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The magnificent salmon runs of the Columbia River, once the world’s most abundant, are nearing extinction. With 2019 salmon returns dropping to historic lows, we must rethink how we manage the Snake River, a major tributary of the Columbia River, and the negative impacts of the Lower Snake River dams.
Federal agencies have been tasked with developing a plan to save Snake River salmon from extinction. However, the most recent plan submitted by the US Army Corps of Engineers is wholly inadequate and must be dramatically expanded. As proposed, it cannot recover abundant salmon runs or provide our communities with economic security.
Since the final construction of the Lower Snake River dams in the 1970s, 13 species of salmon and steelhead have been listed threatened according to the Endangered Species Act. Despite decades of habitat recovery attempts at the cost more than $17 billion, 2019 salmons returns remained perilously low, forcing emergency fishing closures — and economic devastation — in inland and coastal fishing communities.
Salmon need healthy, free-flowing rivers to survive. National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates, Association of NW Steelheaders and Idaho Wildlife Federation, are working with a broad coalition of partners in the region and across the country to ensure that this fantastic journey continues. Reach out to Jacqueline Koch to learn more.
Join the Campaign to Recover Snake River Salmon
Our Northwest Opportunity is a group of individuals, businesses, and organizations who support a stronger future for the Northwest region. People across the region are sharing their stories and coming together to have conversations that will move our region forward.
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