520 



(April through August) when increased hydropower production is not needed in 

 the region because natural flows generally produce a surplus of power in the 

 region. Reserving water during fall and winter for spring and summer release 

 makes it unavailable to produce hydropower during the time of greatest 

 regional power demand. Reclamation is participating in the Systems Operation 

 Review (SOR) that Is evaluating the alternatives and tradeoffs involved. 



Reclamation believes that with careful planning and cooperation, water made 

 available for recovery of salmon can also provide other instream benefits. 

 For example, improved flows in the Snake River near Thousand Springs could 

 improve water quality and habitat for endangered and threatened snails. 

 Improved instream flows for trout and other fish could also result from »» 

 careful use of water primarily dedicated for salmon recovery. The conflict 

 between various listed species Is one that will seriously challenge the 

 region. As additional species are listed, some with directly competing needs 

 for water, it will become more and more difficult to meet all of the demands 

 placed on the river system. Accordingly, Federal agencies should begin moving 

 toward more comprehensive ecosystem approaches to resource management. 



Regarding the adequacy of existing Institutions and Institutional 

 arrangements, we believe that there has been cooperation among the State and 

 Federal agencies, the Council, and tribal and local Interests. While the 

 involved parties do not always agree on every issue, the willingness of 

 everyone involved to work together on Issues related to the recovery of salmon 

 is apparent by the activities in which all the parties have been Involved. 



