The fisheries conservation case for removal of the four lower Snake River dams continues to grow. The overwhelming scientific evidence is that a free-flowing lower Snake River is required to recover Idaho’s salmon and steelhead. With the best available science and 40 years of hindsight, we must acknowledge that hatcheries, fish ladders, spills and barging and other billion-dollar band aids have failed to recover Snake River salmon and steelhead.
The vision is audacious – to remove four river-spanning dams and restore ravaged fish populations while undertaking major water and transportation infrastructure realignment and ensuring economic vitality for the region.
The opposition relies on images of lost jobs and more expensive electricity while proponents stress that a free flowing Snake River is part and parcel of the region’s economical vitality. Bringing these sides to the center and forging agreement will be central to success.
As the logo ad that appears in the Spring 2021 issue of Trout Magazine attests (see below), a broad coalition of businesses and organizations aims to be part of the solution.
Why we need a free-flowing Lower Snake River examines the impact of the dams and why their removal is necessary for salmon and steelhead recovery. Go to https://www.tu.org/lowersnake/ to learn more and add your voice.
