IFG needs to copy Washington program

Maybe the IFG could use the successful salmon restoration program on the Columbia River as an example to help Lake Pend Oreille's kokanee recover. Bounties paid for the removal of large pike-minnow from that system reduced their population, enabling viable numbers of salmon smolts to make it to the ocean alive.

Since reducing pike-minnow populations, the Columbia has enjoyed the best returning runs of salmon in recent memory.

IFG's nets kill fish. Contact with netting damages a fish's mucous immune system, exposing it to infection and disease. Fish might swim away from the net and die later. While some mortality is expected, any mortality of a threatened species (bull trout) should be unacceptable and illegal.

Now IFG plans to net lake white fish for another study. How is that warranted? White fish co-existed with the lake's native species for decades before the advent of kokanee, and the exalted rainbows. Anglers have known about the dense schools of white fish for years — the only study needed is how to catch them. They are so over-stuffed with mysis shrimp (another IFG experiment) that they rarely take bait.

Any kokanee recovery plan should start by controlling pike-minnow populations. We should get the nets out, stop molesting fish and quit wasting Avista's money. IFG should study the most current and accurate information available … from the fishermen/women. Remember the fishermen/women? The guys and gals who pay IFG's salaries.

ARCHIE GOLLEN

Sagle