06/16/05 Renewed debate on the Lower Snake, Pt.4

One thing that has to be said about discussions on future management of the Columbia  Lower Snake River system is that it is not just about the dams. Fish is the center of the argument yes, but for one side of the issue, their point of view all along has been the way to best improve endangered and threatened fish runs is removal of the four Lower Snake River dams. Even after federal Judge James Redden, who clearly stated in his most recent ruling that it has been the extreme stand of both sides of the issue that has resulted in little being accomplished in the way of resolution, groups such as Earthjustice, American Rivers, and the National Wildlife Federation, used press releases and comments to the media to say the debate has come back to whether or not the dams should be removed. Several tribal entities also maintain dam breeching is at least a viable option to fish recovery, to in the opinion of Nez Perce Executive Tribal Committee Chair Rebecca Miles, the major option. MILES: The Nez Perce tribe continues to support breeching the four Lower Snake River dams and investing in the local communities affected by that decision. But some who say there can be balance within the aspects of Columbia  Lower Snake River management echo Redden's concern that there can not be balance if one side continues to push for their position alone. An example they use is the issue of dredging the Lower Snake to the Ports of Lewiston Idaho and Clarkston Washington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released its final Environmental Impact Statement for proposed maintenance of the channel by dredging to navigable depths of fourteen feet. The call for dredging this winter comes at a critical time as sediment levels near the Ports are reaching levels unsafe for barge transportation. Yet this routine dredging required under federal law has been halted by court orders the last few years by many of the same environmental groups who favor dam breeching. The plaintiffs claim dredging will also have an adverse impact on fish habitat. And despite the E.I.S. containing plans to restore fish habitat by creating a more shallow bed for fish to spawn from dredged sediment, the E.I.S. is going before a federal Judge, with a ruling to be expected by mid October. So with the extreme positions of both sides of the issue in mind, where, might one ask, is the new found respect and willingness for all parties to work together on a solution agreeable to all. The signs are there. And they will be discussed on our next program.