Thread by @NRDC

The industrialization of the Columbia Basin’s rivers has caused the system to lose its natural balance.

Now, governors of Oregon, Washington, Idaho & Montana have agreed to work together to restore Columbia River Basin salmon & steelhead.

Here's why it's time to #FreeTheSnake:

🌊 Healthy rivers support human health.

The cultural impacts for the Nimiipuu people of the lower Snake River dams are incalculable. Now facing COVID-19, the Nimiipuu have higher health risks because they no longer have adequate access to ancestral foods.

⌛️ The decline of salmon is not just hurting human health, it's pushing orcas toward extinction.

Due to a loss of their primary food supply, ~70% of orca pregnancies end in miscarriage today. Without salmon, their families and future are at risk too. on.nrdc.org/36vmPnF

🔥 We're running out of time.

As global temperatures rise, the water behind dams is increasingly becoming lethal to the fish fighting to migrate past them. on.nrdc.org/2UjFXiK

‼️ The federal government concluded that removing four dams on the lower Snake River would have the greatest benefit for salmon survival, but the Army Corps still refused to do so and offered an inadequate solution in its place. on.nrdc.org/3ddDgaR

With 13 Columbia Basin salmon populations nearing extinction, one of the most essential elements of our ecosystem could disappear forever.

Collaboration is needed NOW to advance solutions that restore abundant salmon runs to the Columbia River Basin. on.nrdc.org/3lFlqkR