BELINGHAM, Wash. – You can keep those tubes inflated because they’re still allowed on the South Fork of the Nooksack River.
The Whatcom County Council voted down a temporary ban on tubing that stretch of the river on Tuesday night, August 9th.
G.I James with Lummi Nation was among those calling for a ban to help efforts to restore chinook salmon runs.
“We’re working on trying to make sure there’s fish available for everybody,” said James. “But everybody’s got to pay a price.”
But many spoke in favor of the activity during the public comment session.
“This is a beloved activity by thousands of Whatcom County residents, Skagit County, and on a hot summer day you can see easily hundreds of people out there.”
Coucilmember Carol Frazey tended to agree with commenters who said there are many factors affecting fish.
“I have a really hard time taking away recreation opportunities for people and we’re not really sure if it’s effecting the salmon,” said Frazey.
She joined the three more conservative council members in voting down the temporary ban.
The council then shelved a measure that would have permanently closed the river to tubers.