Implementation:

Federal, state and tribal fishery managers are working together, in a new endeavor, to accelerate the implementation of fish and wildlife measures in the Columbia Basin. They are assembling a multi-year implementation plan, 1997-2002, that incorporates components of the National Marine Fisheries Service's Biological Opinions (under Endangered Species Act), the Northwest Power Planning Council's Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program, the four tribes' Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit and other plans.

This effort will identify where the restoration plans are similar or complementary to facilitate coordinated implementation. The process will also identify areas where there are differences among the plans and will describe opportunities for resolution. (The tribes propose formal dispute resolution to go beyond longstanding "gridlock" on issues such as hydro management and hatchery operations, for example.)

The multi-year plan will include ecological objectives, the work that needs to be accomplished year year, and schedules for key activities. Fish and wildlife agencies and the tribes will use this information to develop annual work plans that will be used to solicit project proposals from the private sector as well as government agencies.

The multi-year plan will help ensure that all fish and wildlife projects are based on the clear restorationobjectives, are part of a comprehensive strategy, and based on the best scientific knowledge. For more information about the multi-year work plans, see NWPPC's home page.