Public comments on the Draft 2026 Fish and Wildlife Program are now available.

About the amendment process

The Council amends its Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program every five years based largely on recommendations from the federal and state fish and wildlife agencies and the region’s Indian tribes. Other federal and state agencies, the Bonneville utility customers and other regional utilities, other river users, local governments, and the general public may also submit program amendment recommendations that the Council must consider.

In 2025, the Council requested recommendations in its January solicitation, and comments on those recommendations in its May solicitation. Since July 2025, the Council has been working to develop a draft amended Fish and Wildlife Program based on the recommendations and comments. In December 2025, the Draft 2026 Program was released for public comments through March 2, 2026, with public hearings in January and February.

Estimated timeline (click for detail):


 

More resources

Current Program:

Northwest Power Act

Retrospective

Goals and Objectives

Categorical Assessments:

Hydrosystem

Artificial Production

Habitat

Questions and considerations

Comments on
the Draft Program

See public comments received on the Draft 2026 Fish and Wildlife Program through March 2, 2026. Also see transcripts from the public hearings:

 

Important dates

Contacts

Contact Patty O'Toole with process questions or Eric Schrepel with any technical/form submission questions.