Taking a stand on the West Fork

By Charles E. Schlimpert, Ph.D., Portland, OR

The recent Star article on the West Fork “misses the boat” by a factor of two!

Reactions from individuals who actually live on the West Fork are certainly appropriate but represent only a very small percentage of those, like me, who are privileged to enjoy this very special section of river. They also don’t reflect the diversity of those who enjoy time on the West Fork. When I first started fishing the West Fork over 30 years ago I was 30 years younger. Hiking and wading all day was something I looked forward to each time I had the opportunity. But now, like a lot of colleagues in my age bracket, I simply am not able to physically undertake what was once taken for granted. My favorite outfitter makes up the difference! He has a special love and respect for this section of the river and I have learned so much more about the West Fork simply by being able to float with him. And oh, by the way, he and other guides have a responsibility for my safety and all those who float the river. I certainly don’t support illegal activity on the river, but the perspective that managing log jams in a responsible way is somehow a matter of convenience seems shortsighted and too much like, “I found my bit of paradise, now you go and find your own…somewhere else!”

A second consideration is the fact that this article reports claims that the cleaning out of log jams inevitably leads to stream and fish habitat degradation. If out of control I might certainly agree. From personal experience, the West Fork is actually fishing better these days (as compared to 30 years ago) and my experience in floating is as good, if not better, than it has been wading. What the Star should do, before positing such claims, is engage in some long range research which would actually help determine if the fish habitat and fishing success (remember, we put them all back!!!) are somehow diminished on the West Fork. Otherwise, the argument smacks of an elitism which does not represent the majority of us who love the West Fork.