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Discuss Breaching by Cristina Watson Idaho Statesman, May 24, 2006

Because of federal mismanagement of the Klamath River in Oregon, salmon fishermen and their families along the Pacific Coast will lose tremendous amounts of money this season.

Our Idaho leaders should carefully examine what happened in the Klamath and seek measures to avoid a similar disaster. If we address the main problem facing Idaho's salmon before we reach such a point we can prevent unnecessary economic hardship for Idahoans.

In the face of disaster, Klamath managers have quickly acknowledged that a healthy salmon population first requires a healthy river. Dam removal, improved water quality and higher in-stream water flows are being openly discussed.

It would be a travesty for Idaho's salmon to near the brink of extinction without our elected officials even being willing to discuss the removal of the four lower Snake River dams. It shouldn't take a disaster for our leaders to openly discuss all salmon recovery options. Democratic dialogue was one of the hallmarks of our government; where has it gone?