That effort has generated significant momentum against the dams, which were built in the 1960s and 1970s. For the last five years, the Army Corps of Engineers has been evaluating them for a recommendation to Congress later this year. Several Northwest politicians are adamantly opposed to dam removal - but other members will likely be influenced by the tenor and turnout at the series of public hearings being held around the Northwest this month and next. No federal-level politicians are expected to show up, but several are sending staff members to submit testimony. Sign-ups to speak start at noon, with an overview of Snake River fish issues at 1 p.m. Federal officials will answer questions until 3 p.m., when public comment starts.
Speakers have three minutes each.
Officials also are taking comments about their comprehensive fish recovery plan known as the All-H paper and the John Day drawdown recommendation. Environmentalists dropped plans for their own press conference before the hearing, citing logistical problems. But they won't be silent. Let's rebuild this Mother Earth.