The State of Washington has appealed the "culvert case" to the Supreme Court.

As you might recall, the State of Washington has been in a long-runing legal dispute with the Puget Sound Tribes regarding culverts that block Pacific salmon from their spawning habitat. The State has lost at every step. However, in the latest chapter in this legal battle, the State has asked the Supreme Court to review the 9th Circuit Court's decision on the issue.

http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases...w-culverts-case

The Supreme Court rejects about 9 out of 10 cases that are appealed to them. So the chances of this getting heard are not good.

But...... this case has national implications and is extremely important for Tribal Treaties and State authorized activities that may adversely affect fish habitat.

If the current decision is upheld (either by the Supreme Court agreeing with it, or if the Supreme Court rejects the appeal), it means that activities that adversely affect salmon habitat may be a Treaty violation. That makes habitat destruction (or degradation) by the State or the Feds a really big deal. So the implications of this decision are huge.

It's good to see the State is continuing to discuss a settlement with the Tribes. Those discussions might get more traction if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case. They should decide later this year.