Feds push development restrictions near salmon-bearing streams


In light of a lawsuit from environmental groups, the federal government has new limitations for developers that will protect salmon.

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The government published the recommendations, called a biological opinion, in response to a lawsuit from environmental groups. The Audubon Society of Portland, National Wildlife Federation, Northwest Environmental Defense Center and Association of Northwest Steelheaders argued that federal flood insurance was encouraging development detrimental to threatened salmon.

The Biological Opinion does not directly ban development in flood plains along salmon-bearing waterways. But there is a “no net loss” policy, requiring that developers or property owners mitigate any lost salmon habitat with new habitat.

(READ MORE: OPB)

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