Kooskia National Fish Hatchery facts for kids
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The Kooskia National Fish Hatchery is a special place in Idaho where young fish are raised. It's located in north-central Idaho, right on the Clearwater River. This area is part of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, near a town called Kooskia.
This hatchery was built to help make up for the loss of fish habitats caused by other projects. It focuses on raising young Chinook salmon, especially the "spring" type. Each year, the goal is to raise and release as many as 600,000 young salmon into the river. This helps keep the salmon population healthy.
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What is a Fish Hatchery?
A fish hatchery is like a nursery for fish. It's a place where fish eggs are collected and hatched. The young fish, called juveniles, are then cared for until they are big enough to survive on their own. After they grow, they are released into rivers or lakes. This helps to increase the number of fish in the wild.
Why is Kooskia Hatchery Important?
The Kooskia hatchery plays a big role in protecting Chinook salmon. These salmon are very important to the ecosystem and to the Nez Perce Tribe. By raising and releasing so many young salmon, the hatchery helps ensure that there will be enough adult salmon in the future. This supports both wildlife and traditional fishing.
History of the Kooskia Site
The land where the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery stands has a rich history. It was once the village of a famous Native American leader named Looking Glass. In 1877, this village was attacked by soldiers from the U.S. Army. This event was a part of the Nez Perce War.
After the attack, Looking Glass joined forces with another important leader, Chief Joseph. Together, they led their people during the Nez Perce War. Today, the Nez Perce Tribe has placed a special plaque at the hatchery site. It tells the story of what happened there. There is also a nature trail for visitors to explore and learn more about the area's past.
Who Manages the Hatchery?
Construction of the hatchery started in 1966. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. Today, the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery is managed and run by the Nez Perce Tribe. The United States government provides money for the hatchery. This funding is part of an agreement about water rights. This partnership shows how important the hatchery is to both the tribe and the environment.
