Wow, some thick animosity around these parts!

Regarding Indians impacting the Snake Dams, CFM said - "If the tribes represented more then just 2% of the populace in Washington State, that just might mean something!"

In reality what carries weight beyond population numbers is - TREATY RIGHTS.

I'll admit, I don't like gillnets. But with respect to Columbia basin and Snake River stocks, those treaties may be the Salmons' long-term insurance policy.

The courts have already ruled to the effect that - yes, there must be salmon in the river in order for the US to uphold its end of the treaty contract. Ergo, the government has to manage the Snake dams so that the stocks don't become extinct. If this can't be accomplished, than the Snake dams have to be removed or significantly modified.