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Dams and Salmon by David Sparks Ph.D. Sportsman Spotlight, August 1, 2022

NOTE: The text below is auxilary to the broadcast of Jacqueline Cook of National Wildlife Foundation.

A flotilla of kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and rafts will launch from the shores of the Willamette River to celebrate the gift of wild salmon, which are rapidly declining and on the brink of extinction. The Rally for Salmon will demonstrate overwhelming public support for removing the lower Snake River dams to save wild salmon, an urgently needed solution that elected leaders can enact.

"Salmon are the beating heart of the Northwest's iconic rivers and the foundation of so many of our communities. Northwest residents are serious about salmon recovery. Now it's time for Northwest lawmakers to get serious about salmon recovery with us," said Liz Hamilton, executive director of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association.

The event showcases that the call for dam removal is gaining momentum. Advocates for wild salmon are looking to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Gov. Jay Inslee, other Northwest policymakers to include lower Snake River dam removal in the comprehensive regional salmon restoration plan anticipated by July 31st.

WHO: Everyone! Families, kids, river enthusiasts, Tribal members, students, community leaders, outdoor recreationists will come together to demonstrate their support for immediate salmon and orca recovery and the removal of the lower Snake River dams.

WHY: Salmon and the Southern Resident orcas are running out of time and the crisis in the Columbia River Basin impacts the lives of everyone who calls the region home. The government has spent at least 20 years in court and more than $17 billion to recover endangered salmon and steelhead, only to see returns continue to decline every year. The path forward is clear: In order to honor our nation's commitment to Northwest Tribes and ensure local economies and communities stay strong, we must remove four federal dams on the lower Snake River in Washington.