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 in the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources in the Columbia River Basin.  The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) 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 NPT Regional Coordination Project supports active engagement in and contributions to key regional forums, processes and initiatives relative to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council Fish and Wildlife Program and the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion 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 Part Six, Section III B. (Program Coordination) of the NPCC 2014 Fish and Wildlife Program, including participation in the annual forum to discuss upcoming year's issues of regional significance.