Save Our Wild Salmon

SOS also advocates for climate change-related initiatives including opposing river-based energy projects to prevent “carbon production.” ²

Background

Save Our Wild Salmon (SOS) is a wildlife conservation group based in Washington state founded in 1991 that gained tax-exempt status in 1995. The group advocates the protection of salmon and steelhead fish populations within the Columbia River and Snake River Basin. ^{1 3 4}

Activities

In 2023, Save Our Wild Salmon spent $554,954 on multiple campaigns to advocate politically for the protection of fish populations by removing river dams and replacing their contributions to energy production, water irrigation, and barge transportation with new investments in weather-dependent energy. The group also advocated on behalf of northwest Native American tribes. Its public advocacy events presented films and educational lectures. ⁵

SOS has also advocated for initiatives to prevent climate change such as opposing river-based energy projects. ²

Partners

According to its website, Save Our Wild Salmon (SOS) lists its partners and supporters as nonprofit organizations and private-sector corporations including outdoor apparel company Patagonia as well as various outdoor gear businesses, breweries, wineries, outdoor travel and guide companies, fisheries, restaurants, bars, and artistic collectives. ⁶

As of 2025, SOS’s official nonprofit partners included Alaska Trollers Association, American Rivers, American Whitewater, Association of Northwest Steelheaders, Backbone Campaign, Boulder-White Clouds Council, Coastal Trollers Association, Coast Range Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, Conservation Northwest, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light, Earthrise Law Center, Endangered Species Coalition, Environment Washington, Fly Fishers International, Friends of the Clearwater, Greater Hells Canyon Council, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Institute for Fisheries Resources, and Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center. ³

The list continued with the Lands Council, Lighthawk, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, North Cascades Conservation Council, Northwest Guides and Anglers Association, Northwest Resource Information Center, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, Northwest Energy Coalition, Oceana, Orca Conservancy, Orca Network, Oregon Guides and Packers, Oregon Natural Desert Association, Oregon Wild, Pacific Rivers, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Salmon For All, Sawtooth Society, Sierra Club, Spokane Riverkeeper, Washington Kayak Club, Washington Trollers Association, Washington Wild, Washington Wildlife Federation, WaterWatch of Oregon, Whale Scout, Wild Orca, Wild Steelhead Coalition, and Willamette Riverkeeper. ³

Financials

In 2023, Save Our Wild Salmon reported total revenue of $804,369, total expenses of $686,820, and net assets of $339,988. ⁷

Leadership

Joseph Bogaard was serving as the executive director of Save Our Wild Salmon as of 2025. He joined the group in 1996. He was previously the commissioner of Water District 19 in King County, Washington. He sat on the boards of Northwest Energy Coalition and Braided River as of 2025. ⁸

As of 2025, Save Our Wild Salmon’s board of directors included president Tom Stuart of the Idaho Rivers United, vice president Good Stefani of the Natural Resources Defense Council (Oregon), treasurer Joel Kawahara of Coastal Trollers Association (Washington State), secretary Norm Ritchie of the Association of New Steelheaders, Eric Gonzalez Alfaro of Earthjustice (Washington state), Fred Huette of Northwest Energy Coalition, Julian Matthews of Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Kody Osborne of the National Wildfire Federation, Steve Phillips of the Washington Wildlife Federation, Bob Rees of the Northwest Guides and Anglers Association, Glen Spain of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, and Margie Van Cleve of Sierra Club (Washington state). ⁹