Idaho official: Development of salmon-saving policies takes time

spring-chinook

Idaho officials say it will take time for the governor’s Salmon Working Group to come up with policies in hopes of helping salmon recover.

Pressure on the group created by Governor Brad Little is increasing, as wildlife managers report low numbers of salmon returning to the Snake River Basin for the third year in a row.

Idaho Office of Species Conservation director Scott Pugrud says the working group can’t flush out policy positions in four or five meetings, adding that process could take up to two years.

Nearly all of the wild runs of salmon and steelhead in the basin are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Returns of both wild and hatchery salmon and steelhead have been flagging in recent years.

The working group meets Friday in Lewiston after going on a series of field trips in the Clearwater region Thursday.

Friday’s public meeting runs 8 AM to 4:30 PM at the Idaho Fish and Game Office on 16th Street. (AP)

Tags: ,