Anglers will protest tribal closure of lower Skokomish River

Skokomish River closure protest Saturday

Recreational anglers are planning a protest Saturday near the Skokomish River, angry over the tribe opting to close a section of the river to non-tribal anglers.

The gathering is taking place at 1 p.m. at the George Adams Salmon Hatchery, just off U.S. Highway 101.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a legal opinion that the portion of the river running along the Skokomish Tribe’s reservation is part of the reservation and is under control of the tribe.

The closure prohibits non-tribal anglers from fishing the popular 2-mile stretch from the hatchery to the river’s mouth.

Frank Urabeck, who is helping organize the event, said people are frustrated by the closure.

“I fish that river, my grandkids fish that river,” he said. “Yeah, it’s a combat fishery, but it’s a beautiful river, the fish are fun to catch, and they’re good to eat.”

People interested in attending are being asked to park at Hunter Farms, 1921 E. state Route 106, Union. Shuttles will take people to the protest location.

Paradise, Sunrise wildflowers near peak

The wildflowers are nearing their peak at Paradise and Sunrise, according to reports from staff at Mount Rainier National Park.

Some of the popular meadows still have some snow, but there are plenty of locations around the park to find blooming wildflowers.

People traveling along the Paradise Valley Road and Stevens Canyon Road should see plenty of flowers, including tall bluebells and paintbrush. Hikers to destinations such as Burroughs Mountain can find Sitka valerian, yarrow and cinquefoil.

The flowers at Paradise and Sunrise, the two busiest summer locations in the park, should be reaching their peak in the next week or so.

Park rangers remind visitors that road construction is taking place from Longmire to Paradise, and there could be some delays driving through the work zones.

REI offers free outdoor classes

To encourage people to get outdoors, REI is offering a number of its Outdoor School program for free Saturday and July 31.

The outdoor retailer has announced it will offer more than 400 classes and events nationwide, with sessions for beginners to seasoned outdoorsmen.

The school offers classes on topics including how to ride a bike, how to stand-up paddleboard and introduction to outdoor rock climbing, according to a news release.

South Sound residents will have only one nearby offering. There will be an introduction to map and compass class from 9 a.m-3 p.m. July 31 at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Other events will be at Mount Rainier National Park, state and local parks and other REI locations around Puget Sound.

Class descriptions and registration is available at rei.com/freeweekend.

This story was originally published July 24, 2016 at 2:31 AM with the headline "Anglers will protest tribal closure of lower Skokomish River."