Success of removing WA’s Condit Dam shows Snake River dams should go, too

Jeremy Takala and Brett VandenHeuvel
·2 min read

This fall marks the tenth anniversary of Condit Dam removal, and the liberation of the White Salmon River in south-central Washington. The resurgence of salmon and steelhead in the White Salmon also highlights the importance of removing Lower Snake River dams, as Northwest leaders are currently contemplating.

After Condit Dam was removed, salmon returned and the river came back to life. Biologists from the Yakama Nation’s Fisheries program have observed adult salmon and steelhead in the White Salmon River above the former dam site. This is what the Creator intended: For our sacred salmon to spawn and rear throughout the clear, cold waters of the White Salmon, and replenish the watershed with their life-giving nutrients.

Recovery is also possible for Snake River salmon and steelhead—if we remove the four dams currently pushing these fish to extinction. In the ten years since Condit Dam removal, we have witnessed salmon and steelhead recolonizing long dormant mainstem reach and tributaries. Similar recovery is possible in the Snake, if we give these fish a chance.

Fortunately, Washington leaders are finally getting the message: Salmon are important to the Northwest. Senator Patty Murray and Washington Governor Jay Inslee recently committed to determining whether there are reasonable means to replace the benefits of the Snake River dams by July 2022. Almost simultaneously, the Biden Administration paused a long-simmer lawsuit to “develop and begin implementing a long-term comprehensive solution” for the Lower Snake River within the same timeframe. This is a welcome step, but only a down payment to start financing the bigger picture for a comprehensive solution — that includes removing dams.

But a plan alone is nothing. We need action, while fish remain in the Snake River and while powerful Northwest legislators remain in the majority. We need a comprehensive solution to breach the dams — to restore abundance and prosperity to salmon, orcas, tribes, and communities.

Let the anniversary of Condit Dam removal remind us what is possible. Save the salmon, and take down the Lower Snake River dams.

Jeremy Takala, Indian name Pax’una’shut, is a Tribal Councilman of the Yakama Nation and is from the Kahmiltpah Band (Rock Creek) of the Columbia River area. He currently serves on the Fish and Wildlife Committee, Legislative Committee, Law and Order Committee, and the Veterans Committee for the Yakama Nation Tribal Council. Brett VandenHeuvel is the Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper.