This new project provides for all Yakama Nation management, coordination, and planning functions associated with the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) in the Yakima and Klickitat Subbasins. The work described was previously covered under two separate projects: #1988-120-25 and #1988-120-35. These two projects were closed and merged in FY25 to create #2026-002-00. These two 37-year-old projects point to the long-standing relationship between BPA and the Yakama Nation.

The Yakama Nation serves as the YKFP “Lead Agency” and is responsible for implementation of all YKFP programs, including managing and directing YKFP project employees, associated project budgets, and ensuring the quality and efficiency of project activities. Activities covered may include operation and maintenance of YKFP facilities; the monitoring and evaluation of YKFP research actions; and the habitat and passage improvement. The YKFP is a complex and comprehensive project that requires significant management and administrative resources. The Lead Agency is also responsible for insuring that there is adequate funding for all YKFP Project activities. In order to properly implement all YKFP Project activities, essential personnel must be assigned to supervise and manage the Project's field and support personnel.

YKFP staff also participate in policy development with other government agencies and decision-making bodies, including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and other federal, state, and local governing agencies. YKFP staff will coordinate with Tribal officials and personnel as necessary.

The overarching goal of the YKFP is to restore sustainable, harvestable populations of salmon, steelhead, and other at-risk species in the Yakima and Klickitat subbasins. This Management & Data contract funds the activities of YKFP executive management, project coordination and administrative staff necessary for discharging these responsibilities, including administrative support for day-to-day YKFP operations in the Klickitat and Yakima Subbasins. Management services funded by this contract include oversight and support of the following YKFP programs:

1.     O&M Lower Yakima River Supplementation & Research Complex,
2.     O&M Upper Yakima River Supplementation & Research Complex (including MRS coho facility)
3.     Yakima Basin Monitoring & Evaluation
4.     Klickitat Basin Monitoring and Evaluation,
5.     Southern Territories Habitat Project
6.     YKFP Management and Data Project
7.     Klickitat River O&M
8.     YN Project to Provide VSP Estimate (listed O. mykiss)
9.     Capital Klickitat Design & Construction (which will close upon completion of hatchery upgrades)
10.   YN Coho Hatchery Program - Melvin R. Sampson Coho facility and production
11.   Side Channels and Land Acquisition

The success of all YKFP projects depends on the administrative structure funding by this contract. The Yakama Nation's management and coordination responsibilities (identified herein) are expected to continue through and beyond the contract performance period. This umbrella management approach was developed through discussions with BPA and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. WDFW participates in YKFP management through BPA Project 1995-064-25, YKFP Policy/Technical Involvement/Planning.

This contract has eight primary objectives:

1. Provide comprehensive management oversight of the implementation of YKFP activities.
2. Support YN policy development related to YKFP activities in the Yakima and Klickitat Subbasins.
3. Coordinate and/or perform all tasks necessary to the development of project planning documents.
4. Provide required administrative support for Project operations, including financial management and accountability.
5. Design, develop and manage YKFP's Data and Information System.
6. Schedule and conduct the YKFP's Science & Management Conference (incorporates Project Annual Review), which includes presentations by project scientists and provides for peer review of research activities.
7. Participate in watershed planning, protection and restoration initiatives by various agencies, groups and committees.
8. Generate technical and non-technical reports.

No international travel