National Conservation Leaders Speak out on Columbia-Snake Salmon

February 22, 2008 | Dams & Dam Removal

Amy Souers Kober
Senior Director of Communications

The leaders of nine national conservation organizations sent a letter (PDF) to President Bush today, calling for a stronger salmon plan in the Columbia-Snake basin. Here are some key excerpts:  

The draft plan's failure is particularly glaring when it comes to Snake River salmon populations and is best illustrated by the plight of Snake River sockeye. Only four of these fish, which spawn in the Rocky Mountains 900 miles upstream from the Pacific Ocean and nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, returned last year.

The draft also fails to adequately analyze, let alone address, the likely effects of global warming on ocean and river conditions, and hence salmon. Information on the likely effects of global warming on ocean conditions and river runoff and temperature is readily available but the draft plan fails – inexplicably – to analyze or address this information.

With proper planning, lower Snake River dam removal can be a "win-win"? for salmon, local communities, and the climate. The dams can be removed in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. Their energy can be replaced by cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy with no carbon emissions. The navigation afforded by these dams can be replaced with upgraded rail and Columbia River barge facilities, and the irrigation provided from one of the reservoirs can continue by extending intake pipes to the free-flowing river.

American Rivers, Clean Water Action, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Greenpeace USA, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and Trout Unlimited signed the letter.

Post a Comment

Your Name
Email:
Comment
Enter this word: Change