After decades of deadlock, it is time to reframe the
debate about salmon recovery and the four lower Snake River dams
(HCN, 6/13/05: For salmon, a crucial moment of decision).
We must stop thinking about this issue in terms of “fish versus
energy” or “environmentalists versus farmers.” There is a solution
here — but it will require some major myth-busting, and it
will require all of us to step out of our traditional roles.
A clear look at the economics shows we can remove these
four outdated dams, restore fish, and replace the dams’
modest benefits for less than the Bush administration was planning
on spending on its now-illegal salmon plan.
If we can
keep every farmer whole, if we can ensure reliable irrigation,
grain transportation and energy — all while restoring the
most magnificent runs of salmon on the face of this Earth —
who wouldn’t support dam removal?
Nobody wants more
rounds of litigation or, God forbid, another spotted owl-style
brawl. Let’s do it differently this time. Let’s do this
in a way where environmentalists can be advocates for farmers, and
farmers can be champions for fish. The lower Snake presents an
opportunity for farmers, environmentalists, fishermen, Indian
tribes, and a wide variety of businesses and industries to craft a
river restoration/economic investment package that benefits
communities for generations to come.
Amy Souers
Kober
American Rivers
Seattle,
Washington
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Time for new thinking on the Snake River.
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