Solutions exist for Snake River salmon and communities

American Rivers statement in response to Murray-Inslee draft report

June 9, 2022

Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington Senator Patty Murray and Washington Governor Jay Inslee have released a draft report examining how the services of the four lower Snake River dams could be replaced, in the event the dams are removed to restore healthy, harvestable Snake River salmon and steelhead runs.

Wendy McDermott, Northwest regional director for American Rivers, released the following statement:

“Snake River salmon and steelhead runs are headed for extinction if we don’t take bold, immediate action. The draft report illuminates that restoring the lower Snake River through removing the four federal dams will provide the best chance for these culturally and economically important fish. The Tribal Nations and communities that depend on salmon are depending on our elected officials to act with urgency. Senator Murray and Governor Inslee’s leadership is essential in taking the next step of implementing solutions that restore healthy, abundant numbers of salmon and steelhead, honor treaties and commitments to tribes, ensure clean affordable energy, and support the region’s strong agricultural economy.”

“American Rivers is committed to working with communities to implement solutions that enable everyone to do well, whether you make your living catching salmon off the coast or growing potatoes near Pasco. The Northwest and the nation cannot afford to ignore the salmon and steelhead extinction crisis. Let’s work together to make change work in favor of everyone.” Read more about the need to restore a free-flowing lower Snake River, one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2022: https://endangeredrivers.americanrivers.org/snake-river/