The River Dammed: The Proposed Removal of the Lower Snake River Dams

This site contains a dilemma case in which a congresswoman must cast her vote on the removal of the lower Snake River dams. Students assume the roles of stakeholders in this decision who represent government agencies, small businesses, large industries, farmers, local tribes, environmentalists, and sports fishermen. Some of the stakeholders are members of the congresswoman's family. This activity will help students understand the effect of dams on physical stream processes, demonstrate how physical alterations of streams lead to long-term effects on habitat both upstream and downstream from the alteration, illustrate how human systems become dependent on large environment-altering structures and, help students become aware of how enmeshed various government agencies are in this and other water issues. Students will also become aware that the point-of-view of each stakeholder often determines how facts are interpreted and presented to defend or oppose a proposed action. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division