APPEALS COURT RULES ON BPA RATE SETTING, FISH COSTS Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 (PST)

Federal court opinions rendered Thursday faulted the Bonneville Power Administration for a decision in 2000 that saddled its "preference customers" with costs incurred via an agreement with investor-owned utilities, and by establishing fiscal year 2002-2006 rates with fish and wildlife cost estimates that were "not supported by substantial evidence." Read More...

IS BASIN PREPARED TO PREVENT, COMBAT INVASIVE MUSSELS? Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 (PST)

The once distant threat of zebra mussels, and their kin, quagga mussels, has leapt closer to the Columbia River basin, a fact that should not be ignored by the public, government officials, or anyone else concerned about the health of the Northwest's environment and economy. Read More...

WATCHING FOR LATE SURGE AS CHINOOK RETURNS STILL SPUTTER Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

The Bonneville Dam fish count windows are the focus now for Columbia River mainstem spring chinook fishers hoping for more time on the water to pursue the prized salmon species this year. Read More...

PARTIES FINALIZE SNAKE RIVER BASIN ADJUDICATION AGREEMENT Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

The state of Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the U.S. Department Interior announced on Tuesday they have resolved a number of water rights issues needed to finalize a major water rights agreement for the Snake River and begin implementing its provisions. Read More...

FEDS RESPOND TO QUESTIONS ABOUT APRIL 3 HYDRO OPERATIONS Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

Deviations from desired Columbia/Snake river hydro system fish operations April 3 were relatively minor in impact and responded to unanticipated power needs and a mechanical failure, and were not an intentional violation of salmon protections, according to legal documents filed Monday by the U.S. Justice Department. Read More...

FOUNDATION PLEDGES 10-YEAR COMMITMENT TO ENTIAT WATERSHED Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation announced this week that it signed an agreement with the Entiat Watershed Planning Unit (EWPU) to support an intensive, 10-year Model Watershed restoration and monitoring program in central Washington's Entiat River valley. Read More...

VOLUNTEERS KEY TO CHELAN COUNTY FISH RESTORATION PROJECT Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

A cooperative fish-enhancement and wildlife-viewing project in Chelan County is moving forward with new state funding, as well as volunteer efforts that were recently recognized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read More...

CRITFC GALA TO HONOR 2007 SPIRIT OF THE SALMON AWARDEES Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

More than 300 art lovers and appetites are expected from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Portland's Governor Hotel, 611 S.W. 10th Ave, for the seventh annual Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum Gala, a fundraiser for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission's Spirit of the Salmon Fund. Read More...

LAKE PEND OREILLE PREDATOR HARVEST HITTING HIGH GEAR Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

Anglers and netters have been making a dent in part of Lake Pend Oreille's predator population in 2007, Idaho Fish and Game Regional Fishery Manager Ned Horner says. Read More...

WILLAMETTE RESERVOIRS IN BALANCING ACT FOR FISH, OTHER USES Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 (PST)

Most of the reservoirs managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Willamette Valley will be in good shape to host recreational boaters well into the summer season agency officials announced today. Read More...