Washington State’s recently-concluded Stakeholder Process is a first-of-its-kind conversation about the future of lower Snake River salmon and steelhead, Southern Resident orcas, and our communities. It brought together tribes, commercial and sport fishermen, farmers, river users, scientists, environmental advocates, and local communities to better understand each other’s perspectives and to identify the kinds of transitions that will be needed if we remove the four Lower Snake River dams. People of faith are stakeholders with a voice in this conversation!
Scientists have told us for many years that restoring the lower Snake River by removing its dams is essential in order to protect and rebuild its endangered salmon and steelhead populations, help feed starving orcas, and restore the benefits these iconic fish deliver to people and ecosystems across the Northwest. We also know that we need to protect the livelihoods of people who have come to depend on the current management of the four lower Snake River dams by creating modern, affordable alternatives for irrigation and transporting goods in the region’s farm economy.
In Fall 2019, Governor Inslee began an important project to interview regional stakeholders – tribes, commercial and sport fishermen, farmers, river users, scientists, environmental advocates, and local communities – to better understand people’s perspectives and to identify the kinds of transitions that will be needed if/when we remove the four lower Snake River dams.
While there are sometimes competing issues among these different constituencies, there are also shared values, including love of the Inland Northwest, respect for creation, and a desire for a better future for all people of the region. Faith leaders can play an important role in reconciling differences and creating a path forward that honors everyone’s needs while restoring the Creator’s great gift of salmon. We can encourage a constructive, collaborative tone while highlighting the great urgency for leadership and action to meet the region’s treaty obligations, help endangered salmon and orcas, and invest in the important community transitions that will be needed.
A draft report summarizing information from 75+ interviews with stakeholders and sovereigns and input from the public was released in mid-December 2019. Thank you to all who provided feedback through the online questionnaire! The final report is expected in early Spring 2020. Earth Ministry will keep you informed about ways to participate, and you can click here for more about our perspective on restoring the Lower Snake River salmon.