Federal Report Does Little to Soothe Fears of NW Salmon Disappearance
Eric Tegethoff, Producer
Monday, March 2, 2020
BOISE, Idaho -- Federal agencies have released a report on management plans in the Columbia River basin to save endangered salmon species, rejecting proposals to remove four lower Snake River dams in southeast Washington.
The draft environmental impact statement instead recommends smaller actions, such as increased spill over regional dams. It's little solace to folks in the Northwest who rely on the fish.
Boise high school senior and fishing enthusiast Asa Menlove says if salmon disappear, it will hurt Idaho fishing communities, tribes and the environment. He's disheartened that the report doesn't include any new ideas.
"But I am hopeful that this starts a conversation around the issue in a larger way, getting more people involved, because when it comes right down to it, we really do need to make changes to our policy or the fish will go extinct," Menlove states.
The report cites concerns over the region's power grid in rejecting removal of the dams. The release of the report begins a public comment period that ends on April 13.
The movement to breach the Snake River dams has grown as salmon runs have reached historic lows, in turn starving Puget Sound orcas.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and other leaders in the Northwest have voiced support for the idea.
Tom France, regional director of the National Wildlife Federation, says that's the biggest change in recent years. He says the federation is disappointed in the draft EIS but not surprised because river managers have resisted changing their approach for two decades.
France says the spill will provide a bit of relief for salmon.
"It's better than nothing," he allows. "They have moved in that direction, but given that 20 years of failure in fish restoration efforts, we think more is needed."
France says it's important that all affected parties collaborate on Snake River restoration.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…