** A bold vision to save the Northwest's salmon
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Tuesday, February 9, 2021
The populations of salmon that migrate from the Pacific to Idaho each year have been rapidly decreasing. A new plan looks to change that | Idaho Fish and Game ([link removed])

An Idaho congressman has unveiled an energy and infrastructure proposal ([link removed]) that would end litigation over endangered salmon in the Northwest, authorizing the removal of four dams on the Snake River in Washington beginning in 2030. The ambitious $33 billion plan ([link removed]) serves as a new vision for the Northwest, providing the chance for a fresh start.

For decades, the region has been caught up in endless litigation and soaring costs in attempts to save salmon in the Snake and Columbia rivers. Scientists and conservationists have for years pointed to the dams on the Snake River as a key impediment to saving the salmon from extinction: the dams prevent salmon migrating to their usual spawning grounds, shutting down the region's aquatic connectivity. However, the dams are also centerpieces of the region's energy, agriculture, and transportation economy. At its heart, the new plan seeks tofind ways to replace the dams' numerous benefits ([link removed]) through community investments.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a conservative with conservation tendencies, says that he recognizes the plan isn't a finished product. Instead, it's an overall concept ([link removed]) meant to jumpstart a conversation about re-envisioning the Northwest. He envisions ([link removed]) sustainable salmon runs, clean energy to replace the lost electricity, tourism and recreation, tribal co-management of species, transportation to serve the booming agricultural center, and investments in the region's many vibrant communities.

The plan was released only after discussion with over 300 groups ([link removed]) on what communities would need if the dams came out, in addition to extensive work with wide-ranging stakeholders. Power utilities, businesses, farmers, and conservationists have all expressed interest in the plan, excited by new opportunity and the potential for legal certainty; in exchange for breaching the dams and increased funding for state and tribal co-managed salmon restoration, environmentalists would be banned from litigating over the four Columbia River dams for 35 years.

A new Conservation in the West poll ([link removed]) released by Colorado College's State of the Rockies Project shows that the proposal is likely to be popular in Idaho: 89 percent of Idahoans support improving migration of salmon in Idaho rivers so that there are abundant populations.
Quick hits


** Survey finds Western voters are concerned about conservation
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U.S. News & World Report ([link removed])


** Migratory bird protection fight takes off, again
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Biden faces calls to shut down Dakota Access pipeline
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Coal-fired power took a beating during the pandemic; meanwhile, Wyoming's wind energy capacity almost doubled in 2020
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New York Times [Coal] ([link removed]) | Billings Gazette [Wyoming wind] ([link removed])


** Early February brings deadliest week of avalanches in US since 1910, reminder of importance of safety
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Denver Channel ([link removed]) | Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** The future of the Bureau of Land Management: near public lands in Grand Junction, or near national leaders in DC?
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** Opinion: It's time to implement history's most ambitious conservation agenda
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Daily Sentinel ([link removed])


** Editorial: At long last, a workable plan to remove Lower Snake River dams and save Idaho’s salmon
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Idaho Statesman ([link removed])
Quote of the day
I want to be clear that I’m not certain removing these dams will restore Idaho salmon and prevent their extinction. But I am certain if we do not take this course of action, we are condemning Idaho salmon to extinction.”

—Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, on his bold proposal to re-envision the Northwest, Associated Press ([link removed])
Picture this


** @I ([link removed]) nterior ([link removed])
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The Cadiz Dunes #Wilderness ([link removed]) in #California ([link removed]) is located in a remote corner of the Mojave Desert. The area is accessible year-round, but summer temperatures can soar to 120°F. So if you're planning to visit, winter and spring are your best bets. Pic by Bob Wick,
@BLMNational ([link removed])

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