The importance of coordination can not be overstated.  Regional efforts to coordinate and promote collaboration occur from technical on-the-ground actions all the way up to policy development.  Increasing attention to, and forums for, fostering coordination requires staff time to participate.  While much coordination occurs at the project level, regional coordination requires dedicated staff time.  This regional coordination contract supports NPT participation in some key regional forums, but is insufficient to enable NPT involvement in the full (and expanding) scope of coordination efforts.  Priority coordination forums for NPT participation will include: Fish Passage Advisory Committee (FPAC), Technical Management Team (TMT), and NPCC Regional Coordination Forum.  NPT participation, under this regional coordination contract, in other forums may occur but will likely be limited - increased and equitable funding for active NPT participation in regional coordination efforts is needed.  

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 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 the entire Columbia River 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 the impacts of hydroelectric facilities on resident and anadromous fish, wildlife, and ecosystem functions. Vital regional and cultural resources are at stake, including ESA 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.