• The social and economic impact of lost jobs, tax dollars, property values, irrigation, decreased industry contributions to local economies, recreational losses, increased utility costs, loss of affordable transportation and associated jobs have not been adequately addressed.
• The PPRC recognizes that some dams exist that serve no commercial, recreational, social or economic value for the region. The PPRC does not oppose removal of these dams provided the people of the region do not object.

• Each dam has become an integral part of an ecosystem that was created when they were built.
• There is no definite science available stating that removing the dams would recover fish runs.
• There has been no attempt to modify upstream dams that have no fish ladders so that an assessment could be made on the value of dam removal toward restoring fish runs.
• The PPRC believes the taking of water for flow augmentation has not been proven a part of the solution for anadromous fish restoration and we strongly oppose any increased flow augmentation.
• A Regional Advisory Committee, consisting of local economically impacted participants, should be created to address the dam issues. The recommendations from this committee should weigh heavily on any decisions made.
• PPRC believes a multitude of factors have caused a decline of anadromous fish runs. We also believe no one single factor is to blame. Until complete scientific studies are made, taking into account all potential problems that could be associated with anadromous fish decline, we will continue to object to a single source solution.
• The decline in anadromous fish runs is a very complicated problem that has no easy or fast answer. The question is not "should we remove dams?" but “how can we protect the integrity of the current river systems including all social and economic values while preserving anadromous fish runs?

The following are further comments and suggestions to improve smolt and adult fish survival:
• Hydroelectric power from dams is the cleanest, safest, non-polluting, inexpensive source of power available.
• The loss of power generated by removal of dams would increase electrical rates for the homeowners and decrease dependable electricity for all.
• Loss of revenue from power-generating facilities that would be used for fish recovery and recreation would be eliminated by the removal of dams.
• The economic impact on the region from loss of barge transportation, and increase of electrical rates for industries would result in the loss of many jobs.
• Concentrate more on what we can do to modify dams to provide for greater survival for smolts and returning adults and provide the funding to accomplish this.
• Further studies are needed on the ocean cycle of fish where two-thirds of their life is spent. Current studies focus only on the one third of their life that is spent in fresh water.
• Create an undesirable habitat for predators such as Sea Lions and Caspian Terns.
• Eliminate confusing, often conflicting and overlapping government agency decisions, by making one agency responsible for anadromous fish.
• Increase and improve barging techniques for smolts.
• Install more fish-friendly turbines.
• Explore voluntary abstinence of fishing.
• Modify and improve fish ladders and bypass systems.

The PPRC is a grassroots organization representing the interests of the nation's pulp, paper, solid wood products, and other natural resource-based workers. The U.S. forest products industry is vitally important to our nation's economy, employing 1.5 million people. We rank among the top 10 manufactures in 46 states with annual sales exceeding $230 billion, which accounts for 7% of the U.S. manufacturing shipments. We are people dedicated to conserving the environment while taking into account the economic stability of the workforce and surrounding community.

Position Paper Page

Rev. 02-02-08