Give Batt’s Plan A Chance To Work

All the usual suspects say they want to save the Pacific Northwest bull trout. But there’s so many hidden agendas among the prospective rescuers that it’s hard to pick which one should take the lead in doing so.

Gov. Phil Batt has produced a state-managed recovery plan in an attempt to persuade the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not to list the fish under the Endangered Species Act. He fears environmentalists will seize upon a “threatened” listing to limit forest use and force pricey improvements to roads and dams.

Environmentalists, on the other hand, claim the bull trout will expire unless the federal government steps in. They contend Batt’s proposal lacks teeth and believe, probably accurately, that he’s in bed with industry.

Unfortunately, the federal government proved during the spotted owl controversy that it has no compassion for timber-dependent communities when a critter is perceived to be in trouble. Its cookie-cutter approach to forest problems, at times, does more harm than good.

Lacking a clear choice here, we believe Idaho has much at stake and should get a chance to preserve the bull trout. Idaho not only is motivated by the Endangered Species Act to do the job right but also has started the process.

Fifty projects, developed by local citizens and experts, are under way.

“Federal involvement at this point will not benefit the bull trout, but may work to discourage the state from its proactive approach to protection,” said the Idaho delegation in a letter supporting state management. “It is likely that Idaho will be well on the road to recovery before the Fish and Wildlife Service even has a draft recovery plan in place.”

Steve Mealey, the controversial Idaho Fish and Game director, made another good point Thursday while testifying at the last of five hearings on the bull trout listing: “Take all the federal dollars spent on developing this listing, and all those you intend to spend on consultations and permits. Put them in a trust account and let the interest go to state recovery efforts like the governor’s plan. The fish will be much better off.”

A recovery plan that features a good-faith effort by timber companies, local people and the state of Idaho has a better chance to succeed than a heavy-handed mandate from the federal government. The carefully crafted plan that preserved timber harvest and grizzly habitat in the Priest Lake area a few years ago underscores the importance of local involvement.

Batt’s proposal has enough merit to deserve a chance to succeed.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria/For the editorial board