Loomis: “This is a great day for salmon, tribal treaty rights and everyone who lives here”

Statement from Lorraine Loomis, chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, on today’s historic decision in the culvert case:

“This is a great day for salmon, tribal treaty rights and everyone who lives here. Fixing fish-blocking culverts is one of the most cost-effective steps that can be taken to recover salmon,” said Lorraine Loomis, chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

“This ruling makes clear that our treaty rights include the right to have salmon habitat protected so that there are fish to harvest. That means more salmon for everyone.

“The ruling keeps the spotlight on salmon habitat, right where it belongs. Without good habitat, and access to that habitat, there can be no salmon recovery.

“Right now we are losing salmon habitat faster than it can be restored. While there is a financial cost to fixing the culverts, there is a much higher cost to be paid by future generations if we don’t.”