News & Articles
OBAMA BOTCHES SALMON RECOVERY
Sept. 15, 2009 Boise - Hope dimmed in the Pacific Northwest today when the Obama administration released an old salmon recovery plan redressed in new clothing.”We appreciate that President Obama took the time to look at this, but we see little more than a veiled attempt to pass off the old Bush plan as a new one,” said Greg Stahl, assistant policy director at Idaho Rivers United. “This is a president who promised decisions based on science and law, and Idaho salmon have yet to see any indication that he is doing that. We’ve got to get off this merry-go-round. Idaho salmon don’t have another decade to spin in politically gerrymandered circles. Judge Redden said it in May, and we agree. Salmon need real recovery now.”
READ MORE (Obama Botches Salmon Recovery) ……
LEGISLATION INTRODUCTION PROMISING FOR SNAKE RIVER SALMON, STEELHEAD
July 31, 2009 Boise — A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today establishes a clear path toward salmon and steelhead recovery. The legislation, called the Salmon Solutions and Planning Act (SSPA) of 2009, was introduced by Reps. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., and Tom Petri, R-Wisc. and is bolstered by support from 23 original cosponsors.“This bill’s introduction comes at a critical time in the campaign to recover endangered stocks of Snake and Columbia River salmon and steelhead,” said Bill Sedivy, executive director of Idaho Rivers United. “The Obama administration is reviewing a 2008 Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the administration is expected to weigh in on Aug. 14. But more important still, salmon and steelhead are in crisis. Their decline is crippling the Northwest fishing industry and harming regional communities and ecosystems. It’s crucial that the Obama administration convene a solutions table that brings together stakeholders to solve this regional catastrophe.”
READ MORE (SSPA09 Fact Sheet) ……
MORE BROKEN PROMISES FROM ARMY CORPS
Reader’s Opinion, Idaho Statesman, 1/24/2010
Last month Idaho’s Parks Board decided to close Dworshak State Park, near Orofino, due to a lack of funds. There is a story behind this story, about the Army Corps of Engineers and broken promises to Idaho.
Many in Orofino remember the Army Corps’ promise when it built Dworshak Dam in 1972. The reservoir would bring top-class recreation and dollars and jobs to Orofino. In exchange for this promise, the people of Idaho lost one of the finest wild steelhead rivers in the world - the North Fork of the Clearwater.
COMMENTARY FROM ISSU STAFF
January 2010
Many have asked the question lately, “I haven’t heard much about ISSU …. is the organization still in existence”? Or, you’ve commented “because I have not heard much from ISSU and the fight to save our fish, I am not willing to make any contribution”. Both points are valid and a concern to those of us that are still working very hard to save Idaho’s wild steelhead and salmon.
There are many reasons why ISSU appears to be “in a state of flux”. As you know, ISSU is a member of the plaintiff coalition in the federal case currently in front of Judge Redden. We’re patiently waiting for a ruling that will support the facts that the current Biological Opinion put forth by the federal defendants (NOAA and others) is illegal and will not do anything to keep our listed runs of endangered wild salmon from going extinct. Much legal wrangling has taken place in the last year. Most recently, the Judge has asked for and received additional information from the Feds. Judge Redden has yet to rule on the case, and it appears likely that it may be March before we see and hear any kind of a decision. ISSU is somewhat at fault for just standing by and just waiting for this opinion, rather than being more proactive in educating and asking for support.
