In 1999, PGE announced it would close its Bull Run hydro project after nearly 100 years of operation. Upgrade costs and concern for fish led PGE to conclude it was time to return the area to the wild.

Removal of Marmot Dam is an important step in the plan's aim to help improve wild salmon and steelhead habitat, permanently protect the riparian environment along the rivers impacted by the project and expand recreational opportunities in the Sandy River basin.

The plan outlines several fish conservation and contingency measures to address any situations that arise due to the dam's removal. These measures will be implemented by the Endangered Species Act Monitoring and (continued)