Lower Snake River Dams

This will be an evening presentation on May 18 at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm.

The event is free but donations are encouraged.  Presenters, Kyle Smith of American Rivers, and Shannon Wheeler, Vice Chair of the Nez Perce Tribe at Lapwai will be in person to discuss an update about the status of efforts to breach the Lower Snake River Dams and restore salmon runs, the history, the facts about dams, economics, and salmon and the Tribe’s efforts to solve the problem of declining salmon while dealing with economic and political implications.

Conversations around restoring the lower Snake River have been gaining momentum in recent months.  Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Washington Senator Patty Murray, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, the American Fisheries Society, and President Biden and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have all suggested that removing the lower four Snake River dams could be part of a comprehensive plan to save Snake River salmon and steelhead.

But the conversation is a controversial one, mired in misinformation and dueling science. Would breaching the dams ensure fish populations recover? How long would it take for the dams to be breached? What would happen to the industries and communities that rely on the energy, transportation, and irrigation services the dams provide?  What would dam removal mean for northeast Oregon?  Answers for all these questions and much more will be on the table for a conversation.

Live stream will available below for those unavailable to attend.