Washington Governor Signs Executive Order to Restore Salmon Habitat in Columbia Basin

The executive order builds on the Federal government’s agreement with the states of Oregon and Washington and four regional tribes.

Governor Jay Inslee in Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 22, 2021. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed an executive order on Dec. 3 aimed at restoring salmon and steelhead habitats in the Columbia River Basin, which have been declining in number due to dam construction.

The executive order directs state agencies to work with Oregon and regional tribes—Yakama, Umatilla, Nez Perce, and Warm Springs—to implement the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI).