Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen Speaks Out Against Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project

(KCPW News) Merlin Olsen has accomplished many things in his life. He played professional football. He's been an actor, starring on television shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy."
Now, Merlin Olsen is playing the role of environmental activist. Olsen serves as President for Bear Lake Watch, an organization working to preserve and protect Bear Lake and its resources. A new proposal by Logan's Symbiotics LLC has the company considering the construction of a hydroelectric plant, called the Hook Canyon Pumped Storage Project, on the shores of Bear Lake. Olsen and Bear Lake Watch are working toward making sure the proposal doesn't become a reality. KCPW's Eric Ray spoke with the Hall of Famer late last week. Olsen talked about how he became interested in environmental issues:



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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is conducting two scoping meetings to gather public and government comment on the project this Wednesday, April 9th:

1) Scoping meeting for government agencies and NGO representatives - Bear Lake West club, Garden City, Utah - 9:00 am until 2:00 pm

2) Public Scoping Meeting - The Oregon Trail Center, Montpelier, Idaho - 7:00 pm until TBA.

Here are links to prior KCPW stories on the Hook Canyon Pumped Storage Project.

Proposed Bear Lake Hydroelectric Plant May Harm Native Fish

Local Environmentalist Speaks Out Against Bear Lake Hydroelectric Proposal