For Immediate Release
May 15, 2014
WaterWatch of Oregon Statement on Oregon Supreme Court Opinion in Noble v. ODFW
A Win for Salmon and Steelhead
In a decision critical to native migratory fish across Oregon, the Oregon Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of fish passage at dams across the state. The court’s decision in the case of Noble v. Department of Fish and Wildlife clarifies the conditions under which dams must include adequate fish passage.
“This decision affects many dams in Oregon that were built without fish passage and also clarifies the rules around fish passage. Now, the process will begin to ensure that many dams that currently lack or have inadequate fish passage are brought up to modern, more fish-friendly passage standards.” said WaterWatch Executive Director John DeVoe. “This will not only benefit Oregon’s iconic salmon and steelhead runs, but will benefit the many Oregonians who depend upon healthy rivers for their livelihood and sustenance.”
WaterWatch and other conservation groups filed an amicus brief in the matter at the Oregon Supreme Court and were represented by the CRAG Law Center and Western Environmental Law Center.
A copy of the amicus brief is available here.