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The Lower Columbia

The Lower Columbia region extends from the mouth of the Columbia River upstream to, and including, the Little White Salmon River.

Lower Columbia By the Numbers

74 ESA-listed salmon, steelhead and bull trout populations

2,280 miles of fish-bearing streams

18 watersheds

268 miles of Columbia River shoreline

3 hydroelectric developments

14 salmon and steelhead hatcheries

6 counties

5 State legislative districts

and many important tribal, sport, and commercial fisheries.

Coast Stratum

Gorge Stratum

Cascade Stratum

Columbia River Estuary

The Recovery Region

The federal Endangered Species Act requires the federal government to develop recovery plans for salmon determined to be at risk of extinction. In Washington, seven (7) regional organizations were formed to develop recovery plans and coordinate implementation (under RCW 77.85). Regional recovery organizations are made up of local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, and citizens, and coordinate their efforts through the Council of Regions.

The Lower Columbia is one of seven recovery regions in Washington State.

Map of Salmon Recovery Regions in Washington State. The Lower Columbia Recovery Region is highlighted.

The Lead Entity

Lead entities are local organizations that develop salmon habitat recovery strategies and recruit organizations to implement the strategies through habitat restoration and protection projects.

Lead entities perform an essential role in salmon recovery in Washington. Established by law (RCW 77.85), the 25 lead entities are governed by a committee of local citizens, assisted by technical experts. The federal Endangered Species Act requires the federal government to develop recovery plans for salmon determined to be at risk of extinction.