Idaho’s salmon and steelhead are in crisis. Scientists warn our fish could go extinct within a few decades. Please join us for a critical public hearing on Monday, September 30th at 5 pm and help us send a powerful message to Idaho’s leaders that we want new solutions that restore our fish and promote vibrant river communities!
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NWPCC) has just released an update of their plan for fish affected by hydro power development in the Columbia Basin, including salmon and steelhead. According to the 1980 legislation that established the Council, their charge is to "protect, mitigate and enhance" the salmon and steelhead runs of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and their tributaries, that have been impacted by the development of the hydro-system. The same legislation mandates that NWPCC must also update their plans for energy and fish and wildlife every five years. These plans are important because they provide direction for the Bonneville Power Administration.
But, the newest version of the plan continues a long pattern of avoiding the primary problem for salmon and steelhead: the lower Snake River dams. They persist in proposing a set of timid and inadequate actions. With our salmon and steelhead at the brink of extinction, it's time to change the pattern of failure.
We must call on the NWPCC to provide clear leadership and work with both the Governor's and the Northwest congressional delegation to forge a strong and effective solution that works for salmon, orca and communities. Take action here!
If you can, please plan to attend the public meeting in Boise on September 30th at the State Capitol at 5 pm. Consider offering brief testimony on behalf of Idaho’s salmon and steelhead. Details below.
- Members of the public will be allowed to offer at least 2 minutes of testimony. You can sign up when you arrive.
- Why offering testimony is important: Idaho’s leaders, as well as the NWPCC, need to see demand from the public for solutions that work for people and fish. This is your chance to speak up for salmon and steelhead!
You don’t have to be an expert to have your voice heard! Here are some talking points to consider.
- Idaho’s salmon and steelhead are headed towards extinction.
- The status quo is failing Idaho’s salmon and river communities badly.
- We must restore the lower Snake River and find solutions that work for people and fish.
- Tell why YOU care about Idaho’s salmon!