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DECEMBER 22, 2000

Nine federal agencies on Thursday put forth their final plan for salmon recovery in the Columbia River basin and, as expected, breaching of four dams on the lower Snake River won't be addressed immediately.

However, a review of breaching the eastern Washington dams has been pushed up to as early 2003. The draft plan said breaching wouldn't be considered for at least five years or more.

"Breaching those dams remains an option if the recovery efforts don't meet strict performance standards included in the strategy," said Donna Darm of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

Still, for tribes in the region who depend on salmon for economic and cultural survival, any delay could prove fatal. Since 1995, the number of salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act has grown from three to 12.

Of the 12 species addressed by the plan, three are listed as endangered The remaining are listed as threatened.

In response, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, which represents four tribes with treaty-reserved fishing rights, has asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs not to give its support to the plan. They also may sue the federal government for failing to abide by the treaties.

The crux of the "All-H" plan sets minimum water flows in the Columbia and Snake rivers, limits the operation of hydroelectric dams in order to protect spawning salmon, and defines standards and policies for improving and protecting fish habitats in the basin.

It is also expected to cost $352 million a year, part of which will come from the operation of the dams. But it also requires additional funding in order to prove effective.

The plan calls for review at three, five, and eight years. If improvements haven't occurred, more "aggressive actions" will be taken.

View the Plan and other documents at www.salmonrecovery.gov

Relevant Links:
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission - www.critfg.org

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