Take Action for Fish Passage

Photo credit: David Moskowitz


PacifiCorp (a Berkshire-Hathaway subsidiary) has promised the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Yakama Nation, and the State of Washington that the company will improve three dams on the Lewis River to let salmon reach their spawning areas.

In 2004, PacifiCorp promised to complete most of the dam improvements needed for full fish passage throughout the watershed by 2021. Then, the target date slipped to 2026. Now, PacifiCorp has requested an extension until 2029.   

Scientists agree that re-connecting salmon with existing, high-quality spawning habitat is the best way to recover the Lewis River salmon. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Full fish passage . . . is key to recovery for Lewis River anadromous populations of spring Chinook, winter steelhead, coho and bull trout.”

What is the reason for the latest extension request? NOAA Fisheries (the federal agency in charge of protecting endangered salmon) has said that it’s not prioritizing review of the Lewis River fish passage issue.   

Can you send a message to Jennifer Quan, Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, and tell her to hold PacifiCorp accountable and prioritize completion of fish passage in the Lewis River?

Dear Regional Administrator Quan,

It is long past time for PacifiCorp to make good on its promises to build adequate fish passage at all three Lewis River dams. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Full fish passage . . . is key to recovery for Lewis River anadromous populations of spring Chinook, winter steelhead, coho and bull trout.”

NOAA Fisheries’ longrunning unwillingness to enforce the Endangered Species Act—and PacifiCorp’s financial incentive to continue avoiding building fish passage—have led to significant and ongoing delays. 

NOAA Fisheries should immediately re-prioritize overseeing PacifiCorp’s design and construction of fish passage facilities at Lewis River dams. Salmon and other fish in the Lewis River are an important resource for people and Tribal Nations; they need your help to recover!  

Sincerely,