THE COLUMBIA SNAKE RIVER CAMPAIGN
Removing the four lower Snake River dams must be a part of the solution to stop salmon extinction and restore salmon to abundance. It’s time for a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of communities and salmon. To address these pressing issues and secure a sustainable future for the Columbia/Snake River Basin, we call upon stakeholders at all levels to take action. Our advocacy focuses on a comprehensive approach to restoring the basin.
WHO WE ARE
We’re a coalition of people, businesses, and organizations led by local tribes calling for our elected leaders to stop salmon extinction by removing four dams on the lower Snake River, replacing their services, and investing in Northwest communities. See the full list.
OUR INITIATIVES
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We support stakeholders who are committed to replacing the services and removal of the four federal dams along the Lower Snake River, which are a barrier to salmon and steelhead migration and recovery and continue to cause harm to ecosystem health.
By restoring free-flowing rivers, we can revitalize salmon populations, restore natural habitats, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems.
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We must transition to clean energy alternatives, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, to reduce reliance on environmentally destructive hydropower dams that are growing increasingly unreliable.
We can minimize carbon emissions, combat climate change, and safeguard the ecological integrity of our rivers and landscapes.
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Embrace sustainable land use practices and responsible development strategies that prioritize environmental conservation and community well-being.
By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can create resilient communities and vibrant economies that thrive in harmony with nature.
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Amplify the voices of local communities, Indigenous tribes, and grassroots organizations in decision-making processes related to river restoration and conservation efforts.
By fostering inclusive dialogue and community engagement, we can ensure that restoration initiatives reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of those directly impacted by environmental degradation.
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This initiative, developed in collaboration with regional sovereigns, conservation organizations, and Tribal Nations, outlines comprehensive strategies for salmon recovery, habitat restoration, and clean energy transition.
By rallying support for this initiative, we can leverage federal resources and expertise to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future for the basin and its communities.
We’re making progress – but more urgent action is needed.
Healthy wild salmon and steelhead populations are essential for Northwest Tribes, local economies, and the region’s way of life — and they’re running out of time.
In his FY25 President's Budget Request, President Biden proposed significant funding increases to honor commitments to Tribal Nations and support Columbia Basin salmon populations. We urge Congress members to ensure this funding is included in the appropriations bills that will be drafted and debated in the coming months.
Joint federal-state studies to evaluate how to replace and improve upon the energy, transportation, irrigation, and recreation services provided by the lower Snake River dams are now beginning. Public engagement from various stakeholders will be critical as the agencies work to ensure the studies fully consider the best available data, backed by science and informed by regional and national expertise.
A federal-state 10-year fish needs plan is scheduled to be completed this summer. The plan will identify key actions, in addition to the ones already included in the agreement, necessary to advance the recovery of healthy and abundant Columbia Basin fisheries, consistent with the Presidential Memorandum. This plan will also help inform additional funding needed to restore salmon and other native fish across the Basin in the future.