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Removing Dams Key for Salmon by Kelly Dawson The Oregonian, August 24, 2022

Thank you to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray for creating a draft report discussing the costs, benefits, and impacts of removing the Lower Snake River dams. This report does not state an opinion on whether the dams should be removed but does make clear that undamming the Lower Snake River offers the best chance for its salmon to recover.

We must acknowledge that our current efforts to increase salmon populations are not working. We cannot continue to look away from this issue. Salmon are highly valued in Indigenous cultures and are crucial parts of the Northwest ecosystem and economy. They are the primary food source for the iconic (and endangered) Southern Resident killer whales. We rely heavily on salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest, and the Snake River salmon are declining towards extinction.

We are depending on Gov. Inslee and Sen. Murray to create an actionable plan by the end of 2022 to breach the Lower Snake River dams. Please listen to our voices; we cannot expect our Indigenous communities, ecosystems or economy to thrive without native salmon. Remove the Lower Snake River dams.