Ethics and Scientific Credibility: 43 Years Working for a Power Company

When I first began working as a fisheries biologist for PGE, it became obvious that many fellow biologists and environmentalist assumed my position was tainted and my duty was to the company first and fisheries resources second.  I was lucky enough that PGE supervisors allowed me great latitude over the years to interact with resource advocates at all levels and from all employers and groups.  Publishing papers on fish diseases and bull trout in peer-reviewed journals and multiple presentations annually helped my status as a scientist.  Advocating for resource protection through AFS and wild fish and environmental groups helped my status as a leader attempting positive change.  When it became time to relicense PGE hydro projects, extensive background fisheries history reports helped players to a common knowledge level.  Scientists conducting research on Project effects presented study plans at open workshops during early spring encouraging everyone to help improve them, and then progress reports at open workshops during fall.  Workshops brought participants into the process, greatly enhanced communication, created common visions for the future, and helped secure buy-in before results emerged.  Many studies were published in peer-reviewed journals greatly increasing the knowledge base on the Deschutes River and its fisheries resources.