November 2009 Issue

See all presentations from the November Council meeting.

Region Sets Energy-Efficiency Record

In 2008, the Pacific Northwest saved 235 average megawatts of electricity, equal to the output of an average-size natural gas-fired power plant. Most of the savings were from Bonneville Power Administration and utility programs for residential and commercial customers. Since 1978, the region has developed almost 4,000 average megawatts of energy efficiency, and it is now the region's third largest energy resource. See report and press release.

Request for Comment on Bitterroot and Blackfoot Subbasin Plans

The Council is requesting comment on local fish and wildlife plans for the Bitterroot and Blackfoot subbasins. The Council proposes incorporating the plans into its Fish and Wildlife Program. The plans reflect local policies and priorities and are also consistent with the broader basinwide vision and biological goals. Comments must be submitted to the Council by February 11, 2010.

Council Approves Fish and Wildlife Funding Adjustments

Council members approved (110k PDF) additional funding for three fish and wildlife projects:  The Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries project; the Grand Ronde Tribe Coordination project; and the Idaho Watershed Habitat Restoration-Lemhi District project.

Council members also agreed to support (70k PDF) a Columbia Basin Fish Accords project, the Deschutes River Fall Chinook Research and Monitoring project.

Council Supports Funding for Corps' Anadromous Fish Evaluation Program

Council members approved funding (70k PDF) for an experimental design plan that will be used to measure passage survival at the John Day, The Dalles, and Bonneville dams. The two-year evaluation, approximately $30 million in reimbursable expense funds, is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers AFEP project.