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Drought causes emergency fishing closure in Olympic National Park

Most rivers and streams in Olympic National Park will close to recreational fishing because of a historic drought.
Credit: KING
Rivers impacted by drought

Most Rivers and streams in Olympic National Park will close to recreational fishing on Monday, as a result of a historic drought.

Not only are water levels low, but the water temperature is higher this summer, the National Park Service said.

"Pacific salmon and trout show signs of physiological stress at water temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with lethal effects beginning at 70 degrees," park spokesperson Barb Maynes wrote in a press release.

The closure will likely last through the end of summer, during a time when many people enjoy fishing within the park, Maynes said.

"Really we're not expecting any significant rains to occur until we get more into October and into the fall," she said.

Some high country lakes within the park remain open for fishing.

Visit the Olympic National Park website for more information: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

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