The Northwest Power Act directs the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to consult with the region’s appropriate Indian tribes in the development and the implementation of the Fish and Wildlife (FW) Program.  The Power Act also calls for fish and wildlife management coordination (including funding) to assist protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources in the Columbia River Basin.  The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (CTGR) have significant ties to the resources of the Willamette Valley, most notably the Treaty with the Kalapuya, Etc. of January 22, 1855 (aka the “Willamette Valley Treaty”).  The development of the Federal Columbia River Power System has adversely affected wildlife, resident fish and anadromous fish resources in the Valley.  This proposal shall enable the CTGR to actively participate at the regional level in the development of future mitigation implementation plans.  The CTGR will assist the Council and BPA in achieving Fish and Wildlife Program objectives in a cost effective manner (i.e., planning coordination, project implementation coordination, etc.) consistent with the legal rights of the Tribes.

The contract agreement will assist and provide an opportunity for the CTGR to increase their participation in the development and implementation of the Fish and Wildlife program.  The project shall provide funding for technical and policy staff to better engage in local and regional processes that aid in the development and implementation of the NPCC Fish and Wildlife program.  The CTGR increased participation and coordination shall result in a better understanding of each entities resource needs, ideologies and perspectives that shall shape the future management of the critical resources in the Columbia River Basin.

The Northwest Power Council completed a Regional Coordination Categorical Review in July 2012 and in their Decision Memorandum dated July 10, 2012, http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/budget/2013/CouncilDecision.pdf, the Council listed all priority work for FY2013-2014 for regional participation/coordination in Table 1 (pages 31-32). All regional coordination activities listed in the Statement of Work should originate from Table 1. The activities are well-suited for program-level regional coordination funding since the Council will need the assistance from partners throughout the region. The activities should inform the Council for policy, program performance evaluation, and implementation decisions.