Any solutions, they argued, need to be supported by solid science and adequate funding for research, planning, fish screens and other projects to improve habitat.
Speakers wove stories of tragedy and comedy.
They told of people willing to do the right thing for fish against odds that include inflexible state and federal agencies, archaic laws and unrealistic regulations. In front of the House Agriculture and Ecology Committee, a number of speakers complained of failures by the state Department of Ecology to help with solutions, even after other federal and state agencies were willing to cooperate. National Marine Fisheries Service was criticized for its heavy-handed approach to managing endangered fish recovery in the Methow Valley. But a recurring theme was the need to break through what speakers called DOE's paralyzed process for acting on water rights changes that could benefit fish. Parlette said Methow water users are willing to work through the state-authorized watershed planning process to help save fish.