Wild Salmon & Steelhead News is published monthly by the Save Our wild Salmon Coalition. Read on to learn about the Columbia-Snake River Basin’s endangered wild salmon and steelhead, the many benefits they deliver to people and ecosystems, and the extinction crisis they face today - unless we act! Find out how SOS is helping lead efforts to restore health, connectivity, and resilience to the rivers and streams these fish depend upon in the Columbia-Snake Basin and how you can get involved to help restore healthy, abundant, and harvestable populations and sustain more just and prosperous communities. To learn more and/or get involved, contact Martha Campos.
1. Under strong pressure, BPA extends its energy market decision timeline.
2. Take action for Columbia Basin salmon recovery today!
3. Hot Water Report 2024: Snake River salmon and steelhead are in hot water - and toxic algal blooms.
4. Salmon get left behind in Columbia River Treaty Announcement.
5. Meet the student leaders of the NextGen Salmon Collective!
6. Join the SOS Team – We're hiring an Inland Northwest Grassroots Organizer!
7. Northwest Artist Against Extinction, Kat Martin on 'The Last Salmon'.
8. Honoring Rich Steele, protector of the Columbia's Hanford Reach.
9. Salmon media round-up.
1. Under strong pressure, BPA extends its energy market decision timeline.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced in late August that it has decided to extend its decision-making timeline about joining a larger regional energy market from Fall 2024 (very soon!) to Spring 2025 (6-8 months from now). While big questions and concerns remain among policymakers and stakeholders – including SOS – this is the right call now by BPA.
Here's the backstory: BPA is part of the U.S. Department of Energy. One of several power marketing agencies nationally, it manages and sells the power produced by the federal dams on the Columbia Basin. BPA has recently been exploring joining or participating in a larger regional energy market. This is a very important decision, with big long-term implications for the Pacific Northwest. A single, unified energy market in the West is essential for unlocking clean energy resource potential, enabling efficient use of infrastructure, and maintaining a reliable and affordable energy system. It will also affect our region’s progress – or not – to tackle climate change and restore salmon abundance in the Columbia and Snake rivers. It’s critically important that BPA make a carefully considered decision that can best meet the near-term and long-term needs of everyone in the region. To the frustration and concern of many this year, BPA has been signaling an imminent decision that policymakers and regional stakeholders feel is premature given the lack of key information, and the uncertainties and still-emerging details of the two energy markets being considered.
BPA has been exploring two options. The Southwest Power Pool based in Little Rock, AR; it’s developing Markets+. Another option - the Pathways Initiative - is centered in California. You can learn more about these market options here: NW Energy Coalition Blog: Pathways Initiative addresses the key challenge to a West-wide electricity market, and here with this Guest opinion in Utility Dive: A single, unified Western power market will deliver affordability, reliability and climate benefits.
Save Our wild Salmon has been participating in this important regional conversation with many of our coalition partners and other NGOs. We’ve joined sign-on letters like this one – raising big concerns and encouraging BPA to slow down their process, increase transparency, and ensure we have the analyses and information we need about these still evolving markets.
We also organized a highly visible print/digital ad campaign that ran in the Seattle Times in mid-August that reached millions of people and policymakers in the Northwest and Washington D.C. The project highlighted this important decision and called on BPA to slow down, show its work, and make a wise decision for everyone in the region.
You can see our full-page, full-color ad here that ran in the Times on August 18. For more information on this project and issue, visit our landing page developed as part of this timely communications project.
While BPA’s decision to extend its timeline is welcome, SOS and many others still have big concerns. We’re especially appreciative to Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for their close scrutiny of BPA and this important decision. We hope that they and other policymakers will stay vigilant and engaged in the months ahead. That is our plan, and we’ll keep you posted on developments and ways you can help.
2. Take action for Columbia Basin salmon recovery today!
In December 2023, the four lower Columbia River Treaty Tribes, the states of Washington and Oregon, nonprofit plaintiffs, and the Biden Administration reached an historic agreement to enter a long term stay of litigation over the operations of dams in the Columbia River Basin, implementing a set of federal commitments to restore salmon and other native fish populations and begin to honor Tribal treaty and trust obligations. A critical component of this agreement is a $300 million commitment over ten years from the BPA for fish restoration projects, which BPA agreed to as a legal party to the Columbia Basin Agreement.
Unfortunately, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 includes a poison pill policy rider (Sec. 513) that would drastically limit BPA funding for salmon restoration efforts. This harmful language is especially unacceptable considering the Department of the Interior’s recent Tribal Circumstances Analysis that acknowledges the U.S. Government’s moral and legal responsibility to address the historic and ongoing devastating impacts to Tribes due to BPA and the Federal Government’s management of the Columbia River Basin.
Thanks to our collective advocacy activities, the Senate recently passed its 'Energy & Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY25' without any anti-salmon rider language and with funding increases for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation programs that benefit salmon and steelhead populations. Now, we need your support to urge your members of Congress to oppose any anti-salmon riders or similar language in the House bill.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho Residents: Thank Senator Murray for her leadership (Washington residents only) and urge your Members of Congress to oppose the poison pill policy rider in the House and any similar language that would undermine BPA's commitments to salmon restoration. (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho residents).
Thank you for speaking up on behalf of imperiled Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead, and the many communities that cherish and depend upon them.
3. Hot Water Report 2024: Snake River salmon and steelhead are in hot water - and toxic algal blooms.
In June, Save Our wild Salmon and allied NGO partners kicked off our 9th annual weekly series of the Hot Water Report. The Hot Water Report tracks water temperatures in real-time through the summer in the lower Snake and lower Columbia river reservoirs and elevates the consequences of the harmful impacts of high water temperatures and a changing climate on already-endangered coldwater fish.
The once-abundant anadromous fish populations in the Columbia-Snake River Basin are struggling to survive today primarily due to multiple harms caused by the federal dams and their reservoirs. The four lower Snake River dams create harmful conditions for both juvenile and adult fish by causing elevated water temperatures in their large, stagnant reservoirs during the summer months. These cold-water fish begin to suffer harmful effects when water temperatures exceed 68° Fahrenheit.
Snake River salmon and steelhead today are migrating through dangerously hot water. The lower Columbia and Snake River reservoirs have experienced temperatures above 68°F for over 50 days (as of August 28), and many of the reservoirs have registered high temperatures between 70 - 72°F — a range that causes significant harm to salmon and steelhead. They suffer from diminished dissolved oxygen levels; increased susceptibility to parasites, predators, and disease; altered growth and development rates for juvenile salmon; energy depletion, and migration disruptions. Varying by species, salmon and steelhead may stop or slow their migration when temperatures rise over 72°F. They can languish for days or weeks in warm water and begin die from thermal stress and disease.
As the summer has progressed, conditions in the lower Snake have worsened. The warm slackwater in these reservoirs that harm salmon and steelhead are also now supporting a new problem for the river and its fish - as well as local residents and their pets. In mid-August, Whitman County Public Health confirmed reports that toxic algal blooms have re-emerged on the lower Snake River. These algal blooms tested positive for microcystins, which is a liver toxin harmful to people and the river ecosystem and aquatic life. It can also be lethal to dogs. The lower Snake River's reservoirs are now a breeding ground for toxic algal blooms, adding this threat to endangered native fish and nearby communities. Read more about the toxic algal blooms on the lower Snake River here.
The science remains crystal clear: wild salmon and steelhead will continue their decline toward extinction unless we restore the lower Snake by removing its dams and replacing their services. Restoring a freely flowing river is essential to provide cold, clean, healthy waters for salmon, steelhead and other native fish, uphold our nation's promises to Northwest Tribes, help feed critically endangered Southern Resident orcas, and much more.
Stay tuned each week for a new Hot Water Report and view previous Hot Water Report issues at wildsalmon.org/HWR. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X to share our Hot Water Report social media posts.
The Hot Water Report is a project of the Save Our wild Salmon Coalition, Association of Northwest Steelheaders, Columbia Riverkeeper, Earthjustice, Endangered Species Coalition, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Rivers United, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, Orca Network, Sierra Club, Snake River Waterkeeper, and Wild Steelhead Coalition.
Recent coverage:
- NWPB: Toxic algal bloom found on the Snake River for second year in a row (August 16, 2024)
4. Salmon get left behind in Columbia River Treaty Announcement.
On July 11, after years of negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, the United States and Canada announced an “Agreement-in-Principle.” The long-awaited announcement was met with disappointment and frustration by Save Our wild Salmon and allied civic, faith, clean energy, and conservation organizations across the Northwest.
The Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) continues to narrowly prioritize hydropower production and flood risk management at the expense of imperiled native fish and the river’s ecosystem. The AIP delivers clear benefits and certainty to these economic interests while leaving critical, unresolved questions regarding the health of the river, and - by effectively locking in an inadequate status quo - perpetuates uncertainty and risk for salmon and steelhead populations facing extinction today.
For over a decade, SOS and NGO partners in the U.S. NGO Columbia River Treaty Caucus have stood in solidarity with Columbia Basin Tribes and called on the U.S. and Canada to add ‘Ecosystem Function’ as a new, third Treaty purpose and include a formal Tribal role in Treaty implementation commensurate with their status as both co-managers and sovereign nations. A final, fully detailed Columbia River Treaty is expected in late 2024 or in 2025. During this time, we will continue our advocacy for a truly modernized Treaty that reflects today's knowledge, societal values and responsibilities - as well as challenges and opportunities. An updated Treaty must prioritize the health of the river and salmon recovery alongside power production and flood control, and provide for improved, more holistic and inclusive governance to guide Treaty implementation moving forward.
