Hearing on Columbia River Dams

Woody Island in the Columbia River estuary, near the beginning of the salmons' homeward journey. Photo by John Bauer.

On Monday, January 9, federal agencies will hold a meeting in Astoria to take feedback on their process for addressing salmon survival despite the impact of dams on the Columbia River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are seeking public input to develop a new plan to save endangered wild salmon in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. With overly warm water and dam operations continuing to threaten salmon survival, the hearing is an opportunity to voice concern about salmon and/or advocate for dam removal.

Conservation groups including Save the Wild Salmon, Columbia Riverkeeper and others, plan to gather at 3 p.m. at Suomi Hall, Home to the Finnish Brotherhood, Astoria Lodge #201, 244 W. Marine Dr. in Astoria.  There will be a few speakers, some discussion of strategy, and a happy hour.  This will be a chance to gain information and talking points in advance of the hearing.  Then at 4 p.m., the group will walk one block to the federal meeting at the Red Loft Building (20 Basin St.).  You can, of course, just show up at the hearing at 4.

In case you're wondering, you've heard about this hearing before and seen it listed here. It has been re-scheduled twice due to inclement weather. The federal meeting does not allow for people to make public comments in front of the entire group. Nevertheless, you will have an opportunity to convey your comments to the feds, and demonstrate solidarity with other conservationists.