Push for work to restore Columbia, Snake rivers salmon

Published 1:30 am Sunday, November 7, 2021

I’m energized and encouraged by the growing momentum to remove the lower Snake River dams (“Removing Snake River dams could aid salmon, economy,” The Herald, Oct. 31). With the increasing threat of climate change, as evidenced by this summer’s punishing smoke and heat, we must align our region’s priorities around climate resiliency and safeguarding biodiversity. Restoring the lower Snake River is our only option; and our best hope.

It’s also exciting to see Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., step up with significant investments in salmon recovery efforts. Her proposed funding of $2.85 billion for culvert removal, habitat restoration, hatcheries and research will help rebuild salmon populations. It should be seen as a down payment on financing a bigger picture, including dam removal. If we are going to spend large sums of money, we should spend them wisely and toward a comprehensive solution that supports what the science is telling us: All the money in the world won’t matter if these salmon can’t make their way back to Idaho. These fish won’t make it if the lower Snake River dams remain.

We are at a unique moment in time for wildlife, Tribes and the regional economy. We have an actionable commitment from leaders in three states — Washington, Oregon and Idaho — from both parties, and the Biden administration — to come up with a formal comprehensive solution package by July 31, 2022. It’s a time to be hopeful, but Washington voters must hold elected officials accountable to get this legislative package across the finish line.

Time is running out for salmon and our region.

David Jones

Edmonds