And though Smokey continues his efforts to prevent human-caused fires, in the future, some fires that are started by lightning will be allowed to burn. For at least three generations, Pacific City has been home to fishing families. Those families were sustained, more or less, by commerical dory fishermen. Three hundred or more boats might launch in a single morning. The changing coastal economy and decline in the salmon fishery has diminished the fleet and put what remains of it at risk.
Countless dories stand idle on their trailers and yet locals treasure the long tradition.
In the 1980's The Nature Conservancy purchased the Sycan Marsh in the Klamath Basin with a plan to restore the wetlands to their natural condition. Their purchase agreement with the ZX ranch allowed the ranch to graze cattle on the marsh, but some sections were protected from the cattle. During a particularly wet season everyone was surprised by the results. Avalanche Control Avalanche prevention teams regularly patrol the slopes looking for dangerous snow buildup. Their tools against potential disasters are a good knowledge of snow and explosives.