Now that the confidential negotiations are largely concluded, we expect – and are actively calling for – far greater transparency and public involvement as well. Public review and opportunities for providing feedback must be held before the Treaty language is finalized. SOS will reach out in the coming weeks and months to ask for your help and highlight opportunities for you to speak up for the health of the river, salmon recovery, and upholding our nation's promises to Northwest Tribes. Thank you and stay tuned!
Visit SOS' Blog page for more information on the Columbia River Treaty Agreement-in-Principle.
Recent media coverage:
- Seattle Times: U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River Treaty (July 11, 2024)
- OPB: US would keep more hydropower under agreement with Canada on treaty governing Columbia River (July 11, 2024)
- Idaho Statesman: Northwest U.S., Canada reach vital Columbia River pact. Some worry it’s not enough to protect salmon (July 11, 2024)
5. Meet the student leaders of the NextGen Salmon Collective!
Owen Begley-Collier, Taigen Soethe, and Isabella Williams (a few of the NextGen Salmon Collective leaders) with Joseph Bogaard (SOS executive director) at the June Orca Month Rally in Seattle, WA.NextGen Salmon Collective is a bright community of student leaders who are committed to advancing conservation and durable conservation and community solutions in the Columbia-Snake River Basin. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections, provide educational resources, facilitate mentorship, and provide logistical support for youth-led initiatives.
Throughout this summer, these young advocates have been learning about Columbia Basin salmon and our region's clean energy transition. They've been writing letters-to-the-editor, developing their personal testimony, meeting with policymakers, and learning about grassroots advocacy strategy and tactics. This energized crew is speaking directly with their elected representatives and with folks across the Northwest about the value of recovering salmon and their rivers – at farmer’s markets, public rallies, businesses, film screenings, and on the banks of the Snake River!
Click here to learn more about the diverse interests and backgrounds of this impressive group of students. In a world too often filled with negativity, these emerging and inspiring leaders can provide us all with an abundance of hope for our future.
Want to get involved? Contact Abby Dalke at abby@wildsalmon.org.
6. Join the SOS Team – We're hiring an Inland Northwest Grassroots Organizer!
The Inland Northwest Grassroots Organizer will work as part of the SOS team to build awareness and visible public support for the Columbia-Snake River Campaign priorities by engaging diverse constituencies and communities in the Inland Northwest, including conservationists, commercial and recreational fishing people, Tribal allies, businesses, community leaders, and others. Responsibilities will include public education and organizing, recruiting and supporting new partners and volunteer leaders, delivering presentations, coordinating events, and engaging volunteers in grassroots organizing activities.
Salary $45,000-$55,000. Benefits: Generous time off including 15 days vacation, 12 days sick leave, and 12 paid holidays per year plus a paid office closure between Dec 26-Dec 31; eligibility for a 4-week paid sabbatical after five years of service; and employer-paid medical and vision insurance. Location: Spokane preferred; hybrid office/remote. Remote option in Central/Eastern WA may be possible. Apply by September 9.
View the full job description and apply today!
7. Northwest Artist Against Extinction, Kat Martin on 'The Last Salmon'.
By Britt Freda, Creative Director of Northwest Artist Against Extinction
The Last Salmon (detail) © Kat Martin. Click here to view the full artwork.
I had a chance to connect with Kat Martin, winner of the SOS/NWAAE 2024 Poster Competition in the category of Advocacy and Collective Action (artwork above).
Britt Freda: First of all, Kat, congratulations on this piece, The Last Salmon. Not only are you a first-place winner for the NWAAE / SOS poster competition, when I last visited your Instagram @Killerwhaleartist, it looks like lots of people (about 2,400) are seeing it and loving it! We recently printed SOS / NWAAE posters to help get out the vote that features this arresting artwork. When people learn all of the surviving Southern Residents are represented in this one image, we’ve heard how deeply moved they are, and how sad they are to sit with that information. First, will you expand on what emotions you hope to evoke in people when they see this piece. And secondly, will you talk a little bit about why it is important to you to call forward that emotion?
Kat Martin: When people look at the art piece I have created, I want them to be shocked. When we talk about there being just 73 whales, that can seem like a lot of animals to some people. But if you can get them to see the bigger picture, it will hopefully make them stop to think about the severity of the matter. Words can only go so far, but having an actual visual display for people to look at will really get them to see how few whales are really left. I sometimes look at my own piece and think to myself “wow, am I sure there are 73 whales in this piece? This doesn’t look like a lot,” and every time it shocks me when I do the counting. If I can get people to connect to these whales and understand their dire situation, I believe people will be compelled to take action. We are in a time when the whales need our help the most. They need soldiers on the frontline to help. They need votes and urgent action that will help protect their future in the long run.
BF: You recently created a full-body version of this piece that we’re using on newly released sweatshirts and t-shirts, which people can purchase on the NWAAE / SOS storefront on Bonfire. It is an honor for us to have the opportunity to use your artwork in our advocacy work to fight the extinction of salmon and orcas. Wearing your artwork inspires conversations; conversations can inspire action. What would you most like people to know about the Southern Residents or what do you hope people will be inspired to do?
KM: At the end of the day, it is my hope that people choose to fight for these whales, no matter where they are from. Whether they are on the other side of the United States or somewhere in Europe. The more voices we have for these whales, the better. As I often love to quote from Alexandra Morton, “if we lose the Southern Residents orcas, it will be the first extinction where every individual’s name was known”. That is not a future I want to ever see. It sounds a lot like a broken record, but please vote, vote, vote! Our policies can pave the way for a brighter future, but only if we - and our friends and families and networks - all step up to the plate. The time for action is now! In addition to voting, you can also write, call, protest, speak - there are lots of ways to make our voices heard.
Read the full interview at nwaae.org
8. Honoring Rich Steele, protector of the Columbia's Hanford Reach.
Save Our wild Salmon Coalition was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Rich Steele, who fought tirelessly to protect Columbia Basin salmon and a free-flowing river in the Columbia River's Hanford Reach in south-central Washington State. Our deepest condolences go out to Rich Steele’s family and friends.
From Rich Steele’s obituary:
The 51-mile-long Hanford Reach is the last free-flowing, non-tidally influenced stretch of the Columbia River in the United States. For six decades, Rich fought to protect and preserve the Hanford Reach. In 1967, Rich, along with Jack deYonge and Lowell Johnson, founded the Columbia River Conservation League (CRCL), coordinating the successful local opposition to the Ben Franklin Dam and partnering with many groups to block a dredging proposal for the Reach. Over the years, he escorted numerous dignitaries and journalists on V.I.P. tours up the Columbia, often at his own expense, including Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Vice President Al Gore, Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbit, Governors Gary Locke and Mike Lowry, State Representative (now Governor) Jay Inslee, and author Timothy Egan.
While constantly battling various agricultural groups and numerous attempts to dam or dredge the Reach, Rich was persistent in his advocacy to ensure that the Hanford Reach and its surrounding areas would be protected for generations to come. It was Rich's foresight and vision that the north slope must be included in the monument's boundary for the purpose of protecting the pristine white bluffs from collapse. Without this protection, the precious cobblestone needed for salmon and steelhead spawning would be lost. In 1995, Rich received the Citizen Environmental Hero Award from the Washington Environmental Council for his work of sustained and effective action to preserve the Reach and the environment of Washington State. After decades of organizing and legislative battles, and with Senator Murray's valuable support, President Bill Clinton signed an Executive Order in 2000 proclaiming the Hanford Reach and adjacent lands a National Monument. This designation has protected the treasured white bluffs, numerous rare Indigenous species, sagebrush habitat, and wild salmon and steelhead spawning grounds.
Rich was incredibly kind, generous, humble, and funny. He was an exquisite conversationalist and storyteller that connected and touched everyone he met. An innate curiosity and desire to learn led Rich to never pass up an opportunity to better himself.
We’re inspired by and grateful for Rich’s dedication and commitment to protect this free-flowing stretch of river and its salmon despite numerous obstacles and threats. His advocacy encourages us to continue our work together to protect and restore the lands, waters, and air that sustain us and all life. We hope you can visit the Hanford Reach - with Rich in mind and heart - and celebrate this life-giving river that Rich and so many community members fought so hard - and successfully - to protect.
Here are a couple of recent stories about the urgency and opportunity today for salmon recovery and river restoration:
News Coverage:
- High Country News: Nez Perce energy transition to save salmon (July 1, 2024)
- Seattle Times: U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River Treaty (July 11, 2024)
- OPB: US would keep more hydropower under agreement with Canada on treaty governing Columbia River (July 11, 2024)
- Portland Business Journal: OR, WA senators question Bonneville Power Administration on 'monumental' decision (July 25, 2024)
- High Country News: When the dams come down, what happens to barge traffic? (July 29, 2024)
- NWPB: Toxic algal bloom found on the Snake River for second year in a row (August 16, 2024)
- New York Times: With dams removed, salmon will have the run of a Western River (August 27, 2024)
Letters to the Editor:
- Spokesman Review LTE: Snake River dams by Marin Plut NextGen Salmon Collective leader (July 11, 2024)
- Seattle Times LTE: Salmon survival: Heat waves and dams by Marin Plut, NextGen Salmon Collective leader (July 19, 2024)
