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April 7, 2008 – The federal action agencies (Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation) are proposing to enter into agreements with four tribes to provide 10-year mutual commitments for fish restoration, particularly for Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead.
BPA is seeking public comment on the proposal to enter into the agreements as negotiated, as well as on associated environmental effects.
The action agencies believe the proposed agreements will enhance overall fish restoration efforts in the region, making mitigation for the hydro system significantly more effective through a common approach. The agreements build on the hydro, habitat and hatchery actions in NOAA Fisheries’ draft biological opinions for listed salmon and steelhead, providing additional actions, greater clarity regarding biological benefits, and secure funding. The agreements also provide substantial benefits for non-listed fish, such as lamprey.
The agencies intend the agreements to signal a stronger partnership with the tribes, centered around the shared fish restoration goals and priorities included in the agreements.
Comments will be accepted until close of business April 23, 2008. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.bpa.gov/comment/ , via e-mail to comment@bpa.gov. Other ways to comment are described in the letter to the region announcing public comment opportunity, link below.
Below are links to materials that help explain these proposed agreements:
Letter to the region announcing public comment opportunity
Three Treaty Tribes – Action Agency Agreement
Colville Tribes – Action Agency MOA
April 7, 2008 Press Conference Call
News Release
Factsheet: Federal agencies announce proposed agreements to benefit fish
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