SEATTLE — A new draft report from a Governor Jay Inslee-convened task force opens the door to collaborative, wide-ranging discussions about the future of salmon and wildlife in the lower Snake River, economic development throughout the region, and clean and affordable energy for Washingtonians. The National Wildlife Federation encourages the public to engage with the governor’s office and participate in the ongoing stakeholder process, including a related online survey.

“Gov. Inslee has taken a much-needed step, allowing us to take an honest look at how we’ve managed the Snake River and the true cost of declining salmon runs to our regional communities, upriver, downriver and on the coast,” said Tom France, Regional Executive Director of National Wildlife Federation. “This report offers Washingtonians an opportunity to show how we can maintain affordable clean energy, recover salmon and other wildlife, promote prosperity throughout the lower Snake River Basin, and restore our river ecosystems.”