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 (F&W) 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 Nez Perce Tribe Treaty of 1855 encompasses Zone 6 of the Columbia River and numerous Snake River subbasins, including but not limited to the Mainstem Snake River, Clearwater, Salmon, Imnaha, Grande Ronde, Tucannon and Asotin subbasins. The development of the Federal Columbia River Power System has adversely affected wildlife, resident fish and anadromous fish resources across this vast expanse of the Columbia Basin.  

The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) Regional Coordination Project supports active engagement in and contributions to key regional forums, processes and initiatives, including NPCC Program amendment and implementation processes, to further effective protection, mitigation and enhancement of Columbia Basin fish and wildlife resources.  This work is important to address impacts of hydroelectric facilities on resident and anadromous fish, wildlife and ecosystem functions. Vital regional and cultural resources are at stake, including listed species and Pacific lamprey.

Activities performed under the NPT Regional Coordination Project are consistent with NPCC guidance provided in their Regional Coordination Categorical Review Decision Memorandum dated July 10, 2012, including the priority work listed in Table 1 (pages 31-32).