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Conservationist Push For Dam Breaching by Shane Johnson KIVI-TV, April 19, 2009

Conservation groups have put the Lower Snake River number three on it's ten most endangered rivers list.

They blame dams on the river for Salmon and Steelhead populations to dwindle. "The Lower Snake is a bottle neck," Idaho Rivers United Spokesman Greg Stahl said.

The dams in question are all in Washington, but the group feels the fish would be able to make their spawning runs easier with out the dams. "The dams impede the migration to and from the ocean and contributes significantly to their endangered status," Stahl said.

But many consider those dams vital to the shipping and energy needs of the region, especially the Port of Lewiston. They claim losing the dams could put the port out of business, and say there are other steps that haven't been taken to help improve the runs even with the dams.