As the Gem State’s ocean-running fish face the growing threat of extinction, it’s clear that Idahoans have the most to lose (as well as gain) in the Salmon/Snake river restoration debate.
The stage is set for Idaho to assume its rightful role in Salmon recovery. On April 23rd, the Andrus Center Conference “Energy, Salmon, Agriculture and Community: Can We Come Together?” presents the perfect opportunity for Governor Little and Congressman Simpson to take a leadership role in an initiative that encompasses the depth and breadth of economic, ecological, cultural and social justice issues, not just for Idahoans, but for the entire region and the nation at large. Restoration of the Snake River Ecosystem and all that comes with it represents an opportunity most likely beyond the scale of the Elwha restoration which exceeded the estimates of most experts in terms of the economic and ecological benefits achieved.
The timing for the conference couldn’t be better for many reasons, some positive and some gut-wrenching. On the positive side; clean, affordable energy options are expanding. Shipping from the Port of Lewiston is down; that’s good and bad, but shipping alternatives exist and less stuff to ship means less stuff to ship a different way. We won’t let the issue of port subsidies derail our efforts to find solutions. Irrigation impacts could be addressed with existing technology. And BPA is looking to cut “fish-saving” costs- the best way to do this would be to embrace some real solutions.
Notably, as described by Eric Barker in Sundays LMT, the conference is “solutions-oriented”. Can we agree that that it's not a solution unless the salmon (along with steelhead and lamprey) are restored to healthy, sustainable levels and energy, shipping and irrigation needs are met?
This brings us to the gut-wrenchers. Snake River anadromous fish populations are riding the edge of extinction, this is the extremely costly and risky cul-de-sac called the status quo under which the fish are an endless burden to us instead of a self-sustaining blessing. Idahoans are suffering for the lack of salmon, be they wild or hatchery and both factions will benefit from an improved migration habitat. Last year’s returns of wild chinook, steelhead and sockeye were dangerously low with this year’s predictions looking no better; with goals of 80,000, 90,000 and 2,000 versus returns of 7,400, 11,000, and 11, respectively last year (nitpicking the numbers is meaningless), no one can argue that the fish are not in deep trouble.
Furthermore Orca are starving for the lack of salmon, Snake River salmon in large part. Chief Seattle was right, “all things are connected”. Idahoans, along with our Pacific Northwest co-inhabitants, have the power, opportunity, and responsibility to save Southern Resident Killer Whales. More importantly, wild fish numbers and the peril of Orca signals ecosystem collapse- Salmon feed all creatures big and small throughout the system. If the decline of Idaho’s fish are impacting the top of the food chain in Puget Sound, what does that mean for insects, birds, forests and rangelands, and notably our other native fishes , particularly cutthroat and bull trout, here in Idaho?
I don’t know Governor Little, but his actions-to-date demonstrate that he is an intelligent, analytical and open minded person with the willingness to listen and make decisions with the good of all Idahoans in mind: His recognition of climate change and commitment to act is a huge step in the right direction. Furthermore his views on education, health care and the voters’ rights to have their votes actually count, are welcome indicators of his values. Congressman Simpson has the Boulder White Clouds in his heart and to his credit: seeing wild salmon back there would complete the circle. There is a way forward! The first step is to recognize this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The next is to realize that every challenge that arises is worth the effort to overcome it. The time is right for Idaho’s leaders to take their rightful seat at the head of the table.
By David Cannamela
Dave is a long time Boise resident and former Executive Director of the MK Nature Center. He loves to fish, hunt, ride bicycles, garden, and is a volunteer advocate for the restoration and protection of native landscapes and species.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Idaho’s leaders we need a new plan to save our wild salmon!
