569 



they are, ultimatums about the inability to fund the Coimcil's pro- 

 gram seem misplaced. 



I believe there is a need for the kind of inter-agency team or com- 

 mission that you have mentioned today. It shomd be charged with 

 ensuring comphance with a detailed implementation plan for the 

 Council's Strategy and it should enhance inter-agency coordination, 

 reduce duplication and seek ways to encourage energy and water 

 uses that are compatible with stream flows needed by fish. The 

 pubhc should be represented on such a commission. And we would 

 be happy to work with you to develop this idea further. 



The question about the PNCA is very well taken. The best way 

 to ensure implementation of the Strategy in the yearly operations 

 planning process is to establish adequate flow or travel-time objec- 

 tives for tne river. Changes in membership and the mandate or the 

 provisions of the PNCA could help but may be ineffective without 

 specific flow objectives. And there is no reason why such objectives 

 cannot be set in a way that allows for flexibility in diy years. 



I want to close with a summary of recommendations: 



One, we urge you to transfer fish and wildlife funds and the re- 

 sponsibility for implementation to the Fish & Wildlife Service, and 

 I would say that the Fish & Wildhfe Service is probably a better 

 choice than NMFS, for a number of reasons, particularly because 

 of its broad responsibilities for the 50 to 70 salmon stocks in the 

 Columbia basin and the other species that are not yet on the en- 

 dangered list. 



Two, ensure coordination of full funding of the program with 

 Council involvement in any prioritization process. 



Three, promote the appropriation of runds for John Day and 

 Lower Granite reservoirs by 1995. 



Four, remove barriers to water transfers for fish. 



Finally, establish a river management coordination commission 

 to ensure the implementation of fisheries responsibilities under the 

 Power Act and find ways to make existing uses of the river more 

 compatible with fish. 



Thank you. 



[Prepared statement of Ms. Garrison follows:] 



