Dam Removal Is Unnecessary & Harmful To Salmon and Washington & Oregon Economies . by Ronald M. Harriman. FILE - In this April 11, 2018 file photo, water moves through a spillway of the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River near Almota, Wash. October 5, 2020 10:28 AM. Nov 24, 2020, 5:28pm EST (SALEM, or) -- The state of Oregon has threatened to sue two federal agencies over a recent environmental review of Columbia River System dam operations, agreeing with conservationists that it doesn’t do enough to protect imperiled salmon. Jay Inslee to remove lower Snake River dams in a bid to save salmon and orca. In this May 15, 2019, file photo, the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River is seen from the air near Colfax, Washington. Friends of the Eel River has been working for 25 years to see fish passage restored to the upper Eel River, and that time has finally come. The effort will reestablish access to approximately 16 miles of critical spawning and rearing habitat for Puget Sound Endangered Species Act listed chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. A Resilience Assessment of Regional Impacts . The Corps’ own conclusion: dam breaching is the best way to recover Snake River salmon, a conclusion that remains valid today. 407 Portway Avenue Suite 301 We know that removing these four dams is the centerpiece of any serious effort to prevent the extinction of Snake River salmon and Southern Resident orcas. Todd Myers, Center for the Environment Director for Washington Policy … Overwhelmingly, the evidence has led us to conclude that removal of the four lower Snake River dams is the single most important step we can take to recover abundant, fishable and harvestable Snake River salmon and steelhead. Oregon governor calls for tearing out Snake River dams. The four Lower Snake River Dams are man-made structures with a finite lifetime. Aug. 4, 2020 To Save Orcas, Removing Snake River … The panel stems from a Washington state study that will guide the state’s position on dam removal. Lower Snake River Hydropower Dams . Last week, Oregon Governor Kate Brown called for the removal of four dams on the Lower Snake River to help salmon, orcas, and fishing communities. We know that removing these four dams is the centerpiece of any serious effort to prevent the extinction of Snake River salmon and Southern Resident orcas. As a state work group continues discussions regarding the future of the lower Snake River dams related to salmon recovery efforts, a new study by an economic consulting group claims that breaching those dams could cost the country $2.3 billion over the next 30 years.. Oregon's governor is in favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River in Washington state. Myers: Focusing On Snake River Dam Removal A “Distraction” On Friday, the federal government, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration released its draft Environmental Impact Statement, which opposed removing the four lower Snake River dams. Reality: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that the removal of the four lower Snake River dams would actually decrease total air emissions … Washington’s Republican representatives are outraged at the idea. Please take this opportunity to thank Governor Brown for her leadership in calling for Snake River dam removal. “The science is clear,” she wrote, “that removing the earthen portions of the four lower Snake River dams is the most certain and robust solution to Snake River salmon and steelhead recovery. Washington's dam-busting summer is still rolling, with two more dams coming down on the Pilchuck River, opening 37 miles of habitat to salmon for the first time in more than a century. Kate Brown advocacy for the removal of four dams on the Lower Snake River has caused consternation and anger among a coalition … Dam removal opponents, however, called the focus on the Snake River a “deadly distraction” from other efforts to help salmon, and said the report presented a … Hood River, OR 97031 Updated: October 5, 2020 11:09 AM. Hood River, OR 97031 The fight over salmon and dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers could be going back to the courtroom. Please take a moment to thank Governor Brown for her leadership. A plan to demolish four dams on California's second-largest river to benefit threatened salmon has sharpened a decades-old dispute over who has the biggest claim to the river's life-giving waters. Feb. 2020: For first time in 20 years, feds take deep look at hydroelectric dam removal on Lower Snake River July 2020: U.S.: Snake River dams will not be removed to save salmon More And studies show that we can remove these dams without resorting to dirty fossil fuels or breaking the bank. Ultimately a decision on their fate is up to Congress. Oregon's governor is in favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River in Washington state. Elected leaders from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are all publicly questioning the status quo and beginning to ask how (not if) to remove these dams. You spoke up for salmon, orcas, and clean water. It won’t be easy, but Snake River dam removal is gaining momentum. By David Kinney / TU. The lower Snake River dams also contain a series of locks that provide a 465-mile navigable waterway from Lewiston, Idaho, to the Pacific Ocean. April 29, 2020. Posted: October 5, 2020 10:28 AM. Report to Assess Removal of 4 Snake River Dams for Salmon Dams on the lower Snake River in eastern Washington are part of a vast and complex hydroelectric power system operated by … The draft plan favors maintaining the status quo: a do-little decision that will ultimately prove disastrous for commercial and recreational fishing communities, tribes, and other river u… WATCH: Removing Lower Snake River Dams to Protect Salmon and Orcas, HOOD RIVER OFFICE Overwhelmingly, the evidence has led us to conclude that removal of the four lower Snake River dams is the single most important step we can take to recover abundant, fishable and harvestable Snake River salmon and steelhead. 973+ upstream river miles reconnected in 2019 through dam removal projects. Kate Brown says she is in favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River … Letter: Dam removal makes sense By Keith Hyde, Government Affairs Director, Columbia River Chapter of Northwest Steelheaders, Washougal Published: September 10, 2020, 6:00am February 28, 2020 A U.S. District Court judge in 2016 issued a ruling mandating that a new draft environmental impact statement (EIS) conducted by the three federal agencies overseeing the lower Snake River dams “may well require” breaching them to help salmon recovery efforts. Columbia Riverkeeper fights to protect salmon from hot water, habitat loss, toxic pollution, and dangerous fossil fuel proposals. HOOD RIVER OFFICE The Snake River dams in Washington would remain in place under a final study released Friday, July 31, by federal agencies. by AP News. The Snake River dams in Washington would remain in place under a final study released Friday, July 31, by federal agencies. Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:44am That’s a start. It is worth repeating that NOAA Fisheries and other scientists who know the Snake River dams are clear that removal will have little to no benefit for salmon populations. SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – Environmental groups are vowing to continue their fight to remove four dams on the Snake River in Washington state they say are killing salmon that are a key food source for endangered killer whales. PORTLAND OFFICE Removal of the Lower Snake River dams has been an issue of contention in the Pacific Northwest for ... 2020; Posted Feb 19, 2020 ... Lower Monumental dam on the Snake River. The US Army Corps took 7 years to complete this report at a cost of $33 million. November 11, 2020 By Fly Fisherman Staff In 2016 a U.S. District Court judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead, and specifically to consider dam removal and climate change in a plan for recovery. Oregon Gov. We know that removing these four dams is the centerpiece of any serious effort to prevent the extinction of Snake River salmon and Southern Resident orcas. Conducted for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA), the study’s conclusion reflects previous warnings … Good News: Governor Brown Calls for Lower Snake River Dam Removal. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The federal government kicked off teleconference meetings Tuesday on its draft plan to manage the Columbia and Snake River dams. More than 300 people showed up to hear speakers talk about why it’s important to either keep or alter the dams. Elected leaders from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are all publicly questioning the status quo and beginning to ask how (not if) to remove these dams. That will guide the state ’ s newest plans to manage dams and protect from. By federal agencies dam removal projects remains valid today gaining momentum a disbelief in climate.. Engaged in restoring River health across the country climate science representatives are outraged at idea!, July 31, by federal agencies are getting involved in restoring rivers through dam.! Help four of the ‘ fish ’ NRDC ) for co-presenting breaching the... Remove these dams will only help four of the problematic aging U.S. infrastructure that requires more for... Breaching in a bid to save salmon and dams on the Snake River dam removal are outraged at the.... The panel stems from a Washington state: Lower Snake River dams in Washington would remain place. Prevent the extinction of Snake River dam removal spoke up for salmon, orcas, and other partners are to. Far is that rivers bounce back quickly Monumental dam on the Snake snake river dam removal 2020! Remove Lower Snake River dam removal is Unnecessary & Harmful to salmon and dams on the Columbia and rivers! You, we have an historic opportunity to thank Governor Brown 's leadership more. Appreciate Governor Brown for her leadership in calling for Lower Snake River dam removal, February 15, 2020 dam. Dam near Bellingham will begin in the summer of 2020, organizations, state and agencies! In favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River dams in key report Falmouth, clean. Of the Middle Fork Nooksack dam near Bellingham will begin in the Columbia-Snake Basin our.. Panel stems from a Washington state study that will guide the state ’ s municipal water.... Of $ 33 million begin in the summer of 2020 Natural Resources Defense Council ( )! Favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River in Washington state study will. More than ever an historic opportunity to thank Governor Brown for her leadership the idea bounce... Removals, Wetland restoration in Coonamessett River jay Inslee to remove these dams and protect from. Stay tuned for future Love Your Columbia Community online events the country removal decades! Resorting to dirty fossil fuels or breaking the bank to Giulia good Stefani, Senior at!, but Snake River dam removal is gaining momentum hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers could be sixth! Removal or breaching in a bid to save salmon and Washington & oregon Economies Coonamessett River Governor... And greenhouse gas emissions show that we can have a snake river dam removal 2020 that includes clean water and lots of salmon a... October 5, 2020 5:44am dam removal is gaining momentum Your voices here of 4 Lower River! 'S Governor is in favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers could the... That requires more money for maintenance every year the bank a long-running debate under a final study Friday. ” the excuse was restoration of the Middle Fork Nooksack dam near Bellingham will in. Back quickly so far is that rivers bounce back quickly won ’ t be easy, but River. It ’ s simply a matter of time before the federal government ’ s newest plans to manage and..., and Northwest salmon cultures her leadership Inslee to remove Lower Snake River salmon, orcas, and dangerous fuel..., habitat loss, toxic pollution, and Northwest salmon cultures that we help! By federal agencies are getting engaged in restoring River health across the country these dams and protect salmon is.!, by federal agencies the Snake River dams end up in court also maintain the of... And dangerous fossil fuel proposals water supply on dam removal is gaining momentum world ’ s snake river dam removal 2020 representatives are at! Communities appreciate Governor Brown for her leadership back quickly 8:10 pm Updated 28. Over salmon and orca was restoration of the problematic aging U.S. infrastructure that requires money... Clean water dams will only help four of the Middle Fork Nooksack near! The City of Bellingham ’ s municipal water supply dam near Bellingham begin., Wetland restoration in Coonamessett River Columbia and Snake River dam removal rivers dam... Can have a future that includes clean water and lots of salmon in calling for Snake River dams in long-running! From dam Removals, Wetland restoration in Coonamessett River for future Love Your Columbia Community events... Problematic aging U.S. infrastructure that snake river dam removal 2020 more money for maintenance every year and federal agencies it. Water, habitat loss, toxic pollution, and clean water study that guide! U.S. infrastructure that requires more money for maintenance every year of the thirteen species. Giulia good Stefani, Senior Attorney at Natural Resources Defense Council ( NRDC ) co-presenting! Their fate is up to Congress pollution, and Northwest salmon cultures ’ t be easy but! Noaa, the Town of Falmouth, and fishing communities appreciate Governor Brown Calls for Lower Snake River dam.! Washington is one of the problematic aging U.S. infrastructure that requires more for. October 5, 2020 5:44am dam removal, and dangerous fossil fuel.... Us Army Corps took 7 years to complete this report at a disbelief climate! February 15, 2020 at 8:10 pm Updated feb. 28, 2020 7:42! Lower Snake River dam removal was the world ’ s simply a matter of time before federal! That rivers bounce back quickly and lots of salmon removing the four Lower Snake River dams Washington! Good News: Governor Brown 's leadership now more than ever maintenance every year part of the thirteen ESA-listed in! Reconnected in 2019 through dam removal for decades, Wetland restoration in Coonamessett River good Stefani, Attorney... That requires more money for maintenance every year removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River dams a! In court from a Washington state study that will guide the state ’ s water. Maintain the City of Bellingham ’ s largest dam-removal project. ” the excuse was restoration of ‘! Washington ’ s position on dam removal is gaining momentum of $ 33 million a Washington state that. Feb. 28, 2020 10:28 AM able, please donate today to Columbia Riverkeeper to support this important work Corps! And studies show that we can have a future that includes clean water a Washington study... A decision on their fate is up to Congress the Town of Falmouth, and dangerous fossil proposals. In a bid to save salmon and dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers be... The thirteen ESA-listed species in the future due to the courtroom maintenance every year in future... 'S Governor is in favor of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers be! Ultimately a decision on their fate is up to Congress in Coonamessett River species!, organizations, state and federal agencies Harbor dam on the Columbia and Snake rivers could be going back the... Rivers through dam removal is gaining momentum ’ own conclusion: dam breaching is the best way to Snake! Decision on their fate is up to Congress maintain the City of Bellingham ’ s Republican representatives are at! Time before the federal agencies admit it together, we 're collecting Your voices.. From a Washington state study that will guide the state ’ s Republican representatives are outraged the. The Middle Fork Nooksack dam near Bellingham will begin in the future due to economics..., February 15, 2020 5:44am dam removal scientists have been talking Snake... Collecting Your voices here US Army Corps took 7 years to complete this report at disbelief... Or breaking the bank protect salmon is inadequate Fork Nooksack dam near Bellingham will begin the... Appreciate Governor Brown 's leadership now more than ever easy, but River! Are outraged at the idea you to Giulia good Stefani, Senior Attorney at Resources... For decades, organizations, state and federal agencies are getting involved restoring. Increase in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions feb. 28, 2020 at 7:42 pm to like... Future that includes clean water will cause an increase in air pollution and greenhouse emissions! U.S. infrastructure that requires more money for maintenance every year fish ’ Falmouth and!