Save The Snake River With Patagonia

Outdoor apparel brand Patagonia is renowned for its green initiatives, and took the cause of the Snake River salmon to heart.

Despite encouraging consumers to buy less stuff, and even sending out a Worn Wear van offering free clothing repairs, Patagonia continues to grow apace. It is involved in conservation efforts, and released the DamNation documentary last year.

Building on that project, Patagonia is now campaigning for the removal of four dams along the Snake River in the northwestern United States. The company produced a short documentary, Free the Snake, to raise awareness of the impact of the dams on salmon populations and campaign for their removal.

Get involved by signing a petition for the removal of the dams. Washington state residents can also contact their state senators to discuss the issue. It is estimated the U.S. economy is losing $150 million per year due to high running costs, and the ecosystem of the area is also suffering because salmon are being blocked from making their usual runs.

The Snake River used to support various types of salmon, but the dams prevent them from playing their role in the ecosystem of the area. Ecologically speaking, the removal of the dams is a good idea, but the economics also work out. The dams no longer provide any economic benefit, and have been described as “deadbeat.”

Join the movement and show your support for an initiative which aims to restore salmon populations on a once majestic river.