the film forum library tutorial contact

Remove Dams Restore Rivers Retun Salmon Columbia & Snake Rivers Campaign Spring 99

"It's a scientific no-brainer . . . If we choose not to follow the recommendations of science, we have to be prepared to look in the mirror every morning and accept the consequences of the decision: that we chose not to save the Snake River salmon."

Lower Granite Dam, Little Goose Dam, Lower Monumental Dam, Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River
Partially removing just these four dams -- of over 500 dams in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho -- is the only effective way to save Snake River salmon and steelhead. Bypassing these dams will also save federal taxpayer money.

1. AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR SALMON
   Federal, state, tribal, industry and independent scientists agree that partial removal of the four Lower Snake River dams is the only way to save salmon. They predict with 99% certainty that bypassing the dams will restore fall chinook salmon within 24 years. Over 200 nationally prominent fisheries scientists recently sent a letter to the President endorsing partial removal of the four dams as the best biological option for fish.
2. GOOD FOR THE NORTHWEST ECONOMY
   Partially removing the four dams will bring huge economic benefits to the Northwest, which has been hit hard by declining salmon runs. Bypassing dams will restore up to 25,000 family-wage commercial fishing jobs and bring in over $1 billion each year in recreation benefits from sportfishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking on the free-flowing river.
3. SAVES YOUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS
   Since 1981, the country has wasted $3 billioin on salmon recovery measures that don't work. Partially removing the four Lower Snake River dams will save taxpayer money by putting an end to spending on failed salmon programs and expensive giveaways to industry. Northwest residents have declared their willingness to pay $1 to $5 per month on their electric bill for actions that will actually save salmon.

SALMON ARE LOSING AN UPSTREAM (And Downstream) BATTLE
Four salmon and steelhead populations on the Snake River are listed as endangered or threatened, and one is already extinct. Salmon are a symbol of the Northwest and an important part of the region's culture. Letting Northwest salmon slip away is like letting the American bald eagle go extinct.

A RIVER RUNS AROUND IT
Millions of young salmon die every year in the series of long, slow-moving reservoirs created by the four Lower Snake River dams.

Scientists say removing the dirt sections of each dam will restore the natural, free-flowing river conditions that young salmon need to survive.

"We can afford to partially remove the four dams on the Lower Snake River. Restoring salmon is the right thing to do, and the bottom line is that we really can't afford not to save the salmon."

RETURN SALMON BY RESTORING RIVERS
YOU CAN HELP!
Contact President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore and tell them that you support partial removal of the four Lower Snake River dams and are counting on them to make a timely decision by the end of this year.

You can call them at: (202)456-1414
or email them at: president@whitehouse.gov or vice.president@whitehouse.gov

Be sure to include your mailing address if you want a response.

The COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS CAMPAIGN is working across the country to raise public awareness and support for partially removing four dams to save Snake River salmon and steelhead. Join us in this exciting effort to restore a national treasure and protect jobs and the economic future of the Pacific Northwest.

CAMPAIGN PARTNERS: The Columbia & Snake Rivers Campaign is a diverse alliance of dozens of organizations nationwide, including:

• Fish and Wildlife Conservationists
• Sportfishing Groups
• Taxpayers and Good Government Organizations
• River Advocates
• Commercial Fishing Associations
• Environmental Organizations
• Business Associations

1.800.SOS.SALMON
www.removedams.org
COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS CAMPAIGN
remove dams, restore rivers, return salmon