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JULY 20, 2000

The Clinton administration has put the breaching of the Snake River dams on the Columbia River on hold.

"Dam breaching is one step among many that holds promise for recovering Snake River runs," said George Frampton, chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality. "But it is also clear that breaching the Snake River dams may not be essential...and probably would not be sufficient. And it would do nothing for the other listed stocks on the main stem of the Columbia."

Senator Slade Gorton (R-Wash) has opposed breaching the dams all along. He cited lack of scientific evidence to prove salmon would benefit from breaching.

On the other hand, tribes in the region believe breaching would benefit declining salmon runs. Donald Sampson, executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, said the government should develop a breaching plan whether or not proof exists for the benefit.

The adminstration said it would be at least eight years, if at all, before breaching would be considered again.

Related Stories:
Racial tensions build over dams (The Talking Circle 04/14)
Treaty rights heat up (Tribal Law 04/14)

Relevant Links:
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - Representing the Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce.