The Skagit Project #5 - Chittenden Traditional Cache
The Skagit Project #5 - Chittenden
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The Skagit
Project consists of 6 separate caches which each hold a clue
to the final cache.
Each cache is a
small cammoed tupperware container with small trade items
which relate to fishing and the great outdoors.
This project covers an area
from Silver Lake to Ross Lake. This series is designed to bring you
to this unique place where the Skagit River flows south and the
Silver Hope Creek flows north in the same valley. Here you will see
abundant and diverse wildlife and plant life as well as stunning
scenic views.
The Skagit Project caches can be found individually as each has a
logbook, but if you plan to do the final, you will need to find all
6 caches in any order. Under the lid of each cache are part of the
coordinates to the final cache. You will need to write these down.
There is a first to finish certificate in the final.
In 1967, British Columbia and Seattle City
light agreed to raise the Ross Lake dam 35 meters. "High Ross Dam"
would flood over 2,000 hectares of the Skagit Valley in Canada and
1,200 hectares in the U.S. yet Canadian and American citizens were
largely unaware of the agreement. All that changed in 1969.
Curley Chittenden was the Skagit Valleys first hero. Born in 1913
he grew up on a farm in Bradner, B.C. From his earliest days,
Curley had been associated with logging. He was both a logger and a
conservationist. In 1953 he was contracted by S.C.L. to clear 200
hectares of forest for the reservoir. He refused when he saw the
Skagit's unique Ponderosa Pine. His was the first voice to oppose
this decision. In the late 1960's, Curley joined the crusade to
save the Skagit Valley and became a leading figure.
In 1969 Canadian and American citizens began to oppose the High
Ross Dam. The American N.C.C.C. (North Cascades Conservation
Council) and the Canadian R.O.S.S. Committee (Run Out Skagit
Spoilers) built a powerful coalition of private citizens, community
groups, municiple councils, trade unions, students and business
people. Thousands wrote letters, attended rallies and spoke out at
public hearings but still the fight lasted 14 years.
Finally in 1983 the British Columbia government and Seattle City
Light bowed to public pressure and reached a new agreement. The
Ross dam would not be raised! In return, S.C.L. was allowed to
purchase an equivalent amount of power from B.C. at rates equal to
what they would have paid had the High Ross Dam gone ahead. It was
a good deal for both parties. Canadians and Americans rejoiced at
the news. The Skagit Valley was saved!
Today, Curley is honored by Chittenden Meadow and Chittenden
bridge. This unique area of the Skagit Valley is definately worth a
visit.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre