(From an email from Debra Ellers) The parties to the long-running salmon lawsuit over the dams’ operations reached an agreement to stay the litigation, and work on a variety of measures to improve salmon runs in the Columbia/Snake watershed.  The 4 Tribes involved in the case (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) will be getting many millions of dollars for hatcheries, habitat improvements, and developing renewable energy. 

Studies to replace the LSRDs’ “benefits” are planned, but there’s no firm commitment or agreement by the government to breach the LSRDs.  The MOU documenting the agreement speaks in terms of a possible breach in 8-10 years.

Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times had a good article, saying the feds punted on Snake River Dam breaching.  https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/biden-administration-promises-1-billion-more-for-salmon-clean-energy-but-punts-on-lower-snake-river-dam-removal-in-major-agreement/.  Lynda includes a number of quotes from Nez Perce Tribe Chair Wheeler about his dislike of the agreement that put the Tribes and salmon last.

Shannon Wheeler, Chair of the Nez Perce Tribe, says essentially that this agreement was forced on the tribes, and says it is a gamble but the best the tribes could do. Some dam supporters believe that the agreement may put breaching off the table forever. 

Orca and salmon advocates are refusing to accept more decades of delay, and are planning a letter-writing campaign to Biden and other officials to start off the new year.  I also understand that a rally supporting “Breach Now” is being planned for Olympia in early Mar.  I will send further details as I get them.