Gov. Inslee issues executive order to restore salmon runs

In his final days in office Gov. Inslee directed all relevant state agencies in Washington to continue to support efforts to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest.

In some areas, salmon populations have declined by over 90% when compared to historical values. Factors such as water pollution from brakes and tires, climate change and most prominently barriers impeding salmon’s ability to make it upstream to their spawning grounds have all played a role in their decline.

In office, Gov. Inslee has taken several actions to address this issue, including helping to develop a 2022 report which evaluated the impact that four problematic dams along the Lower Snake River have on salmon. Consequent recommendations from his office outlined that dam removal in these areas be evaluated.

His recent executive order outlines many things including that state agencies continue to work with the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office and continue to support federal and regional partners with salmon restoration measures outlined in the 2023 Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, which includes further evaluation of removing the dams along the Lower Snake.

This executive order solidifies Washington’s investment in restoring salmon numbers as well as it’s commitment to Northwest Tribes, the federal government and Oregon in tackling this problem together.

You can read more on Gov. Inslee’s executive order here.