BREACHING DAMS

I am writing in regard to the recent statement by Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent in regard to the dam breaching proposal by Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson.

The Nez Perce Tribe and its people have had a treaty of 1855 in place since before Whitman County existed. In this agreement between the US government and the tribe we are guaranteed the right to take salmon within the treaty area and usual and accustomed places.

With the loss of salmon due to dams the US is not fulfilling their contractual agreement with us (Nez Perce tribal members) I do not, of course, agree with Mr. Largent and feel that he is either unaware of the issue or spouting rhetoric that he hears.

The issue has been fully vetted by Mr. Simpson and unless Mr. Largent along with many others have a better plan they should keep their “opinions” to themselves we know everyone has one.

Julian Matthews

Pullman