• Resource Managers Should Act Consistently with a Single, Basin-wide Fish and 

 Wildlife Plan. 



There are multiple managers and programs within the Basin. To the extent that 

 they are pursuing basin-wide goals they should act consistently with a single plan. For 

 instance, federal law does not now require that agencies other than Bonneville Power 

 Administration be consistent with the plan of the Power Planning Council (although 

 federal agencies responsible for the hydropower must take the Council's plan into 

 account to the fullest extent practicable). Without consistency the plan may not achieve 

 maximum effect because the Corps, National Marine Fisheries Service, Bureau of 

 Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 

 other agencies may exercise their respective authorities independently of one another and 

 of the Council's plan. This concern for coordination extends to state and tribal resource 

 management agencies. 



• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms are Needed 



Implementing plans for fish and wildlife management must be effected through 

 better coordination and mutual understanding among resource managers. While common 

 ground is frequently found among scientists working with various sovereigns and 

 interests, there are multiple opportunities for disagreement. There are also conflicts 

 where technical issues and policy intersect. Fair and efficient means of dispute 

 resolution are necessary to avoid paralyzing planning and implementation of fish and 

 wildlife mitigation. 



• Work With Watershed Organizations 



Local watersheds throughout the region have begun to organize to deal with a 

 variety of problems, often but not always as part of state watershed programs. They have 

 been able to respond flexibly and creatively to particular problems of sub-basins of the 

 Columbia River watershed. They have involved citizens, businesses, local governments, 

 environmental groups, and representatives of state, tribal, and federal agencies. Their 

 projects and plans are aimed at improving water quality, curtailing soil erosion, 

 rebuilding habitat, and generally taking civic responsibilty for better local resource 

 management. These efforts are essential to effective implementation of a basin- wide fish 

 and wildlife management program. At the same time, watershed efforts must be 

 compatible both with other watersheds and with the Basin's overall strategies. Incentives 

 and funding should promote the coordinated efforts of these local organizations to 

 achieve basin-wide goals. 



• Pursue Short-Term Approaches Immediately 



Addressing regional governance of fish and wildlife ultimately requires a 

 comprehensive long-term strategy. Improvements in the present system, however, need 



