The Rivers Study was an 18-month effort by the four northwest 

 states, federal agencies, and Indian tribes. Funding of approx- 

 imately 1.0 million dollars was provided by the Bonneville Power 

 Adminstration. Concurrently, the Northwest Power Planning 

 Council provided $540,000 to evaluate anadromous fish resources 

 and Indian cultural /archeological values. Rivers Study activ- 

 ities and goals, budgets, ana time schedules are listed in the 

 September 1984 Pacific Northwest Rivers Study Plan available 

 from BPA . The actual assessment was conducted between May and 

 December of 1985. Review of preliminary findings was completed 

 by May 1986 and information entered into a computerized 

 information system by October 1986. 



ASSESSMENT PROCESS 



The goal of the project was to evaluate and document the sig- 

 nificance of individual river segments and systems for a variety 

 of natural resource values. Comparative assessment was a major 

 feature of this process. The process did not, however, result 

 in rivers being ranked in numerical order. Rather, each stream 

 reach was given one of four significance ratings for each of 

 five resource categories. 



Field survey was kept to a minimum. The study relied on cur- 

 rently available information and evaluation by recognized 

 resource experts. Study conclusions are the responsibility of 

 these resource specialists. The states, Indian tribes, and 

 federal agencies were represented in the evaluation process com- 

 mensurate with their legal authorities and management duties. 



The following is a summary description of the assessment process: 



Step 1 : Identification of River Resource Categories 



Categories were chosen to: 



(1) reflect the overall value of rivers and streams as 

 natural resources; 



(2) reflect the interest of public agencies and private 

 interest groups ; 



(3) acknowledge the resource management responsibilities of 

 the Tribes, states, and federal agencies; and 



(4) reflect the priorities of the Pacific Northwest 

 Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act [(Regional 

 Act) P.L. 96-501]. 



The categories selected included resident fish, wildlife, 

 natural features, recreation, cultural features, and insti- 

 tutional constraints. Anadromous fish and Tribal cultural and 

 archeological values were included through a separate Council 

 contract . 



