Letter to the editor: Remove the Snake River Dams to save salmon

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We stand at a hugely consequential moment for our iconic salmon species. What we choose now determines the fate of these magnificent fish, who swim 900 miles to the ocean, and 900 back uphill to their birthplace, to spawn and die. They feed many other animals on land and in the water; they nourish us, and support recreation and tourism.

But with salmon on the brink of extinction, all this — and more — could be lost. The old path, the status quo, leaves the four lower Snake River Dams intact. Years of scientific evidence show this will soon lead to extinction of remaining salmon species. There’s a better way forward. In 2022, we have an opportunity to solve this problem and create a better future for the entire Pacific Northwest. It’s time for our elected leaders to work together toward restoring the lower Snake River, replacing the services these dams provide, and make all communities in the region whole.

Idaho’s own Rep. Mike Simpson has published his own proposal for how to do this, but other leaders need to step forward. It’s time to decide that the four dams must be removed and bring together affected groups to work out how to replace them. Please contact Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray to support the breaching of the four dams on the Lower Snake River.



Will we keep flushing away money on overly expensive energy and methods that haven’t saved salmon with what precious time is left? Extinction is forever. It’s now or never.

Laurie Kerr,

Battle Ground