Fishers, activists rip Bush proposal

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Friday, March 15, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Environmentalists and the fishing industry asked a federal judge Thursday to reject the Bush administration's proposal to temporarily end habitat protections for 19 populations of salmon and steelhead in the West.

The administration's move -- part of a settlement offer to end two lawsuits -- could open parts of California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho to more development in areas near the habitat of the threatened and endangered fish.

Glen Spain, Northwest regional director for the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, said the future of his industry depends on recovery of the fish runs.

"This hits us really hard. We are commercial fishermen. We need these resources for our communities," Spain said.

Earlier this week, the National Marine Fisheries Service said it will void and then rework "critical habitat" protections for the fish to settle lawsuits filed by the Association of California Water Agencies, National Association of Home Builders, other developers and local governments.

The groups that sued contend economic impacts were not adequately considered when the protections were put in place.

The revisions could take roughly two years.

The salmon and steelhead trout would still be protected under the Endangered Species Act during that time, but some limitations on development near their habitats would be removed.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to Outdoors index