Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Curt Hart, Department of Ecology, 360-407-7139;

Gov. Gary Locke Tours Dungeness Watershed Projects, Views Results of Gear Removal Effort

CLALLAM COUNTY – Feb. 27, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke today viewed water projects and met with local water-management experts during a visit to the Dungeness watershed. Earlier in the day, the governor viewed objects recovered from Port Angeles Harbor through the state’s pilot gear removal project.

Locke was in town to view some of the innovative projects occurring in the Dungeness basin watershed and discuss water-use and watershed planning issues affecting the region and state. Joining the governor on the visit were Valoria Loveland, director of the state Department of Agriculture; Jeff Koenings, director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife; William Ruckelshaus, chairman of the state Salmon Recovery Board; local officials; and leaders from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

“I applaud the strong commitment of the leaders in the region to find ways to conserve and use water wisely, improve the environment and help fish,” Locke said. “The many changes that have been put into place demonstrate how successful we can be when we work toward the common goal of helping people, farms and fish.”

During the tour, Locke viewed the Jimmycomelately Creek project. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Clallam Conservation District, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to return the creek back to its natural condition to help local fish populations recover.

“The Jamestown Tribe welcomes the governor to the Dungeness River valley, the homeland of the Jamestown S'Klallam people,” said Ron Allen, chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. “The state of Washington and the Jamestown Tribe have a rich history of working together solving natural resource problems in the valley, and we plan to continue this work.”

Locke later toured the Agnew Irrigation District intake, the largest irrigation diversion on the Dungeness River. The irrigation district has undertaken many efforts to reduce water consumption from the river. He also viewed Dungeness Bay, where two water clean-up projects are underway.

“The projects that have been implemented to address water issues and salmon health have been very successful,” said Steve Tharinger, Clallam County commissioner. “I am pleased the governor is interested in seeing the work the community is doing on these issues.”

Locke, Loveland and Ruckelshaus also participated in a meeting at the Railroad Bridge Park Audubon Center with local and regional leaders to discuss water issues and thank the group for their efforts to successfully protect and manage this vital natural resource.

“Local citizens and governments are actively involved in watershed planning in the Dungeness watershed,” Locke said. “I believe that the success we see in the watershed illustrates exactly the type of effort we need in other areas of Washington.”

The governor’s visit to the Dungeness basin is the fourth in a series of statewide visits to view and discuss water-related issues with local communities. Locke toured projects near Walla Walla, Bellingham, and Ellensburg late last year.

Earlier in the day, Locke viewed objects, or “derelict gear,” such as abandoned nets and crab pots removed from Port Angeles Harbor and other Clallam County waters. This pilot project was funded by the Northwest Straits Commission, the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and private donors.

“I am amazed at the amount of abandoned fishing gear removed from the harbor,” Locke said. “This project provides an excellent blueprint for cleaning up our waters.”

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