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Ducks to benefit from new measures taken at local dam

www.staceymacnaught.co.uk/ Flickr Creative Commons

Proponents see this as a way to head off future legal trouble.

Northwest dams have been operated with a mandate to protect native salmon species, many of which have been declared threatened or endangered by the federal government.

Operators at the Little Spokane Dam have adopted a new proactive strategy designed to protect other species, such as ducks, which are a fairly common sight year round, but which may be the victim of predators or disease when they visit dams and hydropower facilities.

Plans are being laid for possible protective measures, the idea being, if steps can be taken now to protect ducks, or other creatures who frequent dams, there will be no need for special protection as deemed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Possible costly litigation from conservation groups could be avoided.

Among the proposals: duck runs to let the fowl get fresh air and exercise, duck shower nozzles, ledges for sitting ducks, and feeding trays designed to be knee high to a duck. A protective duck cover can be lowered over the birds as well to protect against predators, like raccoons, hawks, or brown-eyed buzzards.


Future plans could include steps to protect other dam visitors like deer, swans, pelicans, wolves, wild boars, and the purple-speckled vole.

(Please enjoy this April Fools Day story.)

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.