Editorial: This solution may remove an impasse

Friday, June 23, 2000 | 9:31 a.m.

Finally a resolution is within grasp that could resolve a simmering dispute between the federal government and Elko County. Ever since a flood in 1995 washed out part of a U.S. Forest Service dirt road along the Jarbidge River, some Elko County residents wanted to rebuild the road despite fears that construction could result in too much silt in the river, threatening the endangered bull trout.

Mediation ordered by U.S. District Court Judge David Hagen has resulted in a reasonable compromise: Elko County will be allowed to rebuild the road -- but only after receiving federal approval that doing so will not harm the protected fish. Some state and local officials from Elko County previously had refused to budge at all, fanning the flames every chance they had. But now is the time for all sides to work together and implement this plan.

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