Dear Interested Party:
The Northeast Oregon Hatchery project was originally identified for funding in the Northwest Power Planning Council's (Council) 1987 Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. First steps in this process began in 1988 when the NPPC authorized the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to submit a master plan for review. This project is currently authorized by Columbia Basin FWP Measure 7.4L1.
A master plan, as the first step in the three-step review process for "new" artificial production, for this project was prepared by the Nez Perce Tribe and submitted to Council on April 15, 2000. The master plan proposes developing new and improved facilities and techniques for existing artificial propagation programs for spring chinook salmon populations in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde rivers. The master plan describes alternatives considered to meet the needs of the spring chinook salmon populations associated with the "currently permitted program" so the ongoing preservation/conservation and restoration program can be fully implemented.
Council staff has prepared the attached issue paper on the master plan. The Council invites comment on the issue paper and the master plan. In particular, public comment on key issues listed in this issue paper is requested. This issue paper is not intended to constrain alternatives the Council may consider or limit Council action on this project.
[The comment period is over.] Oral comments on this issue paper can be made at the Council's June 28, 2000, and July 19, 2000, meetings. Written comments will be accepted through August 4, 2000. Written comments should be directed to Mark Walker, Director of Public Affairs, at the Council's central office in Portland. Based on comments received by that date, Council staff will develop a list of alternative actions that will be considered by Council. At the September 20, 2000, meeting, the Council will consider whether to approve the master plan, and authorize the project to proceed to Step Two (preliminary designs) in the Three-Step Review Process.
Thank you for your interest in the Council's review of this project.
Sincerely,
Stephen L. Crow
Executive Director
