[env-trinity] Weseloh Letter to Editor - Times Standard

[Tom Stokely]

Retyped from: Letters to the Times-Standard - May 17, 2004 - page A4

 

Trinity Record of decision based on sound science

 

Thomas Birmingham and Sal Parra accuse the Hoopa Valley Tribe (HVT) of promoting "myths", "fanciful distortions" and "misstatements" that are supposedly delaying restoration. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Westlands Water District, Mr. Parra's water provider and Mr. Birmingham's employer, litigated to delay implementation of the 2000 Record of Decision (ROD) based on two out of basin impacts. These are being addressed in the SEIS (see Times-Standard May 2 article "Analysis backs Trinity plan"). 

 

The day before Mr. Birmingham's letter was published the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the litigation regarding the ROD and ordered increased releases for the Trinity River this year. 

 

Mr. Parra believes that Trinity River fishery is healthy when populations are a fraction of pre-dam numbers and not reaching legislated restoration goals. Additionally, Mr. Parra wants "flexible adaptive management" claiming "the tribes refuse to discuss it". The ROD is based on this concept and the tribes have embraced it. Mr. Parra should read the ROD.

 

The HVT and Humboldt/Trinity County community members have put forth a tremendous effort to consistently remind our federal government of the litany of legislative and public promises made regarding diversion of Trinity River water and reserved fishing rights. 

 

I applaud the Tribe and all of the local advocates that promote adequate flows, restored fisheries and the resulting economic benefit based upon sound science, vested rights, and legislative mandates. It is Westlands' representatives that are promoting "myths", "fanciful distortions" and "misstatements" and delaying Trinity River restoration.

 

Thomas J. Weseloh 

McKinleyville

 

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