ECO Northwest, Ltd.2006-02-212006-02-212000https://hdl.handle.net/1794/232637 p.This report offers a quick summary of the economic data and issues associated with efforts to restore healthy salmon runs in the Puget Sound Basin and the rest of Washington. Salmon populations have declined enough for some of the state's salmon runs to have gone extinct, and others to be listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. The listings have generated fear that taking the steps biologists say are needed to prevent salmon from extinction would impose extreme economic harm on taxpayers, business owners, workers, and property owners. A closer look at the evidence, though, indicates that the reverse will be true. In many instances, saving salmon will result in money savings that exceed the initial costs. If taken efficiently and effectively, the steps needed to save salmon would enhance the value of the services taxpayers receive in return for their tax payments, improve business profits, generate new jobs, and enhance property values. In short, saving salmon will be a good investment for the economy and help communities, businesses, and citizens throughout Washington State adopt more environmentally and economically sustainable paths. This report provides a summary of the evidence supporting these conclusions. It also contains information about the extent of the declines in salmon populations, a description of the factors contributing to these declines, and extensive endnotes and references pointing the interested reader toward more detailed information.1256853 bytesapplication/pdfen-USOther