-- Two state commissioners change vote to list coho salmon.

By Liz Bowen

BRIDGEPORT – The current number of coho salmon in Northern California has not been released by the state government. Do they or don’t they know how many coho are in the northstate?

In addition, a compilation of the last two years’ worth of population has not been revealed to the public by the California Department of Fish and Game. Why?

Yet, the department’s officials deemed the coho should be listed with the California Endangered Species Act.

But, it was politics that pressured two individuals on the state Fish and Game Commission to change their vote.

On Aug. 5, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to complete the final leg of listing the coho salmon to the California Endangered Species Act.

"It was pretty apparent it was a done deal," said Don Howell, from Fort Jones, who flew his airplane down to the meeting.

The coho agenda item was a surprise for Siskiyou County groups that were opposed to the listing. The coho listing had been delayed at the June 25 meeting by the commissioners, creating a limbo period expected to last several months. Once the coho was found on the agenda for this, the next, meeting, local leaders quickly discussed with state organization officials the ramifications.

The pressures applied by the Green non-profit organizations that were petitioning for the coho listing was not a surprise. But the length and breadth and strength of their power at the state level is shocking, according to those opposed to the listing of the coho.

Doug LaMalfa, state assemblyman who represents Siskiyou County and eight other counties, denounced the decision in disgust.

"Today’s rush to judgement appeared to be driven by partisan politics rather than finding the most workable solution for all stakeholders," said LaMalfa. "Worse, as with the listing of the northern spotted owl, we’re going to be seeing the negative impacts of this decision for decades to come."

LaMalfa added that the listing was a "huge slap in the face to the local farmers, ranchers" that have worked to find solutions for both the fish and state law water rights.

Howell, who is the Pioneer Press Person of the Year 2003, agrees with LaMalfa. He and another Scott Valley resident, Bill Krum, attended the Aug. 5, commission meeting held in the Sierra Nevada city of Bridgeport.

"We were there to support three commissioners," said Howell, "and to get one more item into the record."

The department did not respond within 30 days.

It is California politics at its  worst

The Green non-profits have demanded increased regulations through the California ESA that will affect farmers, loggers and developers. Those businesses must now apply for additional permits before doing basic farming or logging, which will have extensive costs attached.

After the meeting, Krum said it was very disappointing to see the amount of political pressure that was brought to bear on the individual commissioners and the commission as a whole.

"Unfortunately, that’s the reality of California politics," he summed up.