As fish returns plummet, Idaho considers new fish deal with Feds.
Since Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead were listed as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in the 1990’s, nearly $10 billion has been spent on federal efforts to restore Idaho’s ocean running fish.
Despite these efforts, two of Idaho’s most valuable stocks- Snake River B-run steelhead and Middle Fork Salmon River chinook - face the very real possibility of extinction.
After last year’s terrible steelhead return for wild and hatchery fish alike, Idaho Fish and Game has warned that this year’s steelhead return may be the worst in 75 years! To date, hatchery steelhead returns are at 14% of the 10 year average as returns of spring/summer Chinook have decreased 60% decrease from 2015 returns -- just one-tenth of the official recovery goal. As of September 10, 2018, only 11 wild sockeye had returned to the Stanley basin.
As business as usual continues to fail Idaho's salmon and river communities, Governor Otter is considering a new deal with the Feds that will bind the state to supporting failing recovery efforts.
In 2008, BPA signed 10-year Accords with several states and tribal nations in the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho. The deal was essentially that signatories would support the federal recovery plan in exchange for access to federal funds that would be used for fisheries and important watershed and habitat restoration projects. The 2008 Accords are set to expire on September 30th, 2018.
Right now the State of Idaho is in the process of extending its 10 year “Fish Accord” with the Bonneville Power Administration. In return for $16 million, the draft agreement binds Idaho to “fully support the federal actions….in all appropriate forums” for four more years. “Federal actions” is the failing federal plan that is leading Idaho salmon and steelhead to extinction. It makes no sense for Idaho to continue supporting that extinction plan.
We expect BPA and Governor Otter could sign the extended agreement by September 30.
TAKE ACTION-It only takes a few moments to make a different. Please consider helping out by:
(2) Consider making a phone call or writing an email as these will have an even greater impact. If you make a personal phone call or send an email, please let us know so we can track our efforts at public engagement (zack.waterman@sierraclub.org):
Governor Butch Otter unique online comment form. Office phone: (208) 334-2100
Lieutenant Governor Brad Little online comment form. Office phone: (208) 334-2200
Sample talking points to consider (and please put in your own words):
Now is not the time to bind Idaho to failing federal salmon policies.
Over the next 4 year Federal salmon policies are almost guaranteed to change. The federal plan Idaho agreed to support in 2008 was found illegal and is being re-done. Idaho cannot pledge its support to policies that are legally, politically and financially uncertain.
State of Idaho should consult with affected Idahoans before signing any Accord. To date the Accords renewal process has not been transparent. The public deserves an opportunity to weigh in with state government before a decision is reached.
If you're interested in volunteering or would like to find out more information about our work to restore Idaho's ocean running fish and river ecosystems, contact zack.waterman@sierraclub.org.