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2005 Upper Snake River BiOp
In November 2004, Reclamation submitted a biological assessment to NOAA Fisheries and US Fish and Wildlife Service for operations and maintenance actions at the Upper Snake River projects. The biological assessment, prepared in compliance with Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act, evaluated and described potential effects of the actions on endangered or threatened species. The proposed operations also include providing water for salmon flow augmentation by acquiring or leasing water from willing sellers and lessors in accordance with State law.
In 2005, Reclamation received BiOps from NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service addressing future operations and routine maintenance at the Upper Snake projects through the year 2035.
NOAA Fisheries' BiOp concludes that Reclamation's proposed actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of twelve listed and one proposed-for-listing Columbia basin salmonids. The Fish and Wildlife Service's BiOp concludes that Reclamation's proposed actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of bald eagle, bull trout, Ute ladies' tresses (an orchid), and three snails (Utah valvata, Snake River physa, and Bliss Rapids snail).
The BiOps are consistent with the terms of the Nez Perce Settlement Agreement to address Reclamation's continued operation of Upper Snake projects through the year 2035, including the continued provision of water to augment flows in the lower Snake River to benefit salmon and steelhead. |
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