By CHERYL KLINKER

In June at a special party at Fiddler's Inn, the Salmon Brewery officially "released Thornton Creek Pale Ale into the watershed through local drinking establishments. On hand were Crayne Horton, founder and vice president of sales, and Scott Miller, marketing, of Fish Brewing Company; LeeAnne Tryon and Chris Zimmer of Save Our Wild Salmon; State Sen. Ken Jacobsen; Bob Vreeland, founder of Thornton Creek Legal Defense Fund; Tom Parker of Parker Northwest Associates; and Ken Caldwell, owner of Fiddler's Inn.

The Thornton Creek Alliance has been working since 1992 to restore a balance in the Thornton Creek Watershed that integrates economic land uses with social and environmental needs in order to provide a sustainable urban setting for people and wildlife.

The Alliance believes protection of salmon and their habitats will in the long run protect ourselves and a whole way of life for us into the future.

Ken Jacobsen stated: "We want a Washington where salmon thrive once again, where our grandchildren and their families fish for salmon rather than reading about them in history books."

Fish Brewing already has a history of raising funds for salmon conservation through Save Our Wild Salmon, a coalition of commercial and sport fishing groups, fishing businesses and conservation organizations dedicated to restoring healthy runs of salmon to the Northwest.

"Salmon, ale and humans all need clean, cold water to thrive. Healthy salmon runs and streams are good for business and our quality of life. We all, including businesses, have a responsibility to restore our salmon runs," said Crayne Horton.

LeeAnne Tryon, a board member of Save Our Wild Salmon, adds: "We have major issues like dams, development and timber practices to address, but we also have a host of backyard issues to deal with. While we tackle difficult issues on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, it is vital for local citizens to help ensure streams in their neighborhoods are also restored to protect salmon and water quality."

Both Wedgwood Ale House and Fiddler's Inn are carrying this smooth, flavorful brew. Watch for it soon at the Maple Leaf Tavern. Crayne Horton says Thornton Creek Ale is based on one of his company's award-winning recipies with the brewery first started. Horton reports that the popularity of the brew in the Thornton Creek Watershed has far exceeded his expections! The longer the ale flows from these taps, the more will be donated toward restoration projects in the Thornton Creek Watershed that will help salmon return to Thornton Creek.

This is one of the more enjoyable ways to do fundraising. Spread the word and keep asking for Thornton Creek Ale. Looking for a keg for your next party or get-together? Think about ordering Thornton Creek Ale! Contact the Fish Brewery at 360-943-6480 and ask for Scott Miller. Know any businesses that would put up a match, dollar for dollar, and get some advertising out of it? Give me the best way to contact you by calling me at 367-4635.

Cheryl Klinker is president of Thornton Creek Alliance.