I was asked this question at a presentation I gave recently about Thornton Creek. It was a good reminder to me that this creek protection stuff does not come as second nature to everyone. What seems so obvious to active members of creek restoration groups through Seattle needs to be revealed to others. This is why our participation in education of watershed residents and students is critical - at all levels. We must take any and all opportunities to talk with others about the most amazing natural wonders that thrive against all odds in our watersheds, and how we can help them continue to exist into the future alongside us.

The most official answer is to say that we are mandated by the laws of the United States to correct the errors of the past in order to set the stage for the return of the endangered Chinook salmon. Thornton Creek still supports a few Chinook besides several Coho and Sockeye salmon. We are beholden to continue educating ourselves on what Chinook salmon need in order to give them a leg up, and to put back what we already know is missing in their habitat.

However, the salmon are just one element of a whole ecosystem that is dependent upon the health of all the living organisms within its community, including other types of fish; insects and macroinvertebrates; native vegetation and trees; a variety of birds, mammals and amphibians; and people. We are linked inextricably through the water that moves throughout the watershed from off the land to the stream and ultimately to Lake Washington. Protecting what remains of this entire system and restoring what is missing ensures all our survival.

But it goes even deeper than this. It is more than just abiding by the laws or keeping an ecosystem in balance. It goes to the heart of who we are as a community, and a society. Actions of protection say something about us as people if we are willing to come together to invest the time, the money, and the resources into taking care of other species living amongst us, as well as our children and each other. It says there is hope that we will be a healthy population both physically and mentally, in balance with our world instead of consuming it and dominating it to our own destruction. Retaining natural areas and wildlife in our environment means there are still other things just as important to us as surviving every day - it is something spiritual.

You can learn more about the visions and challenges of saving Chinook salmon and watersheds by attending a forum on Monday, Oct. 30, called "Creeks or Concrete" at the REI Center, 222 Yale Ave. N. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with displays about stream systems around Seattle. A panel discussion begins at 7 p.m. featuring speakers who present four different perspectives: political, urban planning, construction and science. A question and answer session follows.

You can also act locally by joining Thornton Creek Alliance. Call 206-367-4635 today to get membership information and an application. Membership includes a monthly newsletter to keep you apprised of education, planning and work party events related to the protection of Thornton Creek.

CHERYL KLINKER,
Thornton Creek Alliance