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salmon survival. The Council's adoption of spring flow targets 

 as part of its program represonted a further evolution in 

 regional acceptance of the need for flow augnentation. On 

 harvest, Council efforts during the post-Salmon Siunnit process 

 resulted in regional agreement to reduce harvest impacts on Snalce 

 River fall Chinook. There are many, many examples one could cite 

 of Council efforts or the program achievements leading to 

 important contributions to the rebuilding of Columbia Basin 

 salmon and steelhead populations. 



»» 

 Another important strength of the Council's program is its 



responsibility to cover all anadromous species and resident fish 



and wildlife, In the Columbia Basin, not just those listed under 



the ESA. This broad responsibility provides a unique opportunity 



to implement an ecosystem approach which can achieve a balance 



between protection and enhancement of all fish and wildlife needs 



of the Basin, rather than the single species focus under the ESA. 



The early implementation of all phases of the Strategy for Salmon 



is critical to avoiding the need for any further listings of fish 



and wildlife under the ESA. 



on the weakneaaes of the Council's plan — The regional character 

 of the Council, with its multi-state, multi-interest composition, 

 also points to one of the weaknesses of the Council's program. 

 Achieving consensus among the states, tribes, Federal agencies 

 and the public in the council process often leads to compromise 



