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Groups Offer Reward in Salmon Heist by Staff Statesman Journal, July 2, 2006

11/2 tons of broodstock spring-run chinook salmon from a Washington federal fish hatchery, and two organizations are offering a big reward to catch the thieves.

Officials with the Friends of Northwest Hatcheries and the Icicle Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited said the groups have put up $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The evening of June 9, adult springers with an average weight of 15 pounds were stolen from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"This loss is devastating to our local community," said Jeff Johnson, the president of the Friends of Northwest Hatcheries.

Sport and tribal fishing on Icicle Creek was closed for a short time until the hatchery could collect a total of 1,100 adult chinook salmon to produce enough eggs for the goal of hatching and holding 1.625 million smolts.

Fishing has reopened, and the season will run through July 31.

Friends of Northwest Hatcheries is a nonprofit group of volunteers that supports education and recreation on hatchery grounds.

Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's trout and salmon and watersheds.

The Icicle Chapter has been recognized as one of the most active in the United States.

Related Pages:
Groups Offer Reward in Fish Heist Seattle Post-Intelligencer, June 15, 2006