New Momentum Builds for Idaho Salmon Recovery

Congressman Mike Simpson jump-started the regional conversation among elected officials and stakeholders with his ambitious Columbia Basin Initiative. While it received support from OR Governor Kate Brown and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, the tepid response from the rest of the region was underwhelming.

However, recent activity has not only renewed hopes of restoring the lower Snake River to a free-flowing river and saving endangered salmon and steelhead, but has signaled that “The times they are a-changing.” Senator Patty Murray of Washington and WA Gov. Jay Inslee, unveiled the beginning of a Federal-State joint process to examine replacing the services provided by the Lower Snake River Dams, culminating in July 2022. At the same time, officials within the Biden Administration, along with conservation and fishing organizations, announced steps to improve the Columbia River system of operations, while working to develop a long-term strategic plan to recover salmon to Idaho.

The science is crystal clear that the only way to recover salmon and steelhead to Idaho is through removal of the Lower Four Snake River Dams (LSRD), and a recent poll shows that a majority of Washington voters, in both parties, support a plan to restore salmon and steelhead through the removal of the LSRDs. Idaho Rivers United will continue to work with elected leaders and hold them accountable for the commitments they have made to recover our fish. Change is coming to the Pacific Northwest, and we need each of your voices more than ever to help us move this to the finish line.