designed with an overall framework in mind 

 to allow systematic testing of the effective- 

 ness of program measures. This framework is 

 being developed by fishery managers. When 

 completed, the framework will include goals, 

 rebuilding targets and performance standards. 

 The framework also will give the region clear 

 mitigation objectives, a means to measure 

 biological effectiveness and a system for 

 auditing results. 



R 



inally, our program recognizes that the 

 Columbia River Basih does not stop at the 

 international border. Some fish and wildlife 

 migrate back and forth across the U.S. and 

 Canadian border. So we call for discussions 

 to determine whether, and to what extent, U.S. 

 electricity ratepayers and taxpayers could 

 share funding with Canada on projects to 

 improve the survival of border-crossing fish 

 and wildlife. 



Distinctions 



Columbia River Basin salmon are the subject of at least two major rehabilitation efforts. One 

 is a recovery plan being developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service. You're reading 

 the other one. 



The National Marine Fisheries Service recovery plan is being designed by a team of fisheries 

 specialists. It only addresses those salmon runs that have been listed under the federal Endangered 

 Species Act. The Act requires federal agencies to develop and implement a recovery plan that can save 

 listed species from extinction. 



The fish and wildlife program you hold was devised by the Northwest Power Planning Council 

 through a multiyear, very broad public involvement process. It features measures to protect and 

 revitalize salmon runs, but it also addresses a// Columbia Basin fish and wildlife that have been 

 affected by hydroelectric dams in the region. The hope is that future listings of other animials will be 

 unnecessary if the region takes a basinwide approach rather than looking at only a few species. 



The goal of this program also is broadtr than that of the Fisheries Service. This program aims to 

 rebuild salmon runs to sustainable and harvestable levels, so they can again take on the important 

 economic and cultural role they have played in the Northwest's past. 



The key to both plans, however, is the same: implementation. Unless the region works together to 

 protect our salmon and other animals, we will very likely be witnesses to their continued decline. 



1832 



Nathaniel Wyeth of Boston establishes Fort 

 William on Wapato (Sauvie) Island at the 

 mouth of the Willamette River as a site to 

 catch and pack salmon. 



12 



