The true headwaters of all rivers are unique and wonderful places. The Salmon River headwaters are special for everyone and even a sacred place for some folks.
The Salmon River headwaters certainly are special for the fish! Those headwaters are the highest and farthest place the salmon and steelhead go to spawn.
Sadly, however, the uppermost free flowing segment of The Salmon River headwaters has been getting beat up and abused every year for more decades than even Old Timers can remember.
It's time to stop this abuse and protect the special and sacred headwaters of The Salmon River.
As our readers know, we studiously avoid politics or "taking sides." However, the SNRA proposal to close 2.5 miles of a wildcat road above Chemeketan Campground is a genuine "no brainer." If the SNRA can't somehow see fit to finally close down this road, something is terribly wrong.
We first drove this stretch of road in 2004. Frankly, as our little Suzuki Samurai dipped its tires in and out and back and forth across the clear flowing waters of The Salmon River, I turned to my wife and said, "This isn't right--there's something wrong with this picture." Vehicles simply shouldn't be allowed to drive largely "at will" in the critical, genuine habitat of fish like the salmon and steelhead. It's downright wrong and everyone knows it.
Granted, some will say they need every inch of every existing road left open because closing any road somehow diminishes their "rights." That's fine. But what about the fish? All of us would agree we need to work together to protect the fish. The Salmon River salmon are arguably one of the world's most unique fish. They need all the help they can get.
We've talked with Old Timers who regaled us with stories about camping at Chemeketan "back in the day" while the salmon were making their redds and spawning. The Old Timers told us those fish made so much noise in the little river it was hard to sleep! Now? Not so much.
We know the SNRA managers have their heads and hearts in the right place. We trust they will make the only right decision and close the road as soon as practical and possible. It's decades overdue and we all know it.
Meanwhile, it's highly likely there's not going to be any Forest Service funding for this project. So, even if the SNRA managers make the courageous choice to close the road, it won't really happen unless other federal, state, county and Tribal organizations step up to the plate and partner with public volunteers to "git 'er dun."
In our minds, this is one work project where a wide variety of organizations and people could partner to wave the proverbial magic wand and make this happen FAST. Why not? There's everything to gain and only a mere 2.5 miles of road to lose.
If you are interesting in helping should the SNRA proposal become a project--send us an email. We will keep your name on file and inform the SNRA of your potential interest.
Thanks for reading! Many Cheers, John Parsons
john@salmonriveridaho.net
