Undoubtedly one of the most impactful and heavily manipulated systems in the United States is the Columbia River Watershed, whose mainstem flows through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon before completing its journey at the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. Its cultural significance, ecological value, and the economic importance that it has throughout the Pacific Northwestern United States and in British Columbia is difficult to quantify. In an effort to strike a balance between these cultural, ecological, and economic needs, it has generated significant conflict between governments at every level, interest groups, and concerned citizens. However, many opportunities still exist to determine the most appropriate path forward, and much
