Yep,
you got that right Leland....but what's wrong with managing the basin lakes for
large trout.
The
basin lakes are the result of Roosevelt's attemps to get the country out of the
depression. The Great Columbia Desert as it was known prior to the
Columbia Water Project is the only desert to disappear off the maps of the
United States. It is a totally artificial eco-system dependent on the
federal water projects.
As a
Forester its easy to see eco-systems and their functions without knowing the
specific vegetation. I still remember my first trip through the Columbia
Basin in 1972 before I knew of the water project...thinking....none of this
makes any ecological sense...what in the hell is going on here? There is to much
damn water for the upland slope vegetation.
Most
ecologists (the professional type not the environmental type) have given up on
the theory of equilibrium. Ecological systems are much more dynamic and changing
than most folks recognized 30 years ago.
The
evolution of the trout fishery in the Columbia Basin reflects these
trends. The stocking of brown trout and tiger trout represents steps to
maintain the historical quality fisheries....which are difficult if not
impossible to maintain. That's what the fish biologists are trying to
do....it is much easier to mange forest land.
The
stories of the fisheries in the 50's and early 60's in the basin are wonderful
reads. Hell, now I know I'm an old fart since I miss the good ole days in
the late 70's.
Vladimir
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Leland Miyawaki
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 5:51 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Effects of RotenoneSo let me get this straight.We flyfishers want our lakes filled only with large aquatic insect eating trout that we can catch and release. And when the lake gets infested with spiny rays, we drop rotenone into the lake that kills all our beloved trout and their food before it kills some of the spiny rays. Hmmmm.Yet, there are many lakes where equilibrium has been reached. These lakes are full of large trout that eat both aquatic insects and spiny ray fry and large bass that eat small trout and spiny ray fry. These lakes are managed for all species and includes baitfishers, geartossers and trollers - who, I believe, are a part of the overall lake predator equilibrium. The good thing about these lakes are that we flyfishers leave them alone. Hmmmm.Leland.
