June 2007 Issue

Population Growth Will Strain Region's Efforts to Protect Fish and Wildlife

Dr. Susan Hanna, Oregon State University, presented a report conducted by the Independent Scientific Advisory Board on the impact of human population on Columbia River Basin fish and wildlife. The report notes that the West is the fastest growing population region of the U.S. Continuing growth is likely to increase demand for land, water, and hydroelectricity, which will in turn increase the pressure on fish and wildlife. The report recommends several approaches to mitigate these effects, emphasizing planning for growth, coordination to develop integrated water and land use plans that promote sustainable water use, and "protecting the best" to minimize the interactions between salmon and human activities.

Council Approves Fish Passage Center Oversight Board

The Council approved nominees to the Fish Passage Center Oversight Board. They include:  Montana Council member Bruce Measure as board chair; Susan Ireland, fish and wildlife director for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; Steve Yundt, Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Tony Nigro, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; John Ferguson, director of the Fish Ecology Division for NOAA Fisheries; and Dan Goodman, Montana State University. The Council nominated Doug Taki of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as an ex officio member and will follow-up with a formal appointment at a later time.