Lower Monumental Lock and Dam on the lower Snake River

Lower Monumental Lock and Dam on the lower Snake River in southeastern Washington state, Lower Monumental Lock and Dam is on the lower Snake River in southeastern Washington state. Highly endangered runs of wild salmon must pass through four lower Snake River dams during migration to and from the ocean. For over 20 years, controversy has surrounded debate over the possible breaching of these four lower Snake River dams. Environmentalists and regional native tribes have advocated for dam removal as the most effective way to address endangered salmon runs, while others warn that removing the dams will adversely affect electricity generation, irrigation, and barge transportation. (Photo by: Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)