Letter: Return of fish signaling recovery
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Thank you for the July 30 editorial "Restoring two rivers." As someone who relies on the health of our fish, I can attest that business is better when the environment is taken seriously as an economic factor. Free-flowing rivers full of vibrant healthy fish mean dollars in the pockets of our local river economies (and we're talking millions, not a small amount). The power that is lost is replaceable by other renewable energies and improvements in energy efficiency, which also supports jobs.
These days we don't often get good news, but this is one story that's positive and an all-around success story. I hope the success on the Elwha and the White Salmon rivers lead to more successful restoration efforts, and I really hope we get serious about the lower Snake River sooner than later. The Northwest deserves a closer look at all options for bringing our salmon and steelhead back and that requires help from Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington's Democrat Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.
Doug Rees
Tumwater
