Columbia Snake River Campaign Advocates Push for Urgent Action in Washington, DC Fly-In
Some of the DC Advocates for the Columbia Snake River Campaign from L to R: Owen Begley-Collier, Next Gen Salmon Collective, Keyen Singer, Next Gen Salmon Collective, Abby Dalke, Save Our wild Salmon, Mitch Cutter, Idaho Conservation League, Abbie Abramovich, Idaho Conservation League, Sarah Dyrdahl, American Rivers, Kayeloni Scott, Columbia/Snake River Campaign, Tanya Riordan, Save Our wild Salmon, and Rein Attermann, Washington Conservation Action
This past week, a diverse group of passionate advocates from the Columbia Snake River Campaign (CSRC) traveled to Washington, DC, for a series of high-stakes meetings with key policymakers, urging immediate action to save endangered wild salmon and Southern Resident orcas. From September 15-18, our team—made up of tribal members, conservationists, youth activists, and renewable energy experts—engaged in over 30 meetings with federal agency officials, senators, representatives, and legislative staff. Our unified message: salmon are running out of time, and bold action is needed now.
We emphasized to decision-makers that Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead populations are at critically low levels, with many listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If current trends continue, nearly 60% of the Snake River Basin stocks could hit a quasi-extinction threshold by 2028. This not only puts salmon at risk but also endangers the survival of the Southern Resident orcas, who rely heavily on Chinook salmon for food.
Our advocacy focused on the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI) and the historic agreements reached in 2023 between President Biden and the Six Sovereigns. These agreements include over $1 billion in restoration efforts, aimed at recovering salmon populations, honoring treaty obligations to Northwest Tribes, and accelerating the Pacific Northwest’s transition to clean, renewable energy.
The diversity of perspectives in our group strengthened our case. Tribal members highlighted the cultural and economic importance of salmon to their communities, while youth activists pressed the urgency of long-term sustainability. Our renewable energy experts explained how dam removal can be achieved without sacrificing the region’s energy needs, presenting sustainable alternatives that support both environmental and economic goals.
Our fly-in culminated in the screening of the award-winning documentary, "Covenant of the Salmon People," hosted by Patagonia. The film, which tells the story of the Nez Perce Tribe's deep connection to salmon, further underscored the need for immediate action to prevent extinction. The event sparked lively discussion among attendees and policymakers, reinforcing the urgent need for solutions that work for all species and communities.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in Washington, DC, and to those who continue to support this important campaign. Together, we’re making strides to protect salmon, orcas, and the Pacific Northwest ecosystem.