March 29, 2004


Thank you for your e-mail concerning the hydraulics violation on the Sauk River. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Enforcement Officers and Habitat Biologists began to work on this case immediately upon receiving information the violation had occurred on February 26. A WDFW Enforcement Officer was immediately assigned to work full time on this case.

Our investigation has thus far determined a major excavation of a side channel to the Sauk River, creation of a berm and movement of rock and woody debris occurred without the required local, state, or federal permits. An estimated 12,000 cubic yards of streambed was removed along 1,200 to 1,400 lineal feet of stream.

Spawning steelhead, and chinook, chum and pink salmon uses the portion of the Sauk River where this work occurred. Coho salmon and Dolly Varden/bull trout also are present in the river.

Since the discovery of this violation, WDFW staff has been vigorously and aggressively investigating this crime. With the publicity generated on the violation, WDFW hoped any potential witness's would come forward who may have observed the actual work. To date no one has contacted us. We are working cooperatively with other regulatory agencies investigating this crime, including the Department of Ecology, NOAA Fisheries, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Corp of Engineers and Snohomish County, who also have jurisdiction over these illegal activities.

Let me assure you I have placed the investigation of this case as a high priority. I am concerned that these actions are a threat to one of our state's most treasured river systems. I am committed to conducting and completing a thorough and factual investigation. As soon as our investigation is concluded, the case will be presented to the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office for criminal charging decisions.

Sincerely,


Jeff Koenings, Ph.D.
Director