Amending the Fish and Wildlife Program is the most significant action the Council takes regarding its fish and wildlife mission under the Northwest Power Act.

Section 4h of the Act closely prescribes the process and standards for an amendment process. The process takes about a year, and the Council’s final decision to amend the program requires a super-majority vote.

The Act requires the Council to review the power plan every five years, and to amend the fish and wildlife program before reviewing the power plan. The power plan review must begin no later than the end of 2009, so the Council must begin the year-long program amendment process well before then (see timeline).