Upper Columbia River
Key Takeaways
The region needs additional funding for monitoring, data analysis, recovery plan implementation, and adaptive management.
Marine mammals, birds, and non-native predatory fish are eating more salmon, compromising salmon recovery.
Enhanced integration across harvest, hatchery, habitat, and hydropower will be important to achieve recovery objectives.
View Key Recovery Indicators
About the Region
The Snake River region encompasses Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and part of Whitman County. Life is hard for fish in this region. Altered floodplains and rivers cause warm, low flows in summer and high, fast winter flows. Marine mammals, invasive fish, and birds are eating salmon at alarming levels.
Fortunately, strong partnerships between local governments, residents, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Nez Perce Tribe have made a difference. Sediment and water temperatures have been reduced. Projects are reconnecting rivers with floodplains, reducing flood risks, and stabilizing summer water levels. Local communities and businesses are benefiting from the investments made for salmon recovery.
Salmon Recovery Stories
Enter “Salmon Stories” using the button below to explore story maps from tribes, salmon recovery groups, and agencies.
