487 



In order for implementation of the Coiincirs program to be effec- 

 tive, better regional coordination must be ensured among the many 

 federal, state, tribal and private entities. There must be an antici- 

 patory approach to recovery of salmon as opposed to the current 

 species-by-species manner that threatens to overwhelm state, tribal 

 and federal natural resource agencies. Most efforts to better orga- 

 nize governments involved in salmon restoration have not been 

 broad enough or have lacked adequate accountability to ensure 

 that all federal agencies pursue coordinated policies in working 

 with state and tribal governments to restore salmon coast-wide. 



The Department of the Interior, particularly the Fish & Wildlife 

 Service, is working with federal, state and tribal and local govern- 

 ments and the private sector to develop a multi-agency specific 

 salmon restoration initiative. It would provide a coordinated water- 

 shed-based approach to restore ecosystems and habitats for salmon. 

 This initiative and continued commitment of the Department of the 

 interior should help improve coordination and accountability 

 among the agencies implementing recovery efforts in the Columbia 

 River basin. 



This effort will also build a renewed interest stimulated by the 

 recent conference to promote cooperation among agencies in the 

 restoration of watersheds. 



Finally, we must turn these stocks around. Secretary Babbitt is 

 fully committed to the restoration of productive salmon stocks. The 

 Service has the authority, flexibility and will to develop and imple- 

 ment an effective coordination mechanism without legislation. It 

 will be difficult to require all interested parties to step away from 

 strident positions of the past. Accordingly, I am confident that we 

 now have the appropriate leadership to chart the course necessary 

 to restore these stocks. 



Again, thank you for the opportimity to appear here today, and 

 I will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. 



Mr. DeFazio. Okay, thank you, Mr. Plenert. Mr. Chapman. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. Plenert follows:] 



