Stop Salmon Extinction ~ 30-Year Vigil
November 20, 2021, marked the 30 year anniversary since Snake River sockeye salmon were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Earth Day, April 22, 2022, marks the 30 year anniversary for Snake River Chinook salmon being listed on the ESA.
After three decades producing six inadequate federal restoration plans with mitigation costing billions of dollars, salmon are closer to extinction than ever before. Well documented science-based determinations support the major cause for salmon degradation lies with four dams on the lower Snake River. Just a mere 140 mile corridor that once provided majestic riparian areas with free-flowing waters to over 5,000 miles of spawning habitat became a series of cement barriers with slack water reservoirs. The time is now to restore the Pacific Northwest keystone species, because without salmon, the ecosystem will collapse.
Restoration of a free-flowing lower Snake will not only revitalize the environment, but save the endangered salmon populations and over 130 other wildlife species, including endangered Southern Resident orca. A free-flowing Snake River is absolutely vital to start on a path to reconcile social and environmental justice. The Columbia River Basin salmon extinction crisis has been in desperate need of courageous leadership willing to discuss, negotiate, and apply solutions that benefit the entire Northwest. Time to stop catering to select economies or communities at the expense of others.
In February 2021, Representative Mike Simpson (R, Idaho) revealed the "Columbia Basin Initiative." Many organizations as well as individuals are supportive of a proposal this bold in scope. Finally in view is the possibility of a comprehensive solution for the health and well being of the entire Northwest.
In addition, Gov Inslee and Sen Murray have committed to offering their recommendations by July 31, 2022. This promise and leadership is appreciated because real action is needed now to stop salmon and orca populations from continuing towards extinction.
The 30-Year Vigil organized with the intention of keeping an eye on the Northwest public officials' commitment, and to ensure that social and environmental justice as guiding principles are intrinsic in the solution.
Additional information