The Accord Administration project was contracted in 2012 to provide a consistent funding mechanism to accomplish several objectives from the Tribes’ Strategic Implementation Plan developed through the Accord Planning project (2009-11) and to improve the administrative functions of staff that were obligated through multiple program budgets to perform functions associated with each Fish Accord program.  The purpose of this program is to provide long-term, strategic level guidance for the implementation and administration of Fish Accord programs.  The Tribes recognize the need to ensure Fish Accord programs effectively plan program activities which deliver measurable results, based on the best available science, and remain in harmony with Tribal customs and traditions.  The long-term commitment of funding from the action agencies has provided a unique opportunity for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to engage in a strategic implementation process through the end of the Fish Accord.  The Accord Administration program helps ensure that the Tribes’ Fish and Wildlife Department remains responsive to the needs of the region, contributes to organizational stability and growth, and enables the Tribes to set policies and goals to guide the implementation of the Fish Accord.  

The Accord Administration contract specifically provides support to all action agency funded programs described in the Tribes’ Fish Accord.  Specifically these Accord programs are: Fort Hall Bottoms Habitat Enhancement Program; Salmon River Habitat Enhancement Program; Southern Idaho Wildlife Mitigation Program; Idaho Supplementation Studies Program; Snake River Sockeye Salmon Habitat/Limnological Research Program; ESA Habitat Rehabilitation Program; Yankee Fork Restoration Program; Salmon River Basin Nutrient Enhancement Program; Supplementation Monitoring and Evaluation Program; and, the Crystal Springs Hatchery Program.  Each of these programs are designed to meet specific needs within the Columbia River basin and improve resource condition in the action area for the Fish Accord.

The Accord Administration program specifically covers several administrative needs for each BPA funded program including: internal data management, contract support and oversight, education and professional training, inventory management, facility lease oversight, and permit support.  During the 2016 contract year the Tribes will continue our Salmon River basin facility lease program, including the new Fish and Wildlife office space in Fort Hall.  The internal contract tracking and support module will also continue in 2016 for BPA contracts to provide managers a real-time mechanism for performance on each contract.  Further, the 2016 contract year will see the education program graduate a Master's level biologist, who is already a BPA program manager, as well as continuing educational support for a biologist, administrative support staff, and one new PhD level candidate.