Stakeholders still hope for removal

November 17, 2007

By Michelle Ma

Triplicate staff writer

Even though federal licensing authorities recommend keeping PacifiCorp's four dams on the Klamath River in place, an outside settlement agreement among stakeholders and the power company still could prevail.

Stakeholders are working toward an outcome that would remove the dams with federal and state help.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released its final environmental impact statement Friday. It proposed keeping the dams in place, and trapping and hauling fish around the dams instead of building fish ladders.

It's unknown when a final licensing decision will be made, said Barbara Connors, a FERC spokeswoman.

But agencies, tribes and organizations involved in outside negotiation talks say this recommendation won't stop the 26 groups involved in the talks from pushing for the most beneficial outcome for all.

"We're really hopeful we can achieve a settlement," said Greg Hurner, senior adviser to the director of the Department of Fish and Game. Hurner is acting as the lead negotiator for the Administration on the Klamath settlement.

"We usually find these processes bring together more interests and allow the people actually affected to help determine their own fate," he said.

Those involved with the talks include farmers, tribes, fishermen, and federal and state agencies.

PacifiCorp, the power company that operates the Klamath River dams, first initiated the settlement talks and continues to participate.

The company favors an outcome that is best for its customers and the region, said spokeswoman Jan Mitchell.

"Based on our experiences in relicensing other projects, the settlement process is the one we usually find works best and leads to the best interests," she said.

Settlement negotiators will have to work quickly, they say, to reach an agreement with PacifiCorp before the upcoming election consumes all of the attention in Washington , D.C.

"The window of opportunity for us to strike a deal is open now," said Craig Tucker of the Karuk Tribe. "If we move now, we have an opportunity to move it to Congress."

Reach Michelle Ma at mma@triplicate.com.

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