In 2003, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council recommended new guidelines for Columbia and Snake river dam operations, completed a major review of fish hatcheries, administered the ongoing process of developing subbasin plans to guide fish and wildlife project spending, and began developing long-term plans for fish and wildlife capital expenditures, monitoring, operations and research. The Council also assisted the Bonneville Power Administration in reducing its fish and wildlife costs in response to its financial crisis and worked closely with federal fish and wildlife agencies to incorporate recovery planning for threatened and endangered species with the Council's fish and wildlife program.
Also in 2003, the Council continued work on the next version of its Northwest Power Plan and joined Bonneville in renewing a public process to investigate options for the future of the federal power marketing agency.
These activities are consistent with the Council's responsibilities in the Northwest Power Act of 1980, which directs the Council to develop a regional power plan that includes a program to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife, and related spawning grounds and habitat, of the Columbia River Basin affected by hydropower dams while assuring the Northwest an adequate, efficient, economical and reliable power supply. Also consistent with the Power Act, the Council provides Northwest citizens an opportunity unique in the nation to participate in and influence regional decisionmaking regarding energy, fish and wildlife.
I am pleased to submit to Congress this annual report, which provides an overview of the Council's work in Fiscal Year 2003.
Judi Danielson, Chair
