3/19/04
Mr. Bob Mote
President
Northwest Mineral Prospector’s Club
P.O. Box 1973
Vancouver, Washington 98668
Dear Mr. Mote,
On behalf of the Rosemere Neighborhood Association, I would like to heartily congratulate you and your colleagues for coming to the aid of thousands of baby chum salmon in the Columbia River recently at such a crucial time in their development.
In today’s fast paced society, it is rare that people think innovatively and on behalf of a cause that does not put money back into their own pockets. I like to think that your innovative solution to removing the silt from these spawning grounds by using your equipment was unquestionably “out of the box” thinking. (Perhaps it was really out of the “sluice” box thinking!!)
Salmon are a legacy of the Pacific Northwest, and are a very important indicator of the health of our region’s rivers.
We have reached a point in our evolution where it is up to us as to whether native salmon runs are to survive or not. Your innovation proves that the spirit of American ingenuity is alive and well and living in the Northwest! You are indeed heroes, and it is important that you acknowledge what you have done. Thousands of baby salmon would not be alive right now if it were not for your quick actions.
It would be wonderful if you could share your triumphs with your prospecting brethren around the Northwest. If by your efforts you saved this group of salmon, just imagine the success you would have in other rivers and streams where salmon come to spawn. You may have just found the solution to the many rivers and streams that are clogged with silt that are often the result of excessive logging. Perhaps you might be able to work in concert with other municipalities or corporations who have seen similar effects ruin their streams and their salmon runs. Who knows, the state governments of Washington, Oregon and Idaho might even offer you tax incentives on your equipment if you are able to help restore vital salmon runs in key areas.
Again, it was a delight to read of your heroism toward these small salmon. It was also refreshing to see that people of such diverse backgrounds are willing to come together for such a worthy common cause in a moment’s notice.
Best Regards,
John Felton
Treasurer
Rosemere Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 61471
Vancouver, Washington 98666