The proposal to rebuild Teton Dam in eastern Idaho’s rugged Teton Canyon (a fantastic native trout fishery) isn’t very popular with the people of Idaho, according to a new poll conducted by American Rivers. The survey found that, when presented with options, Idahoans rejected Teton Dam by a 2-to-1 margin in favor of alternatives such as enhanced water efficiency and conservation. As Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker noted, “The poll shows residents of Southeast Idaho prefer making improvements in water efficiency to rebuilding Teton Dam by a margin of 63 to 26 percent.”
Cost is one overriding factor — a new dam would be enormously expensive — but Barker also observed that Teton Canyon is a “world-class trout fishery,” and that tourism and outdoors recreation have become much more important to the economy of eastern Idaho.
Are the political leaders in Idaho listening?
By Steve Schmidt February 21, 2011 - 9:46 pm
In an age where we are tearing down dams, it doesn’t seem logical to build one that is of little need, given the other options we have before us. To simply not exhaust all means before considering such a destructive option that would alter such and incredibly valuable resource seems yet another irresponsible fiscal move.
By Sharon Weber February 23, 2011 - 9:26 am
DO NOT REBUILD TETON DAM!!!!!!!!
By Kendall Russell May 9, 2011 - 10:45 pm
As Farmer who fishes this gem several times every year top to bottom, there is no question that this section of river is a priceless beauty, a needed refuge for native cutthroat trout and other wildlife and one I would hate to lose. The truth is, due to the rugged and remote nature of this canyon, few people have a clue of the treasure that is here. But the reality is, this is Ag country and our regional economy is dependent on water. The water table on either side of the Teton canyon has dropped greatly and only recently has begun to rebound somewhat. TU and other conservation folks should do their best to help farmers WITH solving water problems. As populations continue to grow in our country, so will the need for more water to produce the food needed to feed the country. A lot of farmers and surely the growing population looking for cheap food will view, fly-fishermen as selfish, land grabbing elitist’s, when their livelyhood’s or affordable food are in jepardy. What happened to farmers in California’s central valley has been talked about a lot around here, and frankly is not going to happen here.