Yo Rob,

Another point to ponder. Chinook production at the Washougal hatchery was probably intended more to provide an ocean commercial and sport fishery (Westport, Ilwaco etc...) and to supplement the buoy 10, and other lower Columbia fisheries more so than a terminal fishery in the river itself. If you closed the hatchery you would eliminate those opportunities that it provides. Maybe the answer is to close the river to chinook fishing? But then what would the hatchery do with the surplus? This problem is prevalent on EVERY RIVER in Washington State that has a salmon hatchery, not just the Washougal. Does that mean we close them all? Wait, don't answer that! I've got a feeling I know what you're going to say.