As a relative newcomer to the valley, I found Chuck Stranahan’s July 29 fishing column of great interest. I am one of those that retired here in large part because of the Bitterroot River and other nearby waters and thus was intrigued by Stranahan’s figures on the impact of fishing on the economy.
The introduction of $22 million each year from visiting fisherman is indeed significant, and that is only from visiting fisherman. Local anglers also contribute dollars to the economy as they pursue their sport.
Would anyone care to speculate what the economy in this valley would be like if that money disappeared? What, for example, would happen to the real estate market? Stranahan’s point that if the river is so important to the valley’s economy, we should do more to protect it is well taken. We should indeed do more to protect the river and its fishery.
Richard Ellis
Stevensville