Category – Public affairs

After announcing in December that he would be stepping down, Executive Director Bill Edmonds has confirmed his final day with the organization will be April 18, shortly after the April 8-9 meeting in Portland. The Council also announced that Guy Norman, a former Washington Council member, will serve as interim executive director. Norman served on the Council between 2016-2023. 

The Council will welcome two new Oregon Members at its March 11-12 meeting: Margaret (Margi) Hoffmann and Chuck Sams. Gov. Tina Kotek appointed Hoffmann and Sams, and the Oregon Senate has confirmed their appointments to the Council.

In February, the Council learned the sad news that John Harrison, a member of the Public Affairs Department for 31 years until he retired in 2022, had passed away. At February’s meeting, General Counsel John Shurts and Council Member Jeff Allen of Idaho gave remarks honoring Harrison.

The Council joins in mourning the loss of Ted Strong, Yakama Nation elder, leader, and former executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

The Council sent a letter on December 15 regarding the U.S. government commitments developed in partnership with tribes and states to restore wild salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin, including commitments to clean energy planning and production.

See the Council's statement regarding the hard work of the Tribes and many agencies of the federal government for reaching this agreement.

The Council recently hosted a tour near Kalispell, Montana for representatives from the Northwest’s congressional delegation.

Protecting Montana’s Resident Fish, Water Transactions in the Bitterroot Subbasin, Utility Panel Shares Views on Energy Issues in Montana

This month’s Council meeting in Wenatchee was very full. See a summary of just a few of the presentations to Council.

Dr. Thomas L. (Les) Purce was appointed to serve on the Council by Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Dr. Purce will be joining the Council at its May meeting.