Removing the Buckley dam without replacing it would mean that White River anadromous fish would migrate up to the base of Mud Mountain Dam, which has no upstream fish passage facilities on site. A site alternatives analysis about 10 years ago concluded that the site of the Buckley former PSE diversion dam is the best location for upstream fish passage facilities. Yes, the Buckley dam is deteriorated; it was built in 1912. Replacing it with an up to date fish passage facility is the best way to pass White River salmon and steelhead upstream of Mud Mountain Dam in a safe, timely, and effective manner. OK, the best way would be to remove both the Buckley dam and Mud Mountain Dam, but that ain't gonna' happen given the relative political strengths of the interests involved. Yes, I proposed dam removal and received a good laugh for my efforts.

Sg