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Service and Tribes are completing a Native American Policy that 

 establishes formal cooperative relationships with Tribal 

 governments. Native American leaders from across the country have 

 had significant input into this policy. We need to recognize the 

 importance of Native American culture, management capabilities, 

 fish and wildlife resources, and considerable land base in all 

 watershed restoration activities. In short, we must expand upon 

 our existing cooperative partnerships with Native Americans. 



Finally, we note that an ecosystem-based approach to restoring our 

 anadromous fisheries will reguire closer attention to and 

 cooperation in the management of land uses in our watersheds. The 

 elimination of riparian habitat, streambank erosion, and siltation 

 are all serious problems. The technology and management measures 

 necessary to correct the problems are available and implementable. 

 We must build on the renewed interest and concern stimulated by the 

 recent Forest Conference to take these measures to restore 

 Northwest watersheds . 



There is the potential to implement restoration efforts in a manner 

 that creates new jobs throughout the region. Short-term employment 

 can use the skills of displaced timber workers to rehabilitate 

 previously degraded fisheries habitat and the restoration of fish 

 runs can support guality longterm jobs. The President's Plan is 

 extraordinary in its commitment to an ecosystem approach and fully 

 recognizes the importance of riparian corridors. It is also 

 exemplary in its promotion of cooperation among Federal agencies to 

 work with private industry for effective implementation. 



This concludes my remarks. Again, I thank the Committee for 

 calling for a hearing at this critical juncture in the solution of 

 these issues and thank you for the opportunity to present our 

 views. I'll be happy to answer any guestions you may have. 



