The Council requests public comment on its Draft 2026 Fish and Wildlife Program. 

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, the Council has been working to develop a draft amended Fish and Wildlife Program based on the recommendations and comments. Search all Council meetings to see amendment work sessions.

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

Comment on
the Draft Program

The Draft 2026 Fish and Wildlife Program has been released for public comment through March 2, 2026. Read the letter from Chair Mike Milburn inviting public comment.

Attend a hearing! Public hearings will take place throughout the region in January and February:

Submit an online comment! Whether or not you can attend a hearing, you can also use our online form to submit comments.

Submit a comment

Important dates

Contacts

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