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How protecting Idaho’s endangered species affects you 11/14/03 SALMON AND STEELHEAD BENEFITS: The Institute for Fisheries Resources in Eugene, Ore., estimates that $500 million in annual economic benefits and 25,000 jobs in the commercial and sportfishing industry have been eliminated in the Northwest through loss of salmon. At least that much benefit still comes from the continuing fisheries. The fish, an icon of the Northwest, also offers aesthetic and spiritual values. SNAKE RIVER SNAILS AND LIMPETS DRAWBACKS: Six tiny snails and limpets are native to the Snake River from Blackfoot to Murphy. Their presence places limits on development along the river, including on hydropower. This adds some minor costs to electric bills and causes added costs for such actions as bridge construction. BENEFITS: The snails are a measure of the quality of the water in the Snake system. They also force federal agencies, which might want to flush additional water down the Snake to aid salmon migration, to hold back water for adequate flows for the snails. GRIZZLY BEAR DRAWBACKS: Grizzly bears require large areas with few or no roads. People in grizzly country have to take special measures to keep garbage and human food from bears so they don´t get habituated to it.Humans must take precautions when entering grizzly country. BENEFITS: Preserving grizzly bear habitat also protects the habitat of a wide range of imperiled species such as Northern goshawks, wolverines, lynx, and fishers. So few places can brag of having the grizzly bear that it adds a level of uniqueness to the Northern Rockies. GRAY WOLF DRAWBACKS: Wolves kill livestock owned by ranchers and farmers. They also can kill pets. Wolf packs also reduce the size of herds of deer, elk and other big game, which can mean fewer animals for hunters. BENEFITS: Wolves help weed out the sick and the weak in big-game populations as they have for centuries. Controlling elk and deer has secondary effects throughout the ecosystem, reducing grazing pressures on grasses and shrubs and encouraging the restoration of aspen and other trees. Edition Date: 11-13-2003 |