New Scaffolds Helping Revive Culture
New Fishing Scaffolds Along the Columbia Helps to Revive Culture
By Michelle Campobasso
CCT Fish and Wildlife
(Nespelem, Wash. August 29, 2011) – Two new fishing scaffolds were recently built so Colville tribal members have a place to fish for salmon using their hoop nets and dip nets. The fishing scaffolds are located close to the tribal fish hatchery near Bridgeport, Wash.
JWP Construction, a tribally-owned local company, built the two scaffolds and was selected through a competitive bidding process.
“It took us about three weeks, 1,100 man hours to build them and I had ten guys working on this project,” said Jesse Palmer, owner of JWP Construction. “The biggest part of the job was the excavation; the original design had to be modified due to the steep slope of the hillside.”
The permanent scaffolds are eight feet wide and twenty-six feet long and were built to withstand the weather for many years.
“These scaffolds are really nice and a lot larger than what we’re use to,” said tribal fisherman Mylan Williams. “Some places that we have fished at, we are walking on thin planks, these are much better to fish on.”
New signs will be posted in the area with rules regarding this new fishing site. Only one person at a time should be fishing from each of the scaffolds. The rules will state:
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No snagging allowed per council resolution 2011-532
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Hoop nets on scaffolds only
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Dip nets on scaffolds only
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No alcohol or drugs allowed
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No cleaning fish at the fishing area
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Tribal members only
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Officer on patrol
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No littering, use garbage cans
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Quiet time from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
