Actually, I think Sparky is on to the long term idea here. Yeah, Forks folks may subscribe to the "code of the woods, " but I've not found them to be all that much different from country folks most places. Usually simple values, measured in black and white, but always solid to the core. And seldom hesitate to offer the shirt off their back to someone in need.

So they have their values, which includes living off the land to some degree. But in the long run, money talks. Theirs is not a subsistence economy. In the long run, if sustainable recreation has greater market value than whack 'em and stack 'em, they'll support CNR - for tourists loose with their cash anyway. Those who want to eat out of season elk and venison ain't gonna' stop. And if they want to eat wild salmon and steelhead, they're not gonna' stop that, either. City laws being for city folks, and all. Recall code of the woods above. It is what some of them live by. But if WSR regulations bring greater economic returns to their community, they'll support it - for everyone except those locals who are living by the code of the woods. That's exactly how it is around Darrington on the Sauk/Skagit. Those who are "citified" live by that code; those who aren't, well they live by the other code. But most people support the CNR seasons on the Skagit/Sauk Rivers. In the long term, it generall works out.

As for bringing body guards, well that may apply if you're hanging around the wrong crowd at the tavern on Friday night. On the river, I don't think so. The tarheels around the Skagit were considered real knuckle-draggers when I first arrived there as one of those hoitie-toitie fly-fishing Seattle pukes with $50 sunglasses back when I didn't have $50. It wasn't so difficult, but nobody slashed my tires or inflicted bodily harm, although it was threatened a couple times.

Anyway, I think Sparky has the right idea. If the economic reality indicates that WSR is a better outcome for Forks, traditional ideas will evolve to another way of thinking. It's just the way the world works.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.