Our local newspaper reprinted an article by Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times concerning Chinook salmon in Puget Sound and the dams on the Snake river. This whole discussion by Seattle interests about the dams on the Snake River has me completely mystified.
I wish someone would explain how salmon runs up the Snake are related to the number of Chinook salmon in Puget Sound available to the orcas. Last time I looked at a map, the two bodies of water were not connected. I would bet significant amounts of dollars there are minuscule numbers, if any, of Chinook salmon that visit both bodies of water in their lifetime.
The second question. If Seattle agitators are so worried about dams and Chinook salmon in Puget Sound, look at your own dams on the Skagit and Cedar rivers.
It is always interesting to me how urban areas want rural areas to clean up their perceived problems while they ignore their own mess. The Times bears some responsibility for presenting a complete picture of controversial issues like this.
David Fenn
Curtis
