Frustrated with Washington BHA event Free the Snake

[whacker1]

Hello All,
i am sure many will disagree with this subject matter on both sides of the discussion, but August 31st Washington BHA is hosting an event in Washougal to Discuss Free the Snake.

i am disappointed so far that the presentation of the subject matter appears one-sided, and that both special guests are pro-removal of the Snake River Dams.  While i understand that BHA is for less impact on the resources across our nation, i am also frustrated on how they don't bring the information forward on how this will affect our daily lives.

The subject matter is no different than suggesting that we remove commercial fishing from the lower Columbia.  Both removal of commercial fishing and removal of dams will have an impact on returning salmon and steelhead runs on the snake, but we only ever talk about removal of dams.   i am sure I offended a dozen or more members that are commercial fisherman on the site, but we have to be honest with ourselves that isolating the dams as the cause is the most expensive solution for the short and long term gain to the various species.

i am disappointed to say the least.

[KFhunter]

Clearly it's not a debate, but a pitch.

Perhaps BHA isn't about debate, but an agenda?

[Sandberm]

People who do not live in the area, who will not be impacted...telling others what to do for their own good.

So arrogant.

[Jake Dogfish]

Hello All,
i am sure many will disagree with this subject matter on both sides of the discussion, but August 31st Washington BHA is hosting an event in Washougal to Discuss Free the Snake.

i am disappointed so far that the presentation of the subject matter appears one-sided, and that both special guests are pro-removal of the Snake River Dams.  While i understand that BHA is for less impact on the resources across our nation, i am also frustrated on how they don't bring the information forward on how this will affect our daily lives.

The subject matter is no different than suggesting that we remove commercial fishing from the lower Columbia.  Both removal of commercial fishing and removal of dams will have an impact on returning salmon and steelhead runs on the snake, but we only ever talk about removal of dams.   i am sure I offended a dozen or more members that are commercial fisherman on the site, but we have to be honest with ourselves that isolating the dams as the cause is the most expensive solution for the short and long term gain to the various species.

i am disappointed to say the least.

Let’s do both! 

[KFhunter]

How about starting with predators like seals and birds before nuking a vital to agriculture dam 

[Jpmiller]

Not to derail too much but a guy at work and I were both discussing these dams and neither of us has enough info to form an opinion but he asked why no one is talking about an improved fish ladder system or those fish cannons or? Surely for the financial cost of removing them a better fish return system could be funded maybe?

As for BHA, they're a mission focused organization and this seems on mission for them. Like them or not but they're doing what they say they do aren't they?

[grundy53]

I'm not surprised one bit. I'm just disappointed I ever gave them money.

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[dwils233]

I think the name of the event "free the snake" clearly implies that for this event, BHA is presenting a view/position and isn't trying to make it a debate. That said, I'm sure if you were to attend you could ask questions to those speaking in support of removal. To that end of BHA has an agenda, it doesn't seem interested in hiding it. I believe the BHA WA position is in support of dam removal if it is instrumental for salmon/steelhead recovers but that it must be done in a way that respects the communities most affected.

I do think it's important to point out that the pro-dam argument has a well-founded public and political campaign so that position has plenty of platform to share it's position as well.

 I think a neutral, healthy and civically responsible conversation would be great, but I don't see it happening without conjecture, falsehoods, strawmen and misdirects causing a failure to launch right out the gate.

I do know that BHA has membership in the snake dam region and does have state members and leaders who care about those communities and people who rely on the dams.

be done in a way that respects the communities most affected.
Is what should be occupying everyone's energies (especially those opposed and representing those impacted stakeholders) but it never gets the time and attention it deserves in public. Because if it goes forward to remove those dams, affected communities don't need to be left high and dry. Now's the time to see what's possible if those dams were to come out, not just hope to figure it out later

[grundy53]

Not to derail too much but a guy at work and I were both discussing these dams and neither of us has enough info to form an opinion but he asked why no one is talking about an improved fish ladder system or those fish cannons or? Surely for the financial cost of removing them a better fish return system could be funded maybe?

As for BHA, they're a mission focused organization and this seems on mission for them. Like them or not but they're doing what they say they do aren't they?

I wouldn't exactly call where these dams are "back country"

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[D-Rock425]

I'm not surprised one bit. I'm just disappointed I ever gave them money.

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me too. BHA Looks great at first glance but take a deeper look and 

[Jake Dogfish]

How about starting with predators like seals and birds before nuking a vital to agriculture dam 

Let’s do that too!
How are run of the river dams vital to agriculture?

[callturner]

Dams are vital for grain transportation.

[dwils233]

Not to derail too much but a guy at work and I were both discussing these dams and neither of us has enough info to form an opinion but he asked why no one is talking about an improved fish ladder system or those fish cannons or? Surely for the financial cost of removing them a better fish return system could be funded maybe?

As for BHA, they're a mission focused organization and this seems on mission for them. Like them or not but they're doing what they say they do aren't they?

I wouldn't exactly call where these dams are "back country"

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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife.

BHA's mission

[follow maggie]

I'm not surprised one bit. I'm just disappointed I ever gave them money.

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me too. BHA Looks great at first glance but take a deeper look and 

I looked at their Facebook page for a few weeks when I was thinking of joining. They have a deep and passionate hatred of anyone who doesn’t follow their agenda to the letter.. I changed my mind about joining,

[Tbar]

Dams are vital for grain transportation.

Is there existing rail banks?