By Bill Arthur, Vice Chair Conservation Committee
In late January, we received word that the Southern Resident orca, Mega (L-41), was presumed dead. Mega’s disappearance brings the population down to only 72 orca, the second-lowest since the Center for Whale Research first began its census 45 years ago. According to the Center, Mega was a particularly important figure in the pod’s history, fathering most of the calves since 1990, and his death is a massive blow to the health of the population.
While there are many reasons our Southern Resident orca are on the brink of extinction, the main contributor is because their main prey, Chinook salmon, have significantly declined across the Northwest. Removing the four lower Snake River dams would substantially increase Chinook salmon runs, but removing the dams will require investments to assure we retain affordable, reliable clean energy, keep farm communities strong, and help farmers move their crops to export markets.
Thankfully, in 2019, Governor Inslee initiated a Snake River Stakeholder process to identify what would be needed to keep communities whole if the dams on the lower Snake River were removed. The Draft Stakeholder report was issued in late December 2019 and three public meetings were held in early January. The workshops featured a panel of ten people who showcased that you could have constructive and civil conversations about a divisive issue. Over 100 people were interviewed as part of the Stakeholder process and nearly 1,000 people attended the three public workshops.
The Stakeholder process has been an important step forward in building solutions, identifying needs associated with dam removal, and helping inform Washington State leaders.
We want to keep Washington stakeholder conversations going along with convening a region-wide solutions table. This table will work to create an investment package that meets tribal treaty rights, rebuilds robust salmon runs for our environment and economies, and maintains vibrant farm communities.
We can do this but we need to keep the Washington Stakeholder process moving forward as part of advancing this important regional solution. Take action today and tell Governor Inslee that our salmon, orca communities and clean energy system need a solution that works.
Send Governor Inslee a Message
Looking forward:
In tandem to the Stakeholder process, a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) focused on recovering the salmon runs on the Snake and Columbia Rivers will be released at the end of February. One of the purposes of the Stakeholder process was to obtain information that would help inform Governor Inslee in responding to the DEIS. We anticipate that one of the options that will be considered is removing the four lower Snake River dams.
When the DEIS is released there will be a 45 day public comment period with 4-6 public hearings across the Northwest and likely two hearings here in Washington State. Stay tuned for more information about commenting on this DEIS and to attend the public hearing closest to you.