This Land is Your Land
In the expansive desert East of the Oregon Cascades, great gouges score the landscape. And, where three converge as one, the awe that is endowed upon the passer-by is a long-lasting gift. But the land is not how it once was. A series of hydroelectric dams have been wedged into the crevasses in order to sustainably generate electricity and connect cities. Simultaneously, severing the way of the native Salmon and Steelhead. Almost 60 years later and after many failed attempts to tell the excommunicated fish that “it’s just a dam, go around!” the area and reservoir has taken on an entirely new ecosystem. Aside from The Cove Palisades being a recreation destination, it also houses a multitude of fish species and is one of the most productive fisheries in Central Oregon. The question then arises. What did we leave behind that fatal day in 1964 when we tore nature out by its roots? And… if we could reverse it all, would we?
As is our tendency at Carpenter Adventures, we’ve gone back in time to explore this complex issue.
“Well, we drove down the old road one last time before they flooded the canyons. Oh, it was incredible. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls and massive, towering cliffs.”
It seemed like every time we would go fishing down there, Papa would mention the "good old days" and reminisce about how it used to be. As we cruised through the lake, the smell of freshly disturbed algae proliferated through the air. He’d look up at the hillside and point out the old road that was long-since forgotten by the people that once kept its way groomed. I can imagine an old 58 Ford truck painted an unremarkable white, filled with excited anglers slowly climbing down the dirt road. A grand sight indeed. What was once a passageway for emphatic joy and adventure now forsaken by its makers.
The land was different when it was called Three Rivers and stringers of trout were commonplace. That is, until there were no more trout. Because of the renowned fishing and the local’s gusto for community (imagine that, people intentionally getting together just to hang out, it’s almost like they didn’t have Facebook…) Oregonian’s had established an annual fish fry that drew folks from all around Oregon. That’s right, the desolation didn’t start and end with the dam. We were already having our way with the trout and had moved on to the Salmon once the trout gave up the goat. But before you judge too harshly, remember that many people in this time fished so that they could feed their families. Also, our nation was emerging from a horrific war and depression and war before that. There was so much turmoil in the decades leading up to the 60’s, it must’ve felt like a relief to be able to enjoy the land and commune with each other. To be able to creatively solve the energy issues facing the ever more prolific population and put thousands of men to work was remarkable. They even passed the Highway Beautification Act in September of 1965 to make our roads cleaner and more beautiful. My Grandmother-in-law, Elsie Burris, tells of the program putting her retired dad to work planting flowers along the Hood River highway. Though many programs established in this era would go on to have some major downfalls, the spirit of the time was to create a better life for the future, and in many ways, they accomplished their mission.
We now live in a world where stewardship is becoming admirable, and exceptional companies like Patagonia are a key driving force in making sure our children don’t draw the short straw. Anglers are self-imposing responsible harvest practices, picking up trash along the waters they fish, and teaching our kids about the culture of being outside. Caring for the land and enjoying it’s ineffable beauty.
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of hydroelectricity and the havoc its reaped upon our native fish populations. As with most things, it’s not as simple as that of course. Whether the dams stay or go, I’m optimistic that we will do all we can to ensure our outdoor treasure is secure, improved, and well cared for. I invite you to join me in my optimism. Let every step you take in the outdoors make it a better place for all, and don’t forget to Bring The Kids!
Branden Carpenter