Three generations ago, when the Columbia River and its many tributaries ran free to the sea and fish and wildlife were plentiful, the people of our region were presented an unmatched opportunity. To the credit of their vision, skill and courage, they harnessed this mighty river system into a seemingly boundless supply of low-cost electricity. Thanks to their foresight, we have all benefited immensely.
But this achievement, like all great achievements, had a price. The development of the Columbia River System’s hydroelectric projects dramatically changed the natural fish and wildlife habitat, especially that of the prized Pacific salmon and steelhead. The fish runs were nearly destroyed, and it falls to this generation to rebuild the natural resources that flourished before we came.
The 1982 Fish and Wildlife Program
