1987-01-02 Char-Koosta News

              Char- ) %gosta I
A news publication of the J Stilish and Kootenai ^Tribes "^V.    of the. Vinificati Indian ^ 'j^esmnuion
VOLUME 15, NUMBER 20
THE SHOOTING MONTH
JANUARY 2,1987
On 1987's agenda: a variety of fish and game issues
As a new year begins, the Tribal public's attention will be directed to a variety of fish and game matters.
First, salmon fishing on Flathead Lake might be closed this month, which may make for some unhappy ice fishermen.
Second, the main road on the just-acquired Pack River Ranch at Perma has been closed to vehicle traffic, which is upsetting some Tribal hunters.
Third, a new hunting and fishing ordinance is ready for enactment. Public meetings to discuss it are scheduled for early next month.
FLATHEAD LAKE SALMON
Tribal and state fish biologists are recommending that Flathead Lake be temporarily closed to salmon fishing, so the population can build itself back to healthier numbers.
Tribal fish biologist Dave Cross told the Council Dec. 19 that there was a very small salmon run this year -caused, according to reports, by too much pressure from ice fishermen in recent years, and past problems with water levels due to the operation of Hungry Horse Dam.
Unless something were done to protect the fish this year, Cross said, there would be few fish to catch four years from now.
He said a technical committee studying the situation came up with two options: Establish a brief, two-week season with a 25,000 total catch limit, or prohibit salmon taking in the
lake from Jan. 23 to May 1, 1987, and later in the year at the north end of the Flathead River during spawning season.
The committee favored the second option, he said, and quickly pointed out that people could still try for salmon during the summer and at Lake Mary Ronan. The proposed closures wouldn't affect other species of fish in the lake, he added.
The public was being encouraged to submit comments until Jan. 12, he said, and to attend two meetings on the proposal: in Poison on Jan. 6 at the VFW Hall, and in Kalispell on Jan. 8.
PACK RIVER HUNTING Also on Dec. 19, the Council heard a report from Tribal Fish and Game about the deer and elk herds on the 24,000+-acre Pack River Ranch bought recently by the Tribes.
TFG Chief Frank Acevedo said the result of the meeting was a decision to keep the area closed to motor vehicles as it's been for years by its previous (Concludes on page two)
Taiwan flu vaccine available
RONAN -- The Tribal Health Department announces that it has a supply of Taiwan flu vaccine available.
The immunization service is available for anyone wishing to be vaccinated against the new strain of flu, but is especially advised for people over the age of 35 who suffer from a chronic disease, or anyone under 35 years of age whose doctor has recommended the treatment.
To make arrangements for a shot, call THD's Public Health Nursing staff at 676-2770.