August 2009 Issue

See all presentations from the August Council meeting.

Update on Actions to Address Invasive Mussels in the West

Jim Ruff, manager of mainstem passage and river operations for the Council, gave an update (1.5mb PDF) on some of the strategies available to combat the spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the West. The mussels, which are a non-native species that has spread into the states of Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, pose serious economic and environmental risks to river ecosystems and water operations.

Colville Tribe's Selective Harvest Project Makes Progress

Joe Peone, fish and wildlife director for the Colville Tribes, briefed (16mb PDF) the Council on the status of their selective harvest project. The project has been successful in harvesting salmon without hurting listed fish by using special gear and traditional harvest methods. The project is part of the region's efforts to improve Columbia Basin fish production programs.

Decision to Release the Draft Sixth Power Plan Is Postponed

In a split vote, with Idaho and Montana voting not to release the draft plan for public comment, the Council decided to continue to work to resolve concerns about the conservation targets and the effect of carbon reduction policies in the plan.

Council Moves Fish and Wildlife Projects Forward; Identifies Areas for Further Work

The Council gave positive reviews to projects to help white sturgeon, Pacific lamprey, and redband trout, among others. Known as the fish accord projects, they have been agreed to by federal, state, and tribal governments.