Hydropower

Salmon Need Safe Passage

The future of salmon and steelhead in the mid-Columbia region is dependent on safe passage through the Columbia River. Fish must pass up to four major dams on their way to and from the ocean. For that reason, it is important that partners in the mid-Columbia engage with federal partners on management of the Columbia River hydropower system.

Additionally, the Yakima River basin is home to many dams that store and divert irrigation water, and in some cases generate electricity. These are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Yakima Project, and a major focus of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan is ensuring full fish passage and fish-friendly flows and infrastructure conditions at these dams. This work is critical to the survival of salmon and steelhead in the Yakima River basin.