John,

Across the state, salmon are on the brink of extinction. Some Puget Sound salmon species are below 10% of historic abundance. In the Columbia River some populations are at 2% of historical numbers. 

To avoid extinction, bold action is needed now.  

Governor Inslee is proposing habitat legislation named after longtime champion for salmon, Lorraine Loomis (Swinomish Tribe, and Chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission). The Lorraine Loomis Act for Salmon Recovery (House Bill 1838) requires properly functioning riparian management zones around rivers and streams, including healthy vegetation to maintain cool waters. The Act centers salmon recovery in future land use planning with important financial assistance, monitoring, and accountability to address the urgency of the salmon crisis. 

The first hearing on the Lorraine Loomis Act for Salmon Recovery (HB 1838) is Jan. 19 at 10am. We need members of the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources to hear from you. To have your support in the legislative record, provide your info and select your support as “pro” here.

The Lorraine Loomis Act for Salmon Recovery is a top legislative priority for Tribes and Environmental Priorities Coalition. We need your help in supporting Tribes’ calls  for these necessary steps to restore abundant salmon for future generations. The Act must: 

• Require that rivers and streams are surrounded by tall trees and vegetation zones  wide enough to keep waters cool. Healthy riparian zones provide food for salmon, to reduce pollution from stormwater, and protect downstream communities from floods. 

• Establish the Riparian Habitat Conservation Grant Program to cover 70-90% of project costs needed to protect, maintain, and restore riparian management zones. 

• Provide oversight and accountability, monitor habitat conditions, and adapt the program over time.  Monitoring is critical to long-term success. 

With salmon on the verge of extinction, we need to capture this moment and do everything in our power to turn the tide. With your help we can do this! 

This is the moment to show up for salmon recovery and honor Chair Lorraine Loomis’ legacy. To have your support in the legislative record, provide your info and select your support as “pro” here. 

As Lorraine Loomis said: “We are working to make certain there will be salmon for the next seven generations.” 

Our future must include salmon in Washington. Thank you for all you do and for supporting this important legislation. 

Rein Attemann 
Puget Sound Campaign Manager