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This Website is Dedicated to Alvin Alexander Cheyne January 10, 1921 - June 17, 2005 |
Salmon look like part of the future for Klamath
Before dams were built in the
early-to-mid -1900s, salmon came into the Klamath Basin to
spawn, but not since.
For the past two years, scientists have been running tests on whether young chinook salmon can survive in the Upper Klamath Basin. The tests suggest they can.
Fish for the test were taken from the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Northern California and put in net pens in Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River, the lake’s biggest tributary.
Researchers discovered that the young salmon developed as needed for a trip downriver. If there appears to be a reasonable chance the fish can survive, they will be returning to the Upper Basin.
Even if the dams remain in the river, PacifiCorp has already agreed to put in fish ladders if it gets the license to operate the dams. In addition, researchers are planning to reintroduce salmon to the lake, rather than wait for the natural course of things — whether that means salmon returning because the dams were taken out or if the dams remain and fish ladders were put in.
The introduction of a federally protected species to the Upper Klamath Basin would add a new element for Upper Basin water users. But no matter what comes of the issue of the dams, or even the Restoration Agreement, things are going to change. The status quo is neither likely nor desirable, and reintroduction of salmon should be considered a part of it.
Pat Bushey wrote today’s editorial.
For the past two years, scientists have been running tests on whether young chinook salmon can survive in the Upper Klamath Basin. The tests suggest they can.
Fish for the test were taken from the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Northern California and put in net pens in Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River, the lake’s biggest tributary.
Researchers discovered that the young salmon developed as needed for a trip downriver. If there appears to be a reasonable chance the fish can survive, they will be returning to the Upper Basin.
Even if the dams remain in the river, PacifiCorp has already agreed to put in fish ladders if it gets the license to operate the dams. In addition, researchers are planning to reintroduce salmon to the lake, rather than wait for the natural course of things — whether that means salmon returning because the dams were taken out or if the dams remain and fish ladders were put in.
The introduction of a federally protected species to the Upper Klamath Basin would add a new element for Upper Basin water users. But no matter what comes of the issue of the dams, or even the Restoration Agreement, things are going to change. The status quo is neither likely nor desirable, and reintroduction of salmon should be considered a part of it.
Pat Bushey wrote today’s editorial.
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