Welcome to LSRDOptions.org – Exploring the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams
At LSRDOptions.org, we are committed to providing transparent, research-based information about the Lower Snake River Dams (LSRD) and the potential paths forward for the Pacific Northwest. Our platform serves as a central hub for public engagement, expert analysis, and informed discussions about the benefits provided by the dams and the feasibility of replacing those benefits if dam breaching were to occur.
Through extensive research, stakeholder input, and tribal consultation, our goal is to ensure that any future decisions about the LSRD are grounded in facts, data, and community voices.
Our Mission
The future of the Lower Snake River Dams is a topic of great regional and national importance, affecting energy production, agriculture, transportation, tourism, local economies, and salmon recovery. Our mission is to:
✅ Provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on the services the LSRD currently provide.
✅ Engage with diverse stakeholders—including community members, businesses, tribal nations, scientists, and policymakers—to gather insights and perspectives.
✅ Analyze and document the feasibility of replacing the LSRD’s benefits, should dam breaching be considered as part of a broader environmental and economic strategy.
✅ Ensure public participation in the decision-making process by facilitating opportunities for feedback and discussion.
Who We Are
LSRDOptions.org was developed as part of the Inslee-Murray process, a joint federal-state initiative launched by Washington Governor Jay Inslee and U.S. Senator Patty Murray in October 2021. This initiative aims to assess whether there are reasonable, science-backed, and economically viable ways to replace the services provided by the four Lower Snake River Dams.
To support this effort, Kramer Consulting and Ross Strategic were engaged to lead the research, facilitate public engagement, and compile reports on the potential benefits, costs, and consequences of various options. The consulting team is working closely with:
🔹 Tribal sovereigns and treaty-protected Tribes
🔹 Regional stakeholders, including farmers, energy experts, transportation leaders, and conservation groups
🔹 State and federal agencies
🔹 Local communities and businesses impacted by potential changes to the dams
Together, we are committed to examining all possible pathways to ensure that any decision made about the LSRD is informed, sustainable, and beneficial for the Pacific Northwest as a whole.
What We Cover
Our work focuses on six key areas where the Lower Snake River Dams provide essential benefits:
1. Navigation & Transportation
🚢 The dams support barge transportation, which plays a major role in agriculture and trade, moving nearly 10% of all U.S. wheat exports through the Columbia-Snake River System. If dam breaching were to occur, alternative transportation solutions would need to be developed.
2. Agriculture & Irrigation
🌾 The surrounding region contains approximately five million acres of farmland, making up one-third of Washington’s total agricultural land. Farmers depend on both irrigated and dryland farming, and the dams help sustain current production levels.
3. Energy Production & Grid Stability
⚡ The LSRD are part of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS), a critical source of renewable hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest. The study evaluates how the energy provided by the dams could be replaced through alternative sources, while maintaining grid reliability.
4. Tourism & Recreation
🎣 The reservoirs created by the dams offer recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, camping, and river cruises. The study examines how to replace lost recreational benefits if the reservoirs were removed.
5. Community Resilience & Economic Health
🏙️ Many towns and cities along the Lower Snake River depend on the economic benefits generated by the dams. The study explores ways to mitigate economic disruptions and support local businesses, property values, and employment.
6. Salmon Recovery & Habitat Restoration
🐟 The Lower Snake River is home to four endangered salmon and steelhead species, along with other native fish populations. The study looks at how dam removal could impact salmon recovery efforts and what additional habitat restoration projects would be required.
Why LSRDOptions.org Matters
The Lower Snake River Dams debate is complex, involving economic, environmental, and cultural considerations. At LSRDOptions.org, we believe that open access to information and meaningful public engagement are essential for making the best decisions for the future of the Pacific Northwest.
💡 We are not here to make the final decision—we are here to provide objective research, gather public input, and ensure that every stakeholder has a voice in the process.
Join the Conversation
Your input matters! We encourage community members, businesses, farmers, conservationists, and all interested stakeholders to:
✔ Review the draft report and learn more about the findings.
✔ Submit your comments and feedback before the public comment period closes.
✔ Stay engaged with updates, discussions, and future reports.
Get Involved
📧 Email us: [email protected]
🌐 Visit our website: www.lsrdoptions.org
Together, we can ensure that the future of the Lower Snake River Dams is built on fact-based research, thoughtful discussions, and collaborative decision-making. Thank you for being part of this important conversation!