Guides Bemoan Salmon

Sun., March 24, 1996

Associated Press

Rafting

Forest officials are mulling a ban on commercial and private boating along the Upper Salmon River after Aug. 21 to protect spawning chinook salmon.

Four Stanley-area rafting companies fear the shut-off date could undermine their businesses, said Erasmo Paolo, managing director of The River Co.

Commercial outfitters carry 10,000 to 11,000 clients - at $50 to $80 each - down the river’s “day stretch” every year.

Paul Ries, area ranger for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, said the Forest Service does not want to put the squeeze on river outfitters - but the agency is committed to preserving chinook salmon, which are on the brink of extinction.

Paolo said raft companies already abide by a strict set of conditions when salmon are spawning. Their hours of operation and number of boats are limited. Noise and paddling is kept to a minimum. Swimming and wading are prohibited.

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