Scientists and the federal government have long acknowledged that our Columbia River salmon are rapidly disappearing and headed for extinction. In fact, the situation today is more dire than ever. These experts also have long recognized that the four dams on the Lower Snake River are a major impediment to salmon recovery. Today, we know that— despite billions spent—these fundamental facts have not changed.

What has changed is that the Lower Snake River Dams are less critical to maintaining our economies and our way of life than they used to be—even compared to 20 years ago.

Decided shifts in the landscape are opportunities for our region: 1) an opportunity to restore what would be the largest and best salmon stronghold in the lower 48 states; 2) an opportunity to build stronger local economies and an electric grid resilient in the face of a changing climate and global uncertainty; and 3) an opportunity to begin addressing our unfulfilled promises to Pacific Northwest Tribes, for whom salmon have always represented the core of culture and life.

Read the WSC analysis: THE LOWER SNAKE RIVER REGION – An Opportunity to Invest in Our Communities and a Future Salmon Stronghold