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Commentaries and editorials

It's Now or Never for Salmon

by Laurie Kerr
The Columbian, August 7, 2022

There's a better way forward.

Congressman Mike Simpson has been talking to people throughout the northwest and in Washington, D.C. about the salmon crisis, and he says he's determined to do what he can to solve it. We stand at a hugely consequential moment for our iconic salmon species. What we choose now determines the fate of these magnificent fish.

They feed many other animals on land and in the water; they nourish us, and support recreation and tourism. But with salmon on the brink of extinction, all this -- and more -- could be lost. The old path leaves the four Lower Snake River Dams intact. Years of scientific evidence show this will soon lead to extinction of remaining salmon species.

There's a better way forward. It's time for our elected leaders to work together toward restoring the Lower Snake River, replacing the services these dams provide and making all communities in the region whole.

Idaho's Rep. Mike Simpson has published his own proposal for how to do this, but other leaders need to step forward. It's time to decide that the four dams must be removed and bring together affected groups to work out how to replace them. Please contact Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray to support the breaching of the four dams on the Lower Snake River.

Will we keep flushing away money and precious time on methods that haven't saved salmon? Extinction is forever. It's now or never.

Related Sites:
Simpson's announcement may be viewed here
Other documents associated his concept are available at simpson.house.gov


Laurie Kerr, Battle Ground
It's Now or Never for Salmon
The Columbian, August 7, 2022

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