There was a lot more understanding but not much support for a plan to drop Detroit Lake to the lowest levels in its history after a series of meetings this week in Detroit and Salem.
Anglers, homeowners, lawmakers and people that enjoy the reservoir east of Salem gathered to hear the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lay out a plan meant to save endangered salmon but that could alter the lake and impact water quality for 200,000 beginning in 2026.
“I feel like I understand what they’re trying to do and can appreciate it — everybody wants more salmon in the river. The plan they’re talking about makes sense on paper,” said Mike Ferris, a fishing guide on the North Santiam and at Detroit Lake. “But my big issue is, will it actually work? They’re talking about wiping out a fishery at Detroit Lake and risking water quality for a plan that seems like a shot in the dark.”…