Remove the Dams, Reel in the Profit

November 3, 2020

Remove the Dams, Reel in the Profit

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities in the U.S., and a significant source of economic value. In Oregon, recreational angling supports over 12,000 jobs. generates $841 million in retail sales, and provides an economic output of over $1.4 billion. Unfortunately, the populations that support this vibrant economy are at risk of extinction. Salmon recovery isn't just about protecting our fish, it's about protecting our ability to fish in these waters.

November 19, 2020

When Forests Burn, Do Salmon Suffer?

For millions of years, fires have served as a source of natural regeneration in western U.S. forests. The fires salmon experienced before the widespread settlement of the west, however, were very different from the increasingly common catastrophic megafires they face today. Fueled by a century of fire suppression and drought, the wildfires that raged through the west this year wreaked havoc on many communities. Salmon communities may be some of the quickest to bounce back.

November 25, 2020

America’s Conservation Enhancement Act Prioritizes Fisheries Conservation and Community Involvement

Just before the election, Congress came together to enact a landmark piece of environmental legislation. With overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle, the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE) passed, ensuring hundreds of millions of dollars will be used for specific and actionable conservation goals in collaboration with key stakeholders in the years to come.

December 18, 2020

The Elwha: A Roadmap for River Restoration Across the Northwest Region

The Glines Canyon and Elwha dams on the Elwha River limited salmon and steelhead access to a mere 5 miles of spawning habitat–resulting in the imminent extinction of the awe-inspiring, hefty Elwha chinook. The decades-long fight to remove these dams provides a road map for other dam removals in the region, potentially even the lower Snake River dams.

January 15, 2021

VICTORY: Two-rod Endorsement Approved for Spring through Summer on Lower Willamette River

January 27, 2021

How to Fish Responsibly: 22 Tips for Minimizing Harm to Fish and their Habitats

Oregon’s North Coast steelhead returns were below “critical abundance” thresholds in 2018 and 2019, and though 2020 returns increased some, the long-term decline is concerning. The threshold is defined by ODFW as the point at which “the conservation of the population could be in jeopardy if the downward trend continues.” We must each do our part to ensure the protection of North Coast steelhead. Read our tips for responsible angling!

February 1, 2021

Fall 2020 Communications Intern Ben Kayser Reflects on his Experience with Northwest Steelheaders

My experience as the Digital Content and Communications Intern at Northwest Steelheaders was nothing short of transformative. This opportunity helped me translate in-class knowledge to real-world working experience. I developed critical skills that I’ll carry forward into my future work in marketing and organizational communications, including social media management and engagement, content creation, and more.

February 3, 2021

Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley Introduce Bill to Designate Over 4,700 River Miles as Wild and Scenic

Today, Senator Wyden (D-OR) introduced the River Democracy Act, an amendment to the The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Act to include an additional 4,700 river miles throughout Oregon. Congress originally passed the Act in 1968 to provide an additional level of protection for free-flowing rivers with remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, or historic values.