The Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward with a plan to kill 16,000 Double-crested Cormorants next spring near the mouth of the Columbia River in an effort to protect juvenile salmon and steelhead populations. The action is planned for East Sand Island, home to the largest Caspian Tern colony in the world, the largest Double-crested Cormorant colony in the western United States, and the largest Brown Pelican roost in the Pacific Northwest. The island has been designated as an internationally recognized Important Bird Area by both Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy.The Portland Audubon Society has been vocal in opposition to the plan, and is encouraging the public to speak out against the plan. The National Audubon Society also opposed the proposal. (photo by USFWS)