Opinion: Dams vs. salmon on the Snake River
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In an editorial today, the Times notes that a federal judge will soon decide what actions should be taken to help the endangered salmon on the Snake River in southeastern Washington. The populations of four types of fish have been endangered or threatened since four dams were constructed on the river, despite billions of dollars spent on fish ladders, hatcheries and even trucks to haul upstream-swimming fish around the dams.
Noting the importance of the northern salmon habitat to the West Coast stocks of the fish, the board concludes:
The Obama administration should call for settlement talks that include all the parties involved -- power utilities, farmers, fishermen and environmentalists. At least some of the dams must be breached, but only in conjunction with helping the region develop new sources of clean energy and transportation for Idaho’s grain. In the long haul, it makes more sense to truck wheat than fish.
But what do you think? Leave a comment!