I read the editorial from Buzz Ramsey regarding the unfortunate federal recommendation to not remove the Snake River Dams (“Snake River dams too costly,” The Columbian, Aug. 23).
I, too, have fished the Columbia River and its tributaries since 1975. I can attest to the terrible decline of salmon we are faced with today. All the financial information listed by Mr. Ramsey is correct. In fact, if our salmon runs were managed correctly and these dams were removed, we would be seeing far greater returns and we could have a destination salmon fishery that rivals any other, worldwide. The Snake River Dams have outlived their financial and environmental gain and instead are costing taxpayers millions upon millions of dollars for upkeep on a decreasing return.
It is time for the federal government to step up and step in and do the right thing. Our fishing industry demands it, Washington sport-fishing anglers demand it, but most of all our salmon and steelhead demand it.
