A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Bush administration to reconsider the effect four dams have on dwindling runs of salmon in the Columbia River.

In a suit brought by environmental groups, U.S. District Judge James Redden said the administration failed to take into account the impact of the dams. The Bush plan, issued last December, said removal of the dams was not an option.

Tribes and environmentalists blame the dams for hurting the fish and want them removed. Redden's decision noted that tribes are entitled to "up to 50% of the harvestable surplus of fish that pass through the tribes' usual and accustomed fishing grounds."

Get the Story:
Judge says Bush salmon plan ignores impact of dams (The Seattle Times 5/27)
Government Shirked Its Duty to Wild Fish, a Judge Rules (The New York Times 5/27)
pwnyt
U.S. judge throws out Columbia dams plan (AP 5/27)

Relevant Documents:
Judge's Decision | Earthjustice Press Release

Bush Adminstration Salmon Plan Documents:
Biological Opinion | Final Updated Proposed Action | Letter to the Region

Relevant Links:
Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - http://www.critfc.org
NOAA Fisheries - http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Related Stories:
Columbia River tribes forced to shut down fishery (05/11)
Mark Trahant: Few salmon left for tribal ceremonies (04/25)
Tribe seeks higher standard on Columbia River (04/21)
Yakama Nation agrees to dam conservation plans (03/31)
Report backs tribe in Columbia River pollution claim (03/08)
Bush administration to reduce protections for salmon (12/01)
Warm Springs Tribes criticize shift on dam breaching (09/10)
Federal agencies change minds on removal of dams (09/01)
Nez Perce Tribe calls for protection of salmon (08/13)
Judge sides with tribes on proposed water spill (07/29)