Salmonrecovery.gov

January 24, 2008: The Department of Justice has filed a motion for a 45-day extension of time to complete the FCRPS and Upper Snake biological opinions. The accompanying declaration describes that the extension is needed in order that NOAA Fisheries can carefully consider and responsibly address the extensive comments received on the draft BiOps. The new due date requested is May 2, 2008.

This and other information on the federal caucus work to recover ESA-listed Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead at www.salmonrecovery.gov

December 12, 2007:The Court has set Jan. 4, 2008, as the deadline for close of comment to NOAA Fisheries on its draft FCRPS BiOp and draft Upper Snake BiOp. The Court has set March 18, 2008, as the date for NOAA to submit final BiOps. Comments may be submitted in writing to FCRPS BiOp Comments, NOAA Fisheries Portland Office, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232; or by e-mail.

November 5, 2007: A task force appointed by NOAA Fisheries has recommended that the agency approve a request from the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho to "lethally remove" sea lions preying on ESA-listed fish below Bonneville Dam. NOAA will produce a draft environmental assessment in January. See NOAA webpage for more information.

October 31, 2007: NOAA Fisheries today released draft Biological Opinions for the Federal Columbia River Power System and the Upper Snake projects. These BiOps reflect recent Court decisions, using a higher standard than in the past. Using the best available science, NOAA concludes that comprehensive actions in hydropower operations and passage improvements, habitat enhancements, hatchery reform and predator management will prevent harm to threatened and endangered salmon and ultimately move the species towards recovery.

October 9, 2007: NOAA Fisheries today announced that it is releasing a final recovery plan for Upper Columbia spring chinook and steelhead, both listed under the Endangered Species Act. This is the third recovery plan NOAA has completed for ESA-listed salmon in the Northwest. NOAA has also completed plans for Hood Canal summer chum and Puget Sound chinook. September 6, 2007: The federal action agencies today released Biological Assessments for the Federal Columbia River Power System and the Upper Snake projects, and a Comprehensive Analysis of the impacts of actions proposed for listed Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead.

May 21, 2007: The federal action agencies have submitted their draft proposed action for operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System to Judge Redden of U.S. District Court. The PA is a comprehensive, science-based analysis and set of actions that addresses the needs of Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead throughout their lifecycle. See also summary fact sheet.

Eight Columbia River Basin agencies with resource responsibilities related to the Endangered Species Act make up the Federal Caucus. The web site offers current Caucus activities, such as a paper outlining the "Conceptual Framework for the Remand Process Including the Jeopardy Analysis"; and, a "Fact Sheet - Toward Long-Term Salmon and Steelhead Recovery", published June, 2006.  This site is a great source for current information about river operations and the remand process.

June 16, 2006: The federal action agencies have released their 2005 Progress Report covering actions to help ESA listed salmon and steelhead.
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Bonneville Power Administration

BPA and its partners operate the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Financed through the rates of northwest electric customers, BPA markets electricity, and works to protect and enhance environmental, fish, and wildlife values; and, ensure these qualities for future generations.

     BPA Comments to Council regarding 2007-2009 Fish & Wildlife Budget

     Council 2007-2009 Fish & Wildlife Funding Recommendations

Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region
Aims to meet the increasing water needs of the Columbia River basin while protecting the environment and public investment.

Federal Columbia River Power System Hydro Projects
The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation own and operate 31 hydro projects on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, while the Bonneville Power Administration markets and distributes the power generated from them. This site provides photos and information about the 31 projects, as well as current hydrological and fish funding information.

Columbia River DART
Provides near real-time data on fish passage at the Columbia and Snake River dams. Also includes historical data starting in 1938.

Foundation for Water and Energy Education
FWEE provides information about the environmental impacts, operational issues, economic needs, flood control and recreation and regulatory and legislative issues regarding the operation of hydroelectric facilities. This site provides information for both adults and kids. 

National Hydropower Association
The only national trade association dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the hydropower industry. The site provides hydropower facts, background, policy and advocacy information and updated hydropower news.

National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Regional Office
The National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is responsible for conserving, protecting, and managing Pacific salmon, groundfish, halibut and marine mammals and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act and other laws. 

Northwest Power and Conservation Council

The Council (NPPC) develops and maintains a regional power plan and a fish and wildlife program to balance the Northwest's environment and energy needs:

• develop a 20-year electric power plan that will guarantee adequate and reliable energy at the lowest economic and environmental cost to the Northwest
• develop a program to protect and rebuild fish and wildlife populations affected by hydropower development in the Columbia River Basin
• educate and involve the public in the Council’s decision-making processes.

The Governors of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana appoint two representatives from each state to represent the interests of their states on the Council.

Council 2007-2009 Fish & Wildlife Funding Recommendations - November 2006

Pacific NW Waterways Association
PNWA works with the Congress, federal agencies and regional leaders on policies related to transportation, energy, trade and environmental policy to enhance the economic vitality in the Pacific Northwest.