33 



into the operations practices of timber management. For example, 

 new timber sales seek to repair damage done in the past. Improved 

 road surfacing and drainage systems are applied to reduce the 

 amount of sediments reaching streams. Culvert stream crossings 

 are replaced with larger culverts or arched to allow for better fish 



Eassage. Damage resulting from past road-building practices is 

 eing mitigated by better road construction. 



Additionally, we have made progress in improving habitat condi- 

 tions. We have constructed a 3,400-foot-long rearing channel along 

 the Trinity River to enhance anadromous fish-rearing habitat. In 

 the BLM's Coos Bay District, another 17 miles of spawning habitat 

 are now available for coho salmon and steelhead resulting from the 

 completion of the Brewster Gorge fish passage project. The BLM's 

 Salem District has extensively rehabilitated Upper Lobster Creek. 



The results of restoration efforts have been impressive in other 

 areas as well. Stream surface area has more than doubled in the 

 Nestucca/Alsea project areas of Oregon, resulting in increased juve- 

 nile and adult fish production in treated areas. 



In addition to our efforts for anadromous fish, we are moving 

 ahead with a dynamic effort to restore riparian areas, and have 

 made considerable progress in this initiative. 



For example, OR/WA has adopted a riparian enhancement plan 

 that recognizes the important functions and values of riparian 

 areas and directs the BLM's efforts at improving riparian condi- 

 tions in eastern Oregon and Washington. Objectives of this plan in- 

 clude improving riparian conditions on 656 miles of the BLM-ad- 

 ministered streams. 



BLM also cooperates in the COPE project, which is a fisheries- 

 specific study in the Pacific Northwest. And we were provided with 

 $1.3 million in funding for that activity. 



I would like to also point out the partnership system, a very im- 

 portant part of what we do. We must work with State governments 

 and the private sector in carrying out these plans, and we think 

 partnerships in working with the private sector are a critically im- 

 portant part of getting a holistic approach to the issues that we are 

 here to talk about. We believe that by implementing our plans, we 

 can restore watersheds on BLM land. 



We believe that by fully implementing our strategy plans for 

 anadromous fish and riparian wetland restoration in the Pacific 

 Northwest, we can achieve restored watersheds on the BLM lands. 

 Our experience thus far has taught us that the problem of restor- 

 ing and maintaining sound and productive watershed and fish 

 habitat areas requires an approach that transcends agency bound- 

 aries and land ownership. We commend the Pacific Rivers Council 

 for its efforts toward this end. We've got to work with partners to 

 carry out those goals. 



I have copies of the reports, if your committee would like to have 

 copies of them. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And we will be happy to answer ques- 

 tions. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. Penfold follows:] 



