Federal Disaster Relief Failing to Protect Rivers, Floodplains and Salmon

The Conservation Angler joins colleagues in this challenge to hold FEMA accountable for wild salmon and river health.

Last June, The Conservation Angler (TCA) joined several of its allies in filing a notice of intent to sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for failing to protect salmon and steelhead that are listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) from floodplain development. 

FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance to properties located in flood prone areas. Although Congress intended the NFIP to improve floodplain management, in practice, the program has led to increased floodplain development. 

In 2016, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a biological opinion determining that FEMA’s implementation of the NFIP in Oregon was likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 16 ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species and destroy or adversely modify their habitat. The biological opinion recommended several changes to the NFIP so that it would comply with the ESA. Among other things, the biological opinion recommended updating flood maps, developing criteria to minimize floodplain development and mitigate harm where it occurs, and improving reporting and enforcement.

FEMA has failed to implement these changes and therefore, it is jeopardizing Oregon’s threatened salmon and steelhead species and causing illegal take of salmonids. 

The Conservation Angler is proud to join the Center for Biological Diversity, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, and Willamette Riverkeeper in this litigation.