Enhanced fish habitat, improved river flows, and increased access to fishing spots are just a few benefits the angling community may receive when utility-owned hydropower dams seek a new license to operate on our rivers and streams.

But under a new rule proposed by the Department of the Interior, those protections and benefits are in jeopardy. Interior proposes to allow utilities the exclusive right to contest protections such as:

• Fish ladders to allow fish access to habitat above and below dams;
• Flow requirements to enhance habitat, recreation, and water quality; and
• Public campgrounds, boat ramps and fishing areas to improve recreational access.

An open and careful review of license conditions that protect our rivers should be open to all interested parties, including fishermen, Tribes, landowners, and any other person with legal standing.

An appeals process limited to dam owners and their lobbyists is biased toward corporate interests. It will create unequal access to decision-makers and politicize what should be science-based decisions in the greater public interest.

The deadline for public comments is November 8, 2004.