Lost River Project Promotes Dialogue among Farmers and Fishermen

The enigmatic image of boats filled with fishermen in an eastern Washington wheat field unites two of the Northwest’s most prized livelihoods — fishing and farming — in the limited edition print entitled Lost River, a project created and inspired by renowned author, fisherman and conservationist David James Duncan and underwritten for Save Our Wild Salmon by outdoor clothing company Patagonia.

As captured by photographer Frederic Ohringer, the beauty and value of eastern Washington’s agricultural landscape is joined with an image of fishermen casting into a wheat field “river” symbolically void of water or salmon. The accompanying short essay by Duncan, whose acclaimed novels include The River Why and The Brothers K, grieves for the losses salmon communities have suffered but offers a vision of hope that fishermen and farmers will one day meet by the river to share the bounty of both land and water. READ THE FULL TEXT OF LOST RIVER

The Lost River project also symbolizes a a growing commitment by Save Our Wild Salmon to reach out to farmers, shippers and local communities concerned about the economic implications of dam removal. SOS members have been meeting with farmers and shippers in the past year to listen to their concerns and begin a conversation about the needs of farmers and the needs of salmon and salmon fishermen.

In contrast to the failed federal approach, respectful dialogue can help the region find a solution that restores wild salmon, protects local salmon economies and promotes thriving agricultural communities in the Inland Northwest.

“We must do a better job of listening to the concerns of wheat growers and others,” said Sam Mace, Inland Northwest Project Director for SOS in Spokane. “At the same time, we hope that agricultural interests will consider the hardships facing commercial, sport and tribal fishing families and businesses affected by the loss of Snake River salmon and steelhead.”

Studies show that affordable alternatives can replace the 140 miles of barge transportation provided by the four lower Snake River dams while providing equal or greater economic benefits to local communities. SOS is urging comprehensive studies to look at options for updating railroads and other transportation infrastructure to affordably meet the needs of Inland Northwest communities today and 20 years down the road.

SOS and its partners are working to bring fishermen and farmers together to create a future of thriving farms, vibrant river communities and abundant salmon.

With a donation of $30 or more, you will receive a limited edition copy of Lost River, while supporting Save Our Wild Salmon’s efforts to create the national, regional and local momentum to return wild salmon and steelhead to their Pacific Northwest rivers.  

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