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Water Over the Dam by Bob Johnson Seattle Times, November 13, 2007

The administration's latest plan for the salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers leaves little doubt about its priorities. Quoting Yogi Berra, it is indeed "deja vu all over again."

More taxpayer dollars to be spent on programs that no reputable scientist will attach his or her name to. Like the old plans of the past, this one comes with a long list of promises the administration can't or won't keep. Again, we see failure, waste and incompetence.

Bob Lohn, Northwest director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, said of this rehashed plan: "The picture that emerges is not pretty, but it is hopeful." Is "hope" the best we can do? Is "hope" the responsible way to manage natural resources that belong to all of us? This administration has no interest in solving our natural-resource problems or improving people's lives.

The administration doesn't want to upset its political base, and this new plan reflects exactly that. Taxpayers get fleeced. Fishing businesses and recreational opportunities are ignored. Those who impact our treasured fish resources the most get a free ride.

Our environment, our salmon, as well as the coastal and river communities that depend upon them, get the shaft again.

Related Pages:
The opinions and supporting documents are available here.
Idaho's Sockeye: FCRPS Biological Opinion NOAA Fisheries' Executive Summary, 10/31/7