Implementation of the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations include operating John Day Reservoir in a manner that will delay nesting by colonial waterbirds (i.e., Caspian terns and gulls) at the Blalock Islands until after the majority of juvenile Upper Columbia and Snake River distinct population segment (DPS) of steelhead trout pass downriver during the spring migratory season. Dam operators will also use greater pool elevation flexibility beginning October 1, 2020 (beginning September 1 of each year beginning in 2021) through April 9. While all operations and pool elevations fall within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s authorized operating range, in practice, these operations and associated pool elevations are not characteristic of how the reservoir has been managed in the recent past. Therefore, concerns have been raised regarding how this water regime may influence existing natural resources, natural resource management objectives, and public use at the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).