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.
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