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Kym Buzdygon

Public Affairs Division Director

Kym Buzdygon joined the Council staff as lead Communications Specialist in February 2024. Prior to the Council, Kym held a variety of public sector and nonprofit roles for organizations including the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, Washington County Solid Waste and Recycling, the Pasadena Audubon Society, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and SeattleWorks. Kym received an M.P.A from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and both a B.A. in Biology and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College.

kbuzdygon@nwcouncil.org

503-820-2319

Kym's recent news posts

IDFG points to possible factors in Hells Canyon white sturgeon population decline

Slow growth, invasive species, and passage concerns are likely contributing to the decline in abundance of white sturgeon between Hells Canyon and Lower Granite dams.

McKenzie River projects show promise for large-scale interventions

Representatives of the McKenzie River Trust and Eugene Water & Electric Board share updates on large-scale restoration projects happening on the McKenzie River and its tributaries.

Annual update on avian predation in the basin highlights emerging challenges

Researchers present annual update on avian predation in the basin, highlight crashing tern populations, upriver nesting of cormorants, and increasing American white pelican foraging as emerging issues.

Council names Peter Cogswell as new Executive Director

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Cogswell to the role of Executive Director. Cogswell’s first day at the Council will be Monday, July 7th.

Overview of cold water refugia efforts in mainstem Columbia

Actions to improve cold water refugia continue in multiple tributaries, including on the Wind, White Salmon, Klickitat, Umatilla, and Walla Walla.

Annual update on ocean conditions predicts average adult returns for 2025/2026

NOAA’s 2024 ‘Stoplight’ report shows mixed signals, average forecasted adult returns for salmon and steelhead.

Council briefings on Fish and Wildlife Program continue in advance of deadline for recommendations

At its March 12 meeting, the Council heard additional briefings on the 2014/2020 Fish and Wildlife Program as the deadline nears for state and federal agencies, tribes, NGOs, the public, and more to submit recommendations.

Council hears updates on the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement from state and tribal representatives

The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement represents a series of commitments between the federal government and regional entities.

Council approves $19M in nonrecurring maintenance needs for FY2025-2027

At its January meeting, the Council voted to recommend that Bonneville fund $19M in requests for nonrecurring maintenance of fish screens in FY2025-FY2027.

Staff presentation on Fish and Wildlife Program goals and objectives shows positive trends in overall abundance, getting more fish above Bonneville Dam

Staff presented progress on the Fish and Wildlife Program, including tracking positive trends in total abundance in the Columbia River Basin and an increase in salmon and steelhead migrating past Bonneville Dam.

Integrating energy and the environment in the Columbia River Basin

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