFS and BLM now have excellent knowledge and methods. 

 What's needed is to eliminate traditional administrative 

 obstacles and provide funding, so the agency stream scientists 

 and managers can, in comprehensive, coordinated ways, do the job 

 they know has to be done. 



Let's look at some general areas of stream management 

 capability that have improved over the years. In the past, some 

 stream restoration methods that work wonders in Midwestern creeks 

 were applied to steep West Coast streams and did not withstand 

 high flows' ', but now methods that are more durable and more in 

 keeping with the Northwest's natural stream characteristics are 

 used' ^° ", and there is profound understanding of the needs 

 and possibilities for ecological approaches in such work^^. 



Also, until about 15 years ago common sense said wood debris 

 jams in Pacific Northwest streams obstruct salmon runs, and major 

 programs were undertaken to remove such material. But as Forest 

 Service research revealed, salmon, having lived for millennia in 

 streams choked with fallen wood, were well adapted to it; they 



