Snake River

The ICL found that the concentration of phosphorus, historically the river’s main pollutant due to its use in agricultural practices, has declined substantially in the last three decades.

Officials in Idaho say they are seeing fewer quagga mussel larvae and fewer dead fish compared to last year as they finish the second week of administering a copper chemical in the Snake River in an attempt to eliminate the invasive mussels.

The U.S. government recently recognized the harm caused by the dams and has promised to work to restore salmon runs but tribal members doubt much will change.

Federal scientists say there is a high likelihood of extinction for 13 Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead runs without immediate attention.

Parties to a lawsuit challenging the federal government over its plans to continue operating dams on the Snake River at the expense of salmon runs asked a federal court in Oregon for more time to negotiate with one another.