Agreement reached on salmon survival plan

Key parties have agreed on a plan designed to improve salmon survival while managing costs of hydropower production.

Federal, state, and tribal partners have developed an agreement focusing on the operation of federal dams in the Columbia River System. The parties involved include the states of Oregon, Washington, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Idaho and Montana are also supporting the flexible operation.

It covers up to three years of fish passage spill operations at eight lower Columbia and Snake River dams. The agreement avoids litigation while the lead agencies complete a Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement.

Idaho Rivers United said it comes on the heels of an announcement by Washington Governor Jay Inslee last week, committing $1.1 billion to aid struggling orcas offshore. Idaho salmon are a critical element of the endangered orcas’ diet, and will benefit from increased springtime spill.

“This interim agreement is a small step in the right direction in the near-term, but the urgency for stronger action remains. Wild Idaho salmon and steelhead runs are in terrible shape, with populations declining severely in recent years,” said Tom Stuart, board member of Idaho Rivers United. “Fishing communities from the coast to Stanley, Idaho have been suffering for years due to the steep decline of their fisheries. Anglers, outfitters, and Idaho conservation folks are ready to work with affected farmers and other stakeholders to develop effective solutions for all. Idaho is not part of this agreement, but needs to be part of talks about longer term solutions.”

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has also endorsed the plan as a short-range step. But, Regional NWF Executive Director Tom France warned, “Much more will be needed, however, to protect Idaho’s endangered salmon and orcas from extinction.”

Idaho Rivers United said the agreement comes against the backdrop of a decline in Idaho steelhead and salmon runs, as well as Orcas.

An environmental study and biological opinion, reviewing and establishing federal options for salmon and dams, is scheduled to be completed in 2021